Books at Penn State Libraries
Patent Pending in 24 Hours by
Take the first step to protecting your invention! Ready to stamp "patent pending" on your invention? Then you need to file a provisional patent application (PPA), an inexpensive way to claim your hard work. With a PPA, you'll have time to figure out whether you can make a profit from your creation before you invest more time and money. With Patent Pending in 24 Hours, you have all the forms and information you need to get the job done! Find out how to: . evaluate hurdles to patentability . write a clear PPA . prepare informal drawings of your invention . conduct a patent search online . understand basic patent law . complete all forms required by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office . file your application . modify your invention after filing The book also includes important legal forms to help you preserve your rights when showing or selling your invention: . nondisclosure agreement . patent assignment . prototype-maker agreement . joint-ownership agreement This edition is completely revised with updated case law and patent regulations, updated patent searching information and additional resources. The first book to cover huge legislative changes to American patent law, taking effect throughout 2012 and 2013
ISBN: 9781413317565Publication Date: 2012-11-30
Patent It Yourself by
Attorney David Pressman and updater Thomas Tuytschaevers takes you through the entire patent process, providing scrupulously updated information and clear instructions to help you: determine if you can patent your invention understand patent law evaluate the commercial potential of your idea perform your own patent search file a provisional patent application prepare a formal patent application respond to patent examiners amend an application enforce and maintain your patent market and license your invention Thoroughly updated to reflect the latest changes in intellectual property law, this edition provides the latest U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rules and forms. It includes up-to-date discussions of the new "first to file" rule, which has to revolutionized patent law.
ISBN: 1413320449Publication Date: 2014-09-30
Entrepreneur Resources
- Penn State Office of Technology Management (OTM)OTM responsible for managing, protecting, and licensing the intellectual property of faculty, graduate students, and staff at all Penn State locations.
- Inventors DigestInventors Digest fosters the spirit and practice of innovation. Inventors Digest is committed to educate and inspire independent and professional innovators. As the leading print and online publication for the innovation culture, Inventors Digest delivers useful, entertaining and cutting-edge information to help its readers succeed.
The Patent Lifecycle
Learn more about the USPTO Patent Process Overview by exploring these 8 steps.
- Determine the type of intellectual property you need. Is it a patent, a trademark, both, or something different?
- Determine if your invention is patentable. Figure out (a) can this type of idea be patented and (b) has this idea already been described in public by someone else. You need to do a patent search and other types of searches.
- Determine what kind of patent you need. Is it a useful invention ("utility patent"), an ornamental design ("design patent"), or a type of asexually reproduced plant ("plant patent").
- Get ready to apply. Look at the application options provided by the USPTO and determine which ones are right for you. You may also wish to consult a patent lawyer.
- Submit your application. Submit all of your fees and documents using the USPTO's electronic filing system. Please note that it may be some time before your application is examined.
- Work with your examiner. If your patent examiner doesn't think your invention is patentable based on the initial application, you can have a conversation with them to amend your submission or to make your case.
- Receive your approval. You get a patent!
- Maintain your patent. You are required to pay maintenance fees to keep your patent active. These fees are due before the 4th, 8th, and 12th anniversaries of the issue date.
The Trademark Lifecycle
Learn more about the USPTO Trademark Process Overview by exploring these 6 steps.
1. Is a trademark application right for you?
2. Get ready to apply
3. Prepare and submit your application
4. Work with the assigned USPTO examining attorney
5. Receive approval/denial of your application
6. Maintain your registration
Pennsylvania Entrepreneurs
- Happy Valley LaunchboxThis is a no-cost accelerator and co-working space in State College, PA designed to provide startups with the support and resources needed to build a sustainable and scalable business and a viable plan for growth. Sponsored by Penn State University.
- Patent Pro Bono ProgramInventors and small businesses that meet certain financial thresholds and other criteria may be eligible for free legal assistance in preparing and filing a patent application.
- Penn State Law Intellectual Property ClinicThe Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic provides pro bono (free) IP counseling services to individuals, start-ups and small businesses with limited financial resources.
- Pennsylvania Patent Pro Bono ProgramBeginning on January 1, 2023, the Penn State Law Intellectual Property Clinic will begin administration of the Patent Pro Bono Program
- USPTO Inventor ResourcesInformation about how to apply at the USPTO including Pro Bono assistance programs and the IP Awareness Assessment tool.