How to properly go through the invention process?

 

First of all, whenever you invent something you should always write it down in a lab notebook. You should purchase a new lab notebook at the store. Write the title of your invention on the cover.

Inside, you should write your name, date, and title of the invention. Now, say if you invented something today. Then you would write "May 1, 2010, I invented a new mop which mechanically dispenses soap from a tube...". Then you should make some rough drawings or sketches detailing and journaling your discovery. Or, in the alternative, you should go ahead and take pictures of your prototype, or video record it. Los Angeles Patent Attorney

And most inventors find that the invention process is a continuous cycle, and that over months or even years, they may come up with new twists and ways to improve upon their ideas. When you have these ideas you should go ahead and jot them down in your journal with your name, date, drawings, etc.

 

 

 

 

What is the importance of keeping a lab notebook?

 

In some cases, there may be a problem with another similar invention that might have been filed before your patent application. In those cases, their patent application would take precedence over yours unless you can show that your invention was conceived and reduced to practice before their invention. This can also be important in the patent office actions if an examiner cites prior art which predates your patent application but when your reduction to practice predates their prior art.

However, you should know that you have only 1 year to file a patent application from the conception and reduction to practice. Failing to do so will bar you from getting a patent. Also know that a lab notebook, by itself, gives you absolutely no paten rights whatsoever. But it can be important down the road if there is a problem with another competitor that is a photo-finish situation getting an application with the USPTO.