At times, when someone has an idea that’s being moved to an invention, they often do not consider it to be inventive enough to seek patent protection for it. This is a common misconception and regardless of how or why you find yourself stuck in the ideation phase, it is crucial to get the ball rolling.

To get things moving, you need a definite strategy to steer past the idea phase and describe it with enough specifics so that it is regarded as an invention or at least make it convincing enough to be viewed as the making of an invention. The following article explains how to smoothly convert an idea into a patent.

Document the Idea and Expand on it

To kick-start the process, it is crucial for an inventor to document the idea and expand on it. To think that invention comes striking like a lightning bolt is a textbook notion. An idea can be accidental, such as in the case of penicillin; or be a gradual process. It is, however, crucial to document the process at every step to keep track of your progress. If something does turn into a success, it will help you to retrace your steps.

Furthermore, your idea should be well-explained with all the aspects and alternatives associated with it. It will probably be at this point that your idea becomes specific enough to be considered an invention. Thereafter, you’ll have something that can be protected and patented as long as it is a novel and non-obvious idea.

Legally speaking, your idea should mature into an invention in order to acquire patent protection. This means that you should, by now, have the ability to explain to others how to create and use the invention so that it can be replicated after simply reading the invention description in a patent application. It need not be a blueprint of your invention, but the application should be descriptive enough to teach those, who are reading your application, the necessary invention details.

5 Steps that can Help you Transform an Idea into a Patent

• Invention Drawings – To be able to describe your invention with enough details, you need to provide sketches that reflect your invention. If you are unable to illustrate the drawings yourself, you can get the patent drawings done by a patent illustrator, who can professionally add much more value to them. Patent drawings with 3D renderings are the best and economical way to breathe life into your idea.
  
  
• Work with an Inventor Coach – Working with an inventor coach who has himself invented, is one of the best ways to get useful insights into the patenting process. Someone who has been successful as an inventor will be in a much better position to understand your invention and give the support you need to push things through.

• Get Support From Colleges or Varsities – Get help from college or graduate students who might pitch in for your project. It is advisable to hire a faculty member to help you with the real-world experience. Make sure to sign a confidentiality agreement before you begin work with anyone.

• Join Inventor Groups – One of the best ways to boost your invention is to see others kick-start their own. Inventor groups are a valuable resource for new as well as experienced innovators as they often welcome guest speakers to address common issues. Most of these speakers are either successful inventors or patent attorneys who are in a better position to advise you.

• Conduct Patent Search – One of the best ways to learn is also by conducting a patent search. It is wiser to be abreast with inventions in your areas of expertise. A patent search in your area of expertise is a great way to gain knowledge of your patent domain.

Conclusion

If you have an idea that you wish to pursue, the above-mentioned steps will get the wheels in motion when you are stuck. Getting the right help and reaching out to people who have been inventors themselves can give you the moral encouragement you need. Once you have an idea that starts to look like an invention, consider filing a patent as soon as possible.

Sagacious IP’s patent filing services help individual innovators and businesses to secure their inventions by creating a strong patent draft. Our patent protection team offers customized solutions to help you sail through the patent filing process.

-The Editorial Team

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