What is the best and safe way to apply for a US patent?

Answer 1

There are actually patent lawyers and these attorneys represent clients who are seeking patents. This is their specialty, so let them do the work for you!

Answer 2

It can be a complicated process & it's probably best to, at the very least, consult with an IP attorney. Be sure to contact someone that specializes in patents -- a corporate, business, etc attorney will not help as well as an IP attorney will.

That being said, there's nothing wrong with you doing more research into the process.

NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what else the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Go to a licensed patent attorney. Attorneys are expressly forbidden by ethics rules from disclosing your information to anyone or even using it to their own benefit in any way at all without your express permission. In most circumstances, the attorney can not even be forced to tell your secrets by a court or anyone else, because your communications are privileged. If you think you have a seriously good idea, contact your local bar association for help with a referral to a reputable, licensed patent attorney. Anything else is a gamble.