Frequenty Asked Questions

Do I need to be a good writer to write my own invention patent?
No, in the sense that classical creative writing style rules have nothing to do with what makes for a good invention patent.  You need only be able to communicate your ideas clearly.  Read more about writing your own invention patent >>

Do I need an attorney to patent my invention?
No.  You won’t need a patent attorney to compose your application, and, even if you manage to hire a patent attorney who knows everything about patent law, he/she won't know anything about your invention, so you’d still have to do much of the writing.  We do recommend that after you complete your application you have it reviewed and edited by a competent patent attorney (what to look for in a patent attorney is covered in the guide), but that is much, much more cost effective.

How much does a patent cost?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides the best value in the world to those seeking patent protection of an invention.  The basic invention patent filing fee is currently $545 U.S. for small independent inventors, with another $755 due about two years later when the patent issues.  This represents a very small fraction of the cost of patenting an invention through a full-service patent attorney.

Why is The Essential Inventor’s Guide so affordable?
Because that is the very point of the guide.  The inspiration for the guide was to empower inventors.  It’s your invention, and you shouldn't have to pay a king’s ransom to make it happen.

Will we try to sell you anything else?
No. When we say "essential", we mean essential.  The Essential Inventor's Guide contains all the information and tools you need to evaluate, patent, and license your invention.  If you opt into our mailing list, you will very occasionally receive an offer to purchase an updated edition at a discount.

Will the USPTO take me seriously?
Independent innovation is a key national interest and you will be surprised to learn how well-oriented the United States Patent and Trademark Office is toward independent inventors.

I've heard provisional applications are faster and easier. Shouldn't I just do that?
Provisional applications are a foot-in-the-door fast-track option provided by the USPTO to allow inventors to obtain patent pending status quickly when needed.  Provisional patents only last one year, before the end of which you must file a full application to avoid losing protection.  That year disappears fast, and so a provisional patent application ideally includes all elements of a utility patent application (minus most of the application fee) so that it can quickly be instated as such at the right time (at which point the full filing fee is added on top of the the provisional fee).  Where it is not, after filing one should immediately set about the task of compiling a complete regular US utility patent application.  Beware organizations encouraging you to file a quick provisional patent.  They often do so hoping that months will pass and you will suddenly find yourself in desperate need of (their) professional services.

Wouldn't it be better to file an international patent application?
Actually, not usually.  Filing a US patent application is effectively equivalent in terms of establishing world-wide priority, and has the additional advantage of simultaneously activating the application process for a permanent US patent.  Read more about filing an international patent application >>