Patent Application: A Two-Step Process

March 25, 2009
Intellectual Property News and Interesting Facts

The majority of successful inventors strongly support that you retain an intellectual property attorney to help you secure a patent for your invention.

Before you patent your invention, keep it confidential. Do not discuss the concept or details with anyone except your attorney, who is bound to keep your confidence. Although you naturally will feel eager to market and sell your invention, you absolutely must wait until you receive your patent or you risk compromising your exclusive rights to it.

In South Africa, obtaining a patent requires completion of a two-step process. First, to certify your invention as the first of its kind and prevent imitation or copy, file an application for a “provisional patent.”

Within twelve months after the government grants your provisional patent, file the complete patent application. While your provisional patent protects you, make certain there is a market for your product and refine it to “perfection.”

Patent Links

1. Gadget Invention Patent Application – Even before you take the gadget invention to another party for review and assistance, file the all important provisional patent application.
2. How to Patent Inventions – To protect your rights as an inventor you need to file patent applications for your inventions in each country, where protection is sought.
3. Protect your Invention – For public disclosure and protection of an invention, the inventor needs to apply for a patent.
4. Patent Application – Contact Request