When and how is a patent application prepared?

• What is a patent?

• What can be patented?

• Does an invention have to be completely new to be patented?

• Who can apply for a patent?

• What standards are applied to determine if an invention is patentable?

• What is the first step in patenting an invention?

• When and how is a patent application prepared?

• What information goes into the patent specification?

• What is the function of the patent Claims?

• Are there different types of patent applications?

• What happens after the patent application is filed?

• Is there any recourse from an unfavorable final office action?

• What happens once the examiner finds the claims are allowable?

• Does the inventor have to wait for the issuance of his/her patent before beginning to manufacture or market the invention?

• How long does the entire patenting process take?

• Should an inventor disclose his/her invention to others prior to filing a patent application?

• What happens if two applications are filed for the same invention?

• How long does patent protection last?

• Does a U.S. Patent provide protection from foreign competition?

• How is a patent enforced?

• Can patent rights be sold?

• Does an employee’s invention automatically belong to their employer?

• What is a patent license?

• How does an inventor go about licensing his/her invention?

• Once a patent is issued, can it be revoked or modified?

• What are the maintenance requirements after a patent is issued?

Microwave Boiler and Hot Water Heater

Pre-Ignition Fuel Treatment System

Simulated Balloon Display and Method

Botanical Drug Compositions

Computer for Emergency Responders

Pet Carrier Garment

Human Echolocation System

Water Based Adhesive Curing Process

Hand Wash Monitoring System

After the patent attorney has issued the opinion letter assessing the patentability of the invention, the attorney and inventor will typically confer and together decide whether to prepare a patent application. They will also discuss the scope of the invention that will be disclosed in the application. Typically, an invention will encompass more than one version or “embodiment”. While an inventor will usually envision one or more optimum versions of the invention, which are the “preferred embodiments”, he/she will want his/ her patent protection to extend beyond the preferred embodiments to prevent competitors from “working around” the patent. Once the scope of the invention to be patented is determined, the attorney will prepare a patent application consisting of three principal parts: (i) the Specification, (ii) the Claims, and (iii) the Drawings.