Is Obtaining A Patent For An Idea Possible?

So, you think you have a brilliant idea, which can be a true money spinner if put into process and you are wondering how one files for obtaining a patent for an idea. Idea as thoughts in mind cannot be patented as such because simple ideas are not products. So, you idea should have some concrete form, like a design.

It is possible to obtain a patent for a kind of design but that design has to be a tangible design and not the design of an idea. In other words, you cannot write down what kind of product could be invented by following what kind of process and get it patented without testing it. If you thing that the process can get that product, you have experiment and show that it is possible. It is only than that you can protect your invention or the process.

Design patents are available for all kinds of designs like the design of a bottle or the design of a statue. The Statue of Liberty is a patented design. But, again, that design is not simply on paper, it is there, erected for all to see.

So, before you could go for patent your idea must have some tangible form. An idea in the sense of an idle thought is not patentable. So, it is important that you get to someone who could actually put your idea into some form for it to be patented. And if you can't do it as of now, you have no option but to wait for someone to come up.

Once you find that someone, you could put together a real product and it is then that you could get a patent on it. And if you get a patent for the product or the technology or the process, you would be able to use it exclusively and if anyone else wishes to use your invention he could only do so with your permission and after payment of royalties.

Of course, if you want to let the fellow use it for free, it is your choice. But you can certainly claim royalty for all the users of your patented product or process.

Now, you might ask about the process of obtaining a patent. It is fairly easy provided you have a product worth a patent. So, instead of running after the lawyers for getting you a patent, try to find yourself if you can really obtain a patent for your product. Unless your product or the process is not distinctive, no amount of money spent on the lawyers would do you any good.

So, there can be no obtaining a patent for an idea but if you have a patentable product or process, you need not worry. Just fill in the application, the rest will be taken care of by the patents office.