Without a patent, anyone can copy your invention. As a scientist, your most valuable asset isn’t your invention. It is protecting it, and that is done by a patent. There are many reasons why patents and protecting inventions are crucial to up-and-coming scientists.
Protection of inventions encourages innovation and doesn’t discourage the young blood in the science game. The more patents, the more hope of inventing something new in the world. And there hasn’t been any sign of inventions slowing down, with over 600,000 reported patent applications submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 2015.
Know All About Patents
If you are a young scientist and have invented something or are looking to invent something, make sure you know all about patents to protect your invention. When it is time to apply for a patent, speak with a Scottsdale patent lawyer to cover all of your tracks.
First off, know that time is against you when it comes to patents. You have only a year to file a patent application when your invention is presented to the public in full detail. So, ensure you are fully ready to apply for a patent before releasing any information to the public.
Now, when it comes to applying for a patent, know that it isn’t an easy process. Patents are essential to the science community for a reason.
What Makes a Patent Special
There are three different types of patents: utility, design, and plant patent. Patents are awarded to those who have invented something that is unique. This means there is no other product or process like it out there. A patent will protect anyone else from selling the product or using the method and profiting from it.
There is no age restriction to applying for a patent. So, don’t let that hold you back. You can be an inventor at any age, and any invention deserves to be protected by a patent.
If you have invented another form of intellectual property, you can still protect it. It just may not be protected by a patent; it could be protected by a trademark or copyright.
