If you've got a great idea for a product you want to invent, it's easy to get carried away with diving into the process immediately. Your mind starts racing with all the possibilities, and you become eager to take action. You want to make the product, show it off to the world, sell it and start raking in profits. There's just one problem – you're overlooking a key first step.
You want to begin the inventing process with getting a patent for your idea.
Before you do any of that other stuff, you'll want to begin the process with getting a patent for your idea. This helps ensure that your intellectual property is safe and no one can steal your invention for their own personal gain. Once you've gotten this preliminary step out of the way, you can turn your attention to producing and selling your offering.
Exclusive rights for the long haul
If you have an idea for a product and you want to get it patented, you're probably in luck. Patent law in Australia can be stringent, but if you have the right documentation in order, you will probably be able to get the intellectual property protection you desire. According to IP Australia, what you need to do for a patent is demonstrate that your invention is new, useful and inventive or innovative.
Once you've met these requirements, you can decide what type of patent you want to pursue. Generally, the options are a standard patent, which can last for 20 years, or an innovation patent, which is only 8 years but is easier and cheaper to obtain.
Be careful about patent compliance
Once you have a patent, you should be able to protect your intellectual property, but ABC News did recently offer one note of caution. You have to worry about compliance, because under intellectual property law in Australia, you can lose your chance at a patent if you disclose your idea before applying. Pending patents have to be kept confidential.
There's a chance you can get an exception if you reveal your invention to others within a 12-month grace period, but even this is risky. It's better to assume that silence is the best policy until you're in the clear.
Secure the services of a good lawyer
To figure out the logistics of your next patent, you'll want to talk to the experts. At Alder IP, we have a staff of patent lawyers in Sydney who are ready to go to work on your behalf.
The patent application process in Australia can be a little complex, but have no fear. A capable attorney can act as an advisor throughout the whole ordeal, simplifying matters and helping you get the IP protection you need.