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There is a lot of innovation and invention at any time. Entrepreneurs like you and I are constantly working on ideas that can form new products, solutions, methods and more in many industries. For those who develop intellectual property (IP), it is important to understand what effects their work can have.
In the most fundamental case, patents are exclusive right, which is granted to a “sovereign authority” for an inventor for their inventions. IP patents are essential for the protection of innovations and maintaining a competitive advantage, regardless of the type of patent they are looking for. Patents offer a legal framework to prevent others from copying their ideas, which protects their investments in research and development in the long term.
An innovator can have more than one patent in more than one industry. For example, I was lucky enough to secure patents in a number of industries, including biotechnology, clean beauty, nanotechnology, environmental sciences and sustainable fashion. Each of these industries reflects my commitment to innovation and creation of solutions that benefit both humans and the planet. Patents such as mines improve entrepreneurial credibility, attract investors and open doors for strategic partnerships. They also serve as valuable assets that can be licensed or used as levers in negotiations, which gives a long -term value for every company.
Before you can submit a patent for your IP directly, you must start the patent process from the start. This includes the determination of which patents are worth pursuing and building a successful application for each of your inventions.
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Determine what patents are to be followed
Like every innovator, you undoubtedly have several innovations for which you think you have a patent. While the submission of several patents is feasible at the same time, the first step towards the success of the patient is to take a step back and determine which specific patents should pursue on which schedule. This process can be overwhelming, especially if you have more than a handful of innovations you want to take into account. However, the decision as to which patents are pursued evaluates three key factors: market effects, uniqueness and scalability.
Concentrate on whether your innovation is a specific problem with a high impact, as this ensures that it has practical value and demand, regardless of the field. You also have to evaluate his novelty to determine whether it qualifies and ensures that it is qualified for patent protection and ensure that it stands out in an overcrowded landscape of existing technologies. For those who are submitted in the United States, the Cornell Law School explains that “novelty was not patented, in a printed publication, in public use, for sale or in other ways, described to the public” before its application was submitted.
Finally, consider scalability – regardless of whether the invention can be expanded to achieve significant income or effects. The scalability can look different from everyone. So ask yourself how your invention could scale:
- Will it be scaled regionally and across the markets?
- Will you scale a single influence point with your invention or multiple recipients such as its ecological and social effects?
- Will the scaling of the production or introduction of your invention to match your target industry and your market market?
By combating these criteria, you can prioritize ideas that meet your strategic goals and have the potential for long -term success.
Do a careful patent search through
If you start your patent applications, it is important to understand that she does not give the only person who submits patents and that similar innovations are already present. According to the world of intellectual property (WIPO), 3.6 million patents were submitted in 2023 alone. That was a growth of the submissions by 2.7% from the previous year. This shows us that a large number of patents are submitted every year and the number only increases over time.
For this reason, submitting a successful patent application requires thorough preparation and strategic execution. You have to carry out a comprehensive patent search to ensure that your idea is really unique to identify potential overlap between your IP and others. You can start your search online with databases such as the IP portal of WIPO, Google patents and publicly available patent databases such as the patent of the US patent and brand offices. As soon as you have identified these overlaps via your search, you can refine your application to stand out from the crowd.
Work with a qualified team
As soon as your search is over, it is time to work together with a strong team of experienced patent attorney and technical experts who can carry out a clear and convincing application. The exact language used to describe your innovation is critical and experts can help to formulate your value effectively, especially if your innovation is complex. By working with a team of experts, you can ensure that your patent application meets the relevant patent law and that the corresponding language is used for the best possible application.
In addition, cooperation with a patent attorney brings its unique knowledge of complex patent law into your toolbox. The patent laws vary from region to region, and a lawyer can help with legal advice, strategy and submission if necessary.
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Put together a detailed patent application
After all, it is time to put together your patent use. The information required in an application contains details such as inventive titles, context of invention and novelty, summary of invention and drawings. Be in detail and precise in your application by involving comprehensive data, diagrams and clear explanations to demonstrate how your invention works and why it is new. A robust and well documented application strengthens your case during the review process and improves your chances of success.
At the beginning of your patent application, note that the patent process can be lengthy. It usually takes between 18 months and several years for a patent to be approved, depending on the complexity of innovation and jurisdiction. There are also additional obstacles for women that also exist in patents – the World Economic Forum reported that only 17% of the inventors in 2022 were women who emphasize the importance of resistance and preparation for patent applications.
The submission of the initial application, the answering of exam questions and the management of challenges during the process requires patience and persistence from start to finish. Start your patent application process with trust – nobody knows the advantages and disadvantages of your inventions better than you.