How does one get a patent for an improvement on a soap dispenser.?

Answer 1

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 2

You can not... patents cover new innovations, inventions.

Improvements are not covered by patents... unless you invented a whole new apparatus....from begining to end. A new system a new technology.

The best way to protect your idea is to go out and mass produce it and put it into the market place.... in a big way... Patented or not.... success comes to those who are bold and fearless. If you are small .... a big company can and sometimes do steal the idea... but if you go big... you enter the market accordingly and you set leadership.... That really is the only way to protect your idea... go out and make it happen. Trademark the name register the design and then go into manufacture mode... distribute once you have found out that there is a marke... then sell. Good luck