What is the most simple way to apply for a patent?
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The simplest way to apply for a patent is to pay a lot of money for an attorney and have him do it for you.\n\nAlternatively, you could do it yourself, which most probably wouldn't be simple.
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You can search patents directly off the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's website: http://www.uspto.gov/. They even have a 7-step process to help you figure out the best way to search them. good luck!
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The patent is probablely out of this question.  I know that Price Line and others have gone that route, but it is expensive and a tough row to hoe. Furthermore, the US Patent Office does not play games; they just send back your application and they keep the money.\n\nIf you go this route, you will need a patent attorney.  There are not too many of them around - and they don't work cheap.\n\nCopyright is easy, and free.  Now if you wish to file with your states Attorney General of Sec. of State that will cost a couple of bucks (usually $25 - 50)\n\nGood luck -- DAVE
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The site below has information on how to file a patent.
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Normally, the first step is to conduct a patent search to see if there is anything out there that would be to close to your invention. A search helps an inventor decide whether it makes sense to move forward. A search also better helps inventors know what is out there so that when they do describe their own inventions they can do it with an eye toward particularly pointing out what makes the invention unique in view of other inventions. A search is not required, but if you are trying to start the process right it is always a wise first step. \n\nThe next step would be (or if you decide not to do a search the first step would be) to file some type of patent application. Most individual inventors find a provisional application to be best to start. This will keep your costs down, but provide you with a patent pending, which protects you in several ways. First, it locks in your filing date, which is extremely important. Although in the US we are what is called a first to invent nation, meaning the patent goes to the first to invent, procedurally there is a significant benefit to being the first to file an application. Second, there are certain time tables associated with patent law, some of which act to bar your ability to apply for a patent. These bars generally speaking prevent you from applying for a patent more than 12 months after you or others have done certain things, such as sold a product related to the invention. Because others can create a bar without your knowledge it is important to file an application as soon as reasonably possible. You will still need to file a non-provisional within 12 months, but filing a provisional application buys you time to determine whether moving forward with the expense makes sense.  Alternatively, you could just start with a non-provisional application, which is an application that will ultimately lead to an issued patent, assuming the invention is patentable.  IPWatchdog.com has a system that helps inventors write their own patent applications, which helps keep the costs down significantly.\n\nIn terms of marketing, stay away from invention submission companies. The sad but simple truth is that many inventors and entrepreneurs have had their share of difficulty with the various invention submission and idea promotion companies out there. You have probably seen them advertised on television, usually in the extremely late night or extremely early morning hours. They promise free information, and tell you that they will help you patent your idea, make your invention and/or market your product. Unfortunately many inventors and entrepreneurs have learned the hard way that these companies (such as Davison and Invent Tech) all too frequently talk big and perform little or nothing. \n\nIn terms of manufacturing, what I would suggest is getting in contact with your local Chamber of Commerce and see if there are any reputable manufacturers in your area that you can meet with.  You can describe what you need and they can help you from there.  You should consider a confidentiality agreement though.  In my experience manufacturers will usually sign one.\n\nI would also suggest that you consider trying to find an inventors group in your area. These groups are good because other inventors can tell you who to use and who to stay away from.
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You can obtain a patent from the US patent office. It can take months to years, depending. You can use "patent pending" in the interim once you have actually applied.\n\nHere's where you start:\n\nhttp://www.uspto.gov/\n\nThat's the US patent office's website.\n\nHeop this helps, and good luck with your idea!\n--J.
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Application For Patent\nNon-Provisional Application for a Patent\nA non-provisional application for a patent is made to the Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and includes: \n\n(1) A written document which comprises a specification (description and claims), and an oath or declaration; \n\n(2) A drawing in those cases in which a drawing is necessary; and \n\n(3) Filing, search, and examination fees. Applicant must determine that small entity status is appropriate before making an assertion of entitlement to small entity status and paying a small entity fee. Fees change each October. The fee schedule is posted on the USPTO Web site. \n\nAll application papers must be in the English language or a translation into the English language will be required along with the required fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(i). All application papers must be legibly written on only one side either by a typewriter or mechanical printer in permanent dark ink or its equivalent in portrait orientation on flexible, strong, smooth, non-shiny, durable and white paper. \n\nThe papers must be presented in a form having sufficient clarity and contrast between the paper and the writing to permit electronic reproduction. Each document in the application papers must all be the same size - either 21.0 cm by 29.7 cm (DIN size A4) or 21.6 cm by 27.9 cm (8 1/2 by 11 inches), with a top margin of at least 2.0 cm (3/4 inch), a left side margin of at least 2.5 cm (1 inch), a right side margin of at least 2.0 cm (3/4 inch) and a bottom margin of at least 2.0 cm (3/4 inch) with no holes made in the submitted papers. It is also required that the spacing on all papers be 1 1/2 or double-spaced and the application papers must be numbered consecutively (centrally located above or below the text) starting with page one. The specification must have text written in a nonscript font (e.g., Arial, Times Roman, or Courier, preferably a font size of 12) lettering style having capital letters which should be at least 0.3175 cm (0.125 inch) high, but may be no smaller than 0.21 cm (0.08 inch) high (e.g., a font size of 6). The specification must have only a single column of text. \n\nThe specification must conclude with a claim or claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as the invention. The portion of the application in which the applicant sets forth the claim or claims is an important part of the application, as it is the claims that define the scope of the protection afforded by the patent. The claims must commence on a separate physical sheet of paper. \n\nMore than one claim may be presented provided they differ from each other. Claims may be presented in independent form (e.g. the claim stands by itself) or in dependent form, referring back to and further limiting another claim or claims in the same application. Any dependent claim which refers back to more than one other claim is considered a “multiple dependent claim.” \n\nThe application for patent is not forwarded for examination until all required parts, complying with the rules related thereto, are received. If any application is filed without all the required parts for obtaining a filing date (incomplete or defective), the applicant will be notified of the deficiencies and given a time period to complete the application filing (a surcharge may be required)—at which time a filing date as of the date of such a completed submission will be obtained by the applicant. If the omission is not corrected within a specified time period, the application will be returned or otherwise disposed of; the filing fee if submitted will be refunded less a handling fee as set forth in the fee schedule. \n\nThe filing fee and declaration or oath need not be submitted with the parts requiring a filing date. It is, however, desirable that all parts of the complete application be deposited in the Office together; otherwise each part must be signed and a le
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This can be complicated or not.  But you do need to patent it before revealing it to anyone.\nA complete patent search "Should" be done.  A search may be done on the web for all patents in electronics as far back as 20 years.  Other countries should also be searched.\nVery time consuming, or expensive, by an attorney.  Try to find a reliable patent attorney, prices will vary.  You must have good drawings with complete identification of all parts, functions and usage.  Home drawings are acceptable.  Prototypes can be home made, but difficult to present to manufacturers if not professionally made.  A complete description must be written with description of all parts and related back to your drawings. \nI cannot refer web sites that are reliable sources.\nWARNING:  Many, many are scams.  They, and many others, will accept any invention, promise you that they will find buyers.  They will promise to patent it, make a prototype and promote it.\nBUT, you must sign a contract giving them a period of time to promote it.  THEN, you will be required to give them a few hundred dollars.  You get more promises, and need more money.\nSome people have given these outfits up to $10,000.00 and more.  For nothing.  There are others.\nI have an attorney for a patent.  I have $10,000.00 invested, beween the Atty. and misc.  No proto yet.  Oil price may be a problem, is at the present time.\n\nAttorney!  Attorney!  Attorney!\n\nBE CAREFUL SIGNING ANYTHING!
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Tell me what the product is. No I am just kidding. First write down the complete details of your idea, seal it in an envelope, go to your local post office and send the package back to yourself as a certified letter, and most importantly don't open this envelope ever. store it someplace safe. This establishes a timeline for your idea. Then begin your search at www.uspto.gov. there are a lot of website that offer complete patent search capabilities but you want to go directly to the source. Further this site will direct you to other resources that will help you secure your patent quickly and easily.
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NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.\n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis\n* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese\n* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie \n* The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
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Patents are often granted. The problem currently faced by the Patent & Trademark Office is that there's a huge surge in patent applications and there aren't enough examiners to look at them in a timely manner. I work for a company that files a lot of patents every year and our art unit's average time to a first office action (response from the patent office) is two to four years. Other art units can be longer; the longest I've seen is fourteen years, though there's some debate on if it's real. Even if it's not, I've seen several that are 8 years away from even being looked at. For inventors, they don't want to wait years to market their products. By putting "patent pending" on their products, they're telling people that they have applications in the works. If a patent is granted and someone has been copying that invention, the inventor can sue for infringment. Someone who wants to do something similar may hesitate or wait until the application is published before pursuing the copy product.
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A patent is documentation of an invention or idea that allows the inventor to develop and market his or her idea without fear that someone else will be able to steal it and use it without crediting or paying the inventor.\n\nUnited States patents may be found on the United States Patent Office (USPTO) website.  Patents from 1976 and onward are fully searchable.  Prior to that, they are only viewable by U.S. Patent Classification or Patent Number.\n\nThe actual patent applications (or patent sheets) are viewable as TIF images so a browser plug-in will be required as most browsers don't normally read that image format.  The USPTO website has instructions and links on how to find these plug-ins.
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You need a patent and trademark.  Copyrights are for ideas, not "things."  You'll have to do some searches through the U.S.P.T.O (u.s paten/trademark office) and then register.  once that's done, you can use the ® .  there are plenty of resources out there.  go to www.uspto.gov\n\n©
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While you may have hired PTI to do the paperwork for you, the patent registration should be with the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office). \n\nNOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.\n\nResearch, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:\n\n* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis\n* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese\n* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie \n* The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy\n\nThere are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.\n\nHope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
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I used to work for the USPTO and now work for a patent law firm and I suggest you get in contact with a patent law firm to help you with the process because filing a patent application is not a easy or cheap as one may think.  If you have the firm assist you with drafting the patent app. w/ drawings, plus filing it, you are looking to spend at least $7-15,000 depending on the number of claims, illustrations etc. Since you guys are a small entity (an inidividual/a company w/ less that 500 employees) gov't. fees are cut in half. Once the patent app. is filed, it can take up to 1-2 years, in some cases, even more before the application gets examined.  Once examined, the Examiner will most likely issue a rejection based on the claims/prior art/drawings and will issue a rejection which your attorney will have to prepare an amendment to object. The amendments would generally cost in bet. $1-2,000 or even more in some cases.  I find that most patent apps. get around 3 rejections on avg. before they become allowed for patenting.  Overall, we're looking at 2-4 years, and at least $20,000 to obtain a patent. I suggest going to uspto.gov for more info.
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Don't worry about who is doing it, an agent or an attorney.  Just go to several patent firms and get a quote.  Several people will probably be working on it anyway.  It will be expensive no matter where you go.
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If you are in the US, you go to the US Patent and Trademark Office to get a patent. http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm UPTO has a page on the Basic Facts of Patents that you may want to read http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html\n\nNote though that getting a patent is a complicated and costly process. It is best to work with a patent lawyer to help you navigate the process. The cost of filing a patent can go anywhere from $10K to $35K depending on the cost of your lawyer and what it is you are trying to patent