Knowing your invention?

Question

If I want to invent something and get it patented do I have to know how it works in its technical "way"? Is it enough to sketch your invention and explain what it does to get it patented.

For example lets say I invented the fan. Could I just explain that it works by using a motor attached to blades that spin and move the air. Of course this would be way more detailed. Or do I have to "get technical" and explain how each part will work within the fan?

Answer 1

A US patent requires enough detail so a person "trained in the art" could make your invention.

For example: You can't just patent a time maching by saying you install a flux capacitor in a Delorean.

Answer 2

sketch and explain? Well, sort of, and sort of not.

You have to show what is unique about your product. Clearly to be the Inventor, you should be one of the most knowledgeable people on your invention. However, if you are incorporating a transistor, for instance, into a novel circuit, you don't need to know how to design and build a transistor - since it is a commonly available technology.

Most likely, you will need to get a patent attorney or at least a patent agent involved. Patents have to be shown to be novel and new, and I doubt that you would be able to do the research of existing patents without help.

Answer 3

My boss and one of the guys at work recently patented a device. They had detailed drawings and an explanation of how it worked. They hired a patent attorney and by the time the had the patent it had cost them $10,000.

I wouldn't waste my time patenting the device until you actually determine if there is a market for it. Otherwise you'll have a nice patent on a device and be out a lot of money.

Answer 4

You better have the details down pat. And while on that, perpetual motion machines do NOT work! ;-) ~

Answer 5

u2