How often have you said, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was a Y that helped me do Z?” That’s how most innovative products are born! But don’t let someone else make your millions while your idea just ruminates in your brilliant head. Getting a patent can take a couple years (though the patent office recently promised to speed up the process), so there’s no better time to apply.
“When starting your own business or creating a product and bringing it to market, you have to drive the bus yourself and make it all happen,” says Lori Greiner, an inventor and entrepreneur with more than 95 U.S. and international patents and more than 200 products under her belt.
First, “you need to have a good drawing and know all the details of your product,” Greiner tells PINK. The United States Patent & Trademark Office and About.com offer extensive guides to the patent-filing process, including details on the different types of patents and how they differ.
Greiner recommends using a specialized patent attorney. “They can file for you, answer all your questions and help with a crucial first step: finding out if your idea is already taken.” Or you can do that part.
Want more? Check out Nolo’s step-by-step guide, Patent It Yourself.
Bonus PINK Link: Got a great idea for a new invention but don’t know where to start?
By Kristin Smith
“A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are for. Sail out to sea
and do new things.” Grace Hopper
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