Common question is to determine if an idea can be patented, or how can patents help in bringing ideas to reality. While abstract ideas cannot be patented, implementation and execution of an idea can be patented by filing patents for corresponding products, processes, and a combination thereof. Patent laws across various countries including USA, India, UK, EU, Australia and Asia Pacific require the patent applications to be filed before public disclosure, otherwise the subject matter of the invention becomes public knowledge. Before discussing innovative ideas and concepts at conferences, seminars or pitching for funding, provisional patent can be filed for securing priority date. Thereafter, complete patent can be filed in local patent office along with WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation) via PCT (patent cooperation treaty) for international patent filings. WIPO is not a granting authority but provides a streamlined process for international patents. Patent eligibility of an invention is determined by 3 factors, as specified by patent office procedures for analysing patentability by conducting patent prior art search - Novelty, Inventive Step (non-obviousness) and utility (industrial application) Patent prior art searches are conducted to determine patentability of an invention by formulating relevant patent key strings using international patent classifications, which are used along with logic operators to perform patent searches by patent analysts, patent searchers, patent attorneys, patent lawyers and patent law firms. Profitable patent strategy includes filing provisional patents, followed by non-provisional (complete) patent applications, and subsequently followed by international patent filings (under Paris convention or patent cooperation treaty PCT by WIPO).

1. Patent Filing Guide
How to Patent an Idea?

2. Ideas
Are Ideas Patentable?

3. Abstract Ideas
can’t be
Patented

4. Patentable
Implementation of Idea
Execution of Idea
Corresponding products,
processes & combination
thereof

5. Patent Process
First Step - Patent Search

6. Patent Search
Check patent eligibility
Determine if similar
innovation exists
Decide whether to file patent
or not after reviewing state
of art

7. Patent Laws
Country Specific

8. Patent Eligibility
Novelty - uniqueness
Non-obviousness - Inventive
Step
Utility - Industrial Application

9. Provisional Patent
Secure Priority Date before
Public Disclosure

10. Provisional Patent
To be filed before public disclosure
Patent laws forbid filing after
disclosure - innovation becomes
public knowledge
Protects innovation against copying

11. Complete Patent
Filed Directly or After Provisional

12. Complete Patent
To be filed within 12 months of
provisional patent
In local country and / or foreign
countries
PCT by WIPO allows streamlined
international filing process

13. Thank You
Get in touch with Author