Invention is the lifeblood of American commerce. New products and processes drive innovation and make everyday life healthier, safer and more manageable. Inventors can protect their ideas from copycats and thieves when the U.S. government patents them. Novelty and...

Filing a patent application in the United States requires detailed documentation. The applicant must also pay the required fees based on the type of patent, the number of claims and other factors. It’s important to review and understand the common fees associated with...

If you have created an invention, design or process, you will need to protect it from someone else stealing your idea. The best way to protect your idea from intellectual property theft is with a patent. But how do you know if what you have created is eligible for...

Seeking a United States patent can be complex. Understanding the process and the fees before moving forward can help you avoid pitfalls.  Explore an overview before filing an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  Determine patentability  If a printed...

If you have invented a new product or made a new discovery, you want to protect it so that no one else can profit from your idea. Perhaps the best way to accomplish this is by obtaining a patent. Patents last from 15 to 20 years, during which time you have the...