As an inventor, you may have asked this question: how do you know if your idea is worth patenting? You’re not alone. Many inventors wonder whether or not their ideas are worth the time and cost of patenting. In order for your invention to qualify for patent eligibility, it must cover subject matter that Congress has defined as patentable. According to the USPTO this means the subject matter should be any “new and useful” process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter. Before you proceed with patenting your invention, it’s important to address the following areas and get answers to these questions.
What is the Scope of Your Market?
- Patentable ideas are ideas that solve lots of problems for many people which make your solution valuable and marketable. Research, identify, and analyze the problem and quantify your problem to determine how big and impactful your market is.. Address the problem that you’re solving. For example, how many people are experiencing the problem you are trying to solve? The more people that share the problem, the bigger the market.
Can You Demonstrate the Solution to the Problem?
- Is your invention the solution to the problem? Clearly demonstrate your idea with visuals / graphics, and technical writing. You will need to provide preliminary specifications, drawings, photographs, or prototypes of your invention that illustrate how it’s addressing and solving a specific problem.
What is the Feedback from Peers and Experts?
- Just because you believe your ideas or invention is incredible, it’s important that your idea is perceived as a favorable and viable solution by experts. Feedback from a jury of peers and knowledgeable experts will answer this question.
By investing time addressing these three important areas, you will save time, money and frustration throughout the patent process. There may be a need to protect your invention with a provisional patent application prior to disclosing your idea to any other individual. This is more effective protection than an NDA. The Ideas you have may be similar to others and you will want to work with an experienced patent professional to begin the patent filing process with a patent search.
How Do You Know if Your Idea is Worth Patenting?
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