Patents are supposed to bring profits and many benefits to startups and inventors. In the journey of transforming the idea into reality, there can be many pitfalls in between but the main pitfall is “incomplete information or knowledge” which can lead to Patent Failure.
Patent failure can be the biggest negative motivation for many. Only one mistake can lead to patent failure. The whole process of applying patent is complex but one needs to understand first and then do the whole procedure. Startups and inventors do mistakes in applying for patents. They should take measures before only to avoid later consequences.
Mistakes that are usually made by inventors and startups are:
1. POOR PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION:
Provisional patent applications are a good tool when it is used correctly. It is very easy to file patent applications, all you have to do is complete a cover sheet and then attach a description of your invention. Most people go with less charging fees for patent services or try to bargain. It is important to mention every little detail in applications so that the search can be done correctly.
2. NO PROFESSIONAL PATENT SEARCH:
Obtaining a patent is very expensive but saving hundreds or thousands for that and doing a search on your own, is the worst decision. Patent searching is an art where you have to look for even small details which match the invention or not.
You don’t know the exact pattern or procedure that professionals use. They do really hard work searching for searching information. There are many inventions which are patented but are not on the internet.
3. NO INTERNET SEARCH:
People can do an internet search on their own and can check whether it is available or not, if they find the same invention it will help them to save their patent search fees. But if they find nothing about their search don’t get excited and skip the patent search. Some inventions may be patented but not available for purchase purposes.
4. NO SPECIFIC PATENT DRAWINGS:
If your invention requires a patent drawing, be careful what kind of drawings you provide. It should strictly match your invention. No extra or nothing should be left out in drawings. There is no limit to making patent drawings; you can have as many drawings which explain your invention well. A picture can explain more than hundreds of words. You can add paragraphs to explain your drawings.
Identifying these pitfalls only will make your way smooth and easy. It will save you money, time and effort. The above-mentioned mistakes should be avoided only. The success may come late with proper investigation rather than skipping it in hurry. The inventors and startups should understand every step of the procedure carefully. One important aspect of seeking a patent without any failure can be “Be specific”.
- One should be specific while providing information about their invention.
- You should do full disclosure of the facts of their invention.
- You should not hide any facts.
These are some of the important factors that inventors should consider. If you will not disclose the all facts, it may affect the patent search. If it is disclosed in the end, then be ready for the worse consequences. So be careful before filing a patent for your next invention. Don’t waste your time, effort and money just because of stupid mistakes. Your hard work has to pay off in huge profits not in huge losses because of silly mistakes.
Keep inventing with open minds!
