USPTO Patent Application: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to protect your new inventions and software with a patent application through the official United States patent system.
A patent application is a formal way to protect a new invention or a unique software process by securing legal rights over it.
Who it's for
This is for inventors who have created something entirely new. To qualify, your invention must be a novel process or software that is non-obvious, meaning it is not something a person in that field would easily come up with.
What you get
If your application is successful, you receive a legal monopoly on your invention for 20 years. This prevents others from making, using, or selling your specific creation during that time.
What it costs you
Securing a patent is a significant investment. You should expect to pay high legal fees to navigate the complexity of the paperwork and the cost of professional guidance. It also requires a lot of patience, as the processing time can take several years.
The catch to know
The biggest risk is public disclosure. If you share how your invention works—through a presentation, a sale, or an online post—before you have filed your application, you may lose your right to patent it entirely.
How to apply
- Determine if your invention is truly novel and non-obvious.
- Decide whether to file a provisional application or a non-provisional application.
- Prepare all necessary technical documentation and legal descriptions.
- Submit your application through the official portal.