A patent is a legal right granted to an inventor that provides exclusive rights to make, use, sell, and license an invention for a set period, usually 20 years. It protects your invention from being used or copied by others without your permission, helping you maintain control over its development and commercialization.
To be patentable, your invention must be new, non-obvious, and useful. It should not have been publicly disclosed before applying and must have some form of practical utility. Consulting with a patent attorney or patent office can help determine your eligibility.
While it’s possible to apply for a patent on your own, the process can be complex. Many inventors choose to work with professionals such as patent attorneys or invention assistance companies like InventHelp to ensure that all requirements are met and the application is properly prepared.
A patent granted in one country typically only provides protection within that country. However, you can apply for international protection through treaties such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), which allows you to seek patent rights in multiple countries through a single application process.
The patent process can take anywhere from one to three years or more, depending on the complexity of the invention, the quality of the application, and the workload of the patent office. Factors like responding to office actions and legal reviews can influence the timeline.