How to patent a product

Should you file a patent application?

Before discussing how to patent a product, let’s briefly consider the why question. Give some thought to this fundamental question: Should you patent your product or idea? A wise IP strategy should cover the following factors before filing patent applications:

  • Product lifespan (How long will the product realistically last in the marketplace?)
  • Are the unique features ornamental or functional? Or both?
  • What would be alternative strategies if you do not pursue a patent? (How easily could competitors copy your product? How would you stop competitors from selling knockoffs?)
  • Knowing that your patent will not protect you from infringing other patents, would it still make sense to patent your product if you cannot sell it?
  • Have you already shown or sold your product? If so, for how long?

Is it too late to file a patent application?

We often get inquiries from potential clients who have already been selling their products. Inventors have a 1-year grace period for applying for patents, but this applies only to US patents. Most foreign countries have stricter rules on timing that may or may not allow for any patents filed after the invention has already been publicly disclosed.

Prior art patent search before filing

If you are contemplating a utility patent, then it may be advisable to have a patentability search done before filing. Novelty searches might not be cost-effective for applicants who are highly familiar with both the marketplace and patent landscape.

On the other hand, novelty searches are less useful for design patent filings since the design patent approval rate is high (i.e., approximately 85%).

Is a prototype required to patent your product?

No, but you need to be able to disclose your invention sufficiently so that others will understand what you’re trying to patent. Generally, an adequate level of information on your invention involves drawings and a detailed written description.

Patent the whole product or product parts?

It may seem counterintuitive that patenting a component may lead to broader patent rights than patenting the entire product. How? Because a patent on a component might be more easily infringed by competitors who require the patented part in order to complete the whole product. It helps to work with patent attorneys experienced in consumer goods to develop and implement a smart patent strategy that leads to funding and sales.

How to patent a product: the initial patent preparation and filing

Your patent attorney or agent will do the heavy lifting here, but the most helpful thing you can do is explain the unique features of your product in detail. It also helps to provide context on any existing products (i.e., prior art), and how your product or idea differs from what is already out there.

Jotting down a list of new features, while helpful, is not enough. You should rank or prioritize those features so that your patent attorney can write meaningful claims that capture the essence of your invention. If had to distill your product down to the lowest number of core features, what would they be? What product features would be secondary and less important?

See this post for a detailed breakdown of the initial drafting and filing of a utility nonprovisional patent application.

Can you sell your patent pending product or talk to investors?

This question touches upon a few different issues. If you’re asking whether it is safe to disclose your product after filing a patent application, then the answer is generally yes. Selling your patent pending product will not hurt your chances of getting a patent. Also, it may be impractical to wait until a patent is granted before receiving raising capital.

Make sure you do not publicly disclose any new features which have not been covered in your pending patent application. You should consider filing a new provisional application or a continuation-in-part (CIP) application to cover your new product features.

Can others see your pending patent application?

A design patent application will not get published unless and until it is granted. On the other hands, a utility nonprovisional patent application will be published at approximately 18 months from the priority date unless a request for nonpublication is submitted with the initial filing of the nonprovisional application. If you are considering foreign utility patents, then your utility application must be published to comply with international agreements.

How much does a patent application cost?

The cost of the initial filing of a utility nonprovisional application will range from $9,600 to over $17,000. The initial filing of a design patent application will cost between $1,550 to $2,200.

Keep in mind that a utility nonprovisional application will likely lead to multiple Office Action rejections, where the cost to respond to each Office Action may range from $500 to $3,000.

How useful was this post? (Did you find the information you needed?)

Click on a star to rate it!

Thank you for rating my post!

We want to do better.

Could you tell us what was missing in our post?

Frenda Williams
Frenda Williams
2023-02-21
I have had the pleasure of working with Vic and his team at Innovation Capital Law Group on Trademark creation and contracts. As a solo and non-tech founder, the assistance, guidance and recommendations from Vic and his team have been INVALUABLE. And, with the knowledge that I have a Solid, well versed and caring legal team I can turn to, I have the confidence I need to navigate the intricacies of the tech industry as a solo founder. With that being said, If you’re a startup and you’re looking for a legal team that speaks your language, knows the industry and makes you feel like family…. Innovation Capital Law Group is a Perfect fit for you, your company and your team. Five out of Five Stars… don’t let their brilliance blind you 😁
Shiwei Liu
Shiwei Liu
2023-02-20
Excellent service and quick response. Lots of informative documents on its website.
Chang Chien Michael
Chang Chien Michael
2023-02-20
I have worked with iCap for more than 7 years. I am very glad with his professional knowledge that 7 utility patents were granted by USPTO. Vic and his team are very efficient and knowledgeable. Every time he can transcribe my design idea perfectly in two weeks and file it with no rejection from USPTO. The other service including the granted patent following up is always in time to remind me to take actions. That is why I still stick on iCap as my first priority when I want to file a US patent.
Mats Johansson
Mats Johansson
2023-02-20
We have been happy client for 10+ years. Awesome Patent Law Firm!
Hanson Chang
Hanson Chang
2023-02-16
Glad to write a review for Innovation Capital Law Group. We previously worked with a big law firm (2200 employees) on our patents, and decided to shift over to Innovation Capital. It was a great decision, this team got our patents done faster, more effectively, at a lower cost, and with broader claims. Win all around
Genevieve Springer
Genevieve Springer
2022-09-09
Clear, discernible tools and strategies couched within a business conceived from a genuine interest in doing right by founders.
InPlay Inc
InPlay Inc
2022-06-30
Vic and his team have been providing us with the best patent application experiences we could ever have in our entire career life! Their professionalism and technical knowledge have really saved us a lot of communication effort and time on the applications. Definitely highly recommend if anyone is looking for help with IP protection for their business.
Meg Crowley
Meg Crowley
2022-03-05
After working with Vic and his team at Innovation Capital Law Group, our organization is confident our trademarks were solid and protected. Thank you team.
Andy Dong
Andy Dong
2022-02-28
I have been using Innovation Capital Law Group for a few years and continue to use them. They have provided an excellent services on our legal issues including intellectual properties and patents . They are very responsive, easy to work with and very competent . I highly recommend them.

Follow us

Copyright © Vic Lin 2023