How do I get a patent?

Question

I have a great idea that I need a patent for.I need a government agency not some money hungry invention submission company selling themselves on TV.Anyone out there that can refer me to a government agency?

Answer 1

Try legalzoom.com

I have used them to copywright documentation, etc...

Answer 2

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

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.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

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

Getting a Patent:
* 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

The government agency does not actually write your patent for you, but I believe you are looking for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This is the branch of the U.S. government that issues patents and trademarks. They have a website at:
http://www.uspto.gov
that has some great information for inventors about the patent process. Most inventors use a patent agent or patent attorney to get their patent issued. This is not one of those money-pit companies that you see advertised on tv. These are people who draft your patent for you and interact with the patent office for you. If you don't have the money to hire an attorney, you can go to the USPTO website first to get some ideas and call their helpline if you still have questions. For the requirements for submitting a patent application, you will want to look at the manual of patent examining procedures or MPEP which is available on the USPTO website. This contains all of the requirements for a patent application and may help answer any questions you have.

Good luck with your invention!

Answer 4

Write a letter to yourself outlining your idea, then mail it to yourself.

Answer 5

I asked this same question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvKVk2LRKVidPmmm8l68NCLsy6IX?qid=20060801234926AAn5MDv
Good luck.