Thursday, May 29, 2008

Preparing a Patent Application

Many new inventors are asking about LegalZoom, a website that helps inventors file a Provisional Patent or a Trademark and then offers an "Attorney Service Package" to file a full patent application. Patent Baristas provides some worthwhile discussion about this service. Especially note the warning about adequately describing all the elements of an invention in the Provisional Patent to ensure a priority filing date.

The more informed an inventor is before filing an application, the less likely he/she will make a costly mistake. Patent Depository Libraries offer patent searching classes and resources to help inventors understand the whole patent process before making a hasty decision that might be regretted in the future. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Web site also offers guides and services (including a list of certified patent agents and attorneys) to help inventors through the patenting process.