Whenever you have an idea or invention, you have high hopes for it, right? But, there is always a risk that someone might steal your idea. Many people are worried about it. That is why patent services are so popular nowadays.
Every inventor wants to secure their ideas and inventions that can change the world and society for good. According to the US Patent Office, there are more than 10 million patents registered in the US alone. So, you can understand why people want to safeguard and protect their ideas.
But, a few criteria must match. These are essential if you want your idea to get a patent. Take a look at the most important criteria and what can be patented –
- The concerned subject matter must be patentable.
- The invention or idea must be novel.
- It should have some kind of utility and usefulness.
- This invention or idea must not be obvious or very common.
Patentable Subject Matter
No patent can protect an idea. But, it needs to be a combination with one of the following or more
- Any kind of process or method that is rare or never seen before
- Any kind of machine that comes with moving parts or a circuit
- Any manufactured article like a tool or object that comes with moving parts
- A brand-new composition that is never seen before
- Any kind of asexually reproduced and absolutely brand new variety of plant
There are many subjects that can be patented and also cannot get a patent despite adhering to all the criteria. That includes – any kind of mathematical formulas, naturally-occurring substances, laws of nature, and natural processes that take place in the human body regularly.
Novelty Requirement
In simple terms, it means that the invention should be brand new. It should differ from the already existing inventions that are available to the public. But, you must offer a new outlook and a mechanism that is not there.
Patent laws are very strict and your ideas need to be accurate and within the norms. To get an idea of what can be patented and how you must know that your ideas need to adhere to the rules. Any violation of the criteria set by the council will lead to a nullification of the patent.
Utility Requirement
When you are patenting your idea or invention, it must offer utility. So how do you understand if it does or not? Your Invention fulfills the utility requirement when it produces some kind of result. If it fails the utility test, you cannot file the patent.
However, your invention should also offer a positive and helpful solution. Your invention can be rejected if it is deemed dangerous. So, you must spend significant time thinking about the utility of your invention and what can be patented.
Non-Obviousness Requirement
Last but not the least, this is the criteria by which people who are related to the field do not consider the invention to be obvious. In such cases, it fails to offer an obvious requirement to the public who will use it. That is why the invention should be unique and something that offers great value. Or else, there is a high risk that it might be rejected by the authorities.
Final Words
Getting a patent is a crucial step toward success. No one loves it when their ideas are stolen by someone else. If you have such an invention that is worth getting a patent for, you can contact the US Patent Office to know what can be patented.
Follow all the legal steps, and get a patent. It will help you to keep your idea unique and special.