Being awarded a patent can be an essential step for any business or individual that has created an invention. However, patents are widely misunderstood, which can have dire consequences on your ability to make informed choices about filing for this type of legal protection.

Myth: You Must Be The Original Inventor To Be Awarded A Patent

There is a frequently believed idea that only the original inventor will be able to procure a patent. In reality, it is possible for businesses, estates, and other entities to file for patents. For this to be a possibility, the original inventor of the device will need to sign away their ownership rights and designate a new owner.

Myth: A Patent Offers Worldwide Protections

While a patent can be essential for protecting your business's interest against competitors. There is a popularly believed by erroneous idea that patents apply to the entire world. The reality is a patent will only provide protection in the country where it was issued. For businesses that are active in international markets, it might be prudent to obtain patents in the relevant countries to prevent competitors from being able to steal and utilize your inventions.

Myth: Filing For A Patent Is A Short Process

The process of filing for a patent can be an arduous and complicated task that can take many months or years to complete. To be awarded a patent, you will have to provide detailed descriptions of your invention. These descriptions must include the components of the device as well as the way that it functions. To help explain the invention, it can be common for diagrams and other design drawings to be included with the application. Unfortunately, errors during the completion of this application can result in extensive delays or your application being rejected. To help you ensure these documents are properly prepared, you should retain an experienced patent attorney as they will have an understanding of what the review board will weigh the most.

In some instances, the application for the patent may be rejected by the board. When this is the case, you should not lose hope as it is possible to file an appeal. This appeal will allow your case to be reviewed to determine whether the initial rejection had merit. In instances where the rejection was incorrect, the appeal board may either issue the patent or restart the application process. The exact option will depend on the specifics of your case, but your attorney can help guide you through this convoluted process.