Have you
ever wondered if you could file a patent on your own? This type of
patenting is called pro se, meaning, without
attorney. You can file a patent application on your own, without the
help of an attorney. Make sure you are careful, meticulous, and conform
to a couple of standards set up by the United States Patent and
Trademark Office (USPTO).
The USPTO
has been specifically set up to help the inventor who chooses to not
use, or cannot afford, a patent professional. When filing a patent
application, it is important to understand that a patent attorney is
not required. Most people, whether they know it or not, are more than
capable of completing the entire applications process. Just keep a few
simple guidelines in mind and the process will go smoothly.
The most
important guideline to keep in mind; you must be thorough. You cannot
leave any information out of the original application. As the inventor,
you must be certain that all information is contained in the first
draft. You will be given just one chance to do so. Once you submit the
application for review by a patent examiner, you will no longer be able
to add any more. The reason for this is simple. If an application was
allowed to be amended with new information, it would change its
original scope. The original scope, also known as embodiment(s), must
be clearly established from day one.
Another
area to consider when you patent on your own; you must have clear
drawings. The drawings do not have to be done by a professional
draftsperson or accomplished using a computer aided drawing (CAD)
program. However, they must be neatly drawn, not contain erasures, and
clearly depict what it is you are inventing. If you take your time and
not make any careless mistakes you should be fine. Patents have been
awarded to many inventors who only used a pen and a sheet of paper to
represent their idea. Just make your drawings look as professional as
you can.
Lastly,
don't forget the fees. When you have completed your application and are
ready to mail it to the patent office, take time to look at the most
recent fee schedule. The cost of doing business with the USPTO changes
every year. Also, the fees associated with a provisional patent
application are different than the ones for a real patent application.
If you do not include the right payment amount, your application will
be delayed until the proper payment amount is remitted to the patent
office.
Every year thousands of
individuals apply for patents in the United States. Many of those
people have taken the time to learn how to do so, pro se. With proper preparation your
attempt to patent on your own will be just as complete as any performed
by a patent attorney.
