A patent protects your invention by giving you the exclusive right to make, use, and sell it for a specific period, typically 20 years. This prevents others from copying or profiting from your idea without permission. It's essential because it helps secure your intellectual property and gives you a competitive edge in the market.
While it is possible to file a patent on your own, the process is highly technical and requires a deep understanding of patent law. Most inventors benefit from working with patent attorneys or invention services that can ensure the application is properly prepared and increases the chances of approval.
The patent process can take anywhere from 18 months to several years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the backlog at the patent office. Provisional patents can be filed quickly to provide temporary protection while you develop your invention further.
A provisional patent application is a temporary filing that gives you a 12-month window to test and refine your invention before filing a formal (non-provisional) application. It’s less expensive and simpler to file but doesn’t result in a granted patent unless followed by a non-provisional application.
Invention services assist with commercialization by helping you develop business plans, conduct market research, design product packaging, and connect with manufacturers, distributors, or investors. They can also support licensing negotiations, helping you earn income from your invention without managing the business operations yourself.