Who it’s for
See where your idea stands before you decide what to do with it.
Record the idea and how it developed, compare it with published patents feature by feature, and take it to an IP professional or a commercial partner when you are ready.
The steps you would use
- Availability: In development
Capture your idea
Describe the concept, the problem it solves and its technical features. Attach sketches and files, and note who worked on it.
Read the step - Availability: In development
Search prior art and assess patentability
First Claim searches published patents and applications, sets each close reference against your features, and shows the passages where it overlaps and where it differs. The assessment follows the four U.S. requirements below.
Read the step - Availability: Planned
Keep evidence and consider defensive publication
Keep your development record current. If you later decide to publish a technical disclosure as a defensive step, it starts from that record.
Read the step - Availability: In development
Monitor relevant activity
Watch new patent publications and other supported sources for filings that look close to your record.
Read the step