The Top 5 Mistakes Inventors Make and How to Avoid Them

Like any other creative person, inventors are often not the best business people.  They often make mistakes as they attempt to protect their inspired inventions, and ultimately obtain a patent.  From premature use of the product to using the wrong patent translation service, costly mistakes can affect the success of an invention and forever change its marketability.

Unfortunately, important mistakes can sometimes make it impossible to get patent protection at all, but these mistakes occur every day.  Here is a sampling of common mistakes inventors make, and how to avoid them.

• Selling the invention:  Many inventors make the mistake of selling their product before a patent application is ever filed.  This may not be a problem in the US, but it can keep the inventor from having foreign rights to the product once the invention is sold.  That’s because the US is peculiar in having a 12 month grace period for patent filing.  Other countries follow an absolute novelty rule.  So if you would like to retain the right to a foreign patent, be sure to apply before the invention is sold.
• Offering to sell the invention:  Not only does the sale of an invention have negative consequences, but offering to sell it can expose an inventor to the same risk as an actual sale.
• Public use of the invention:  Using the invention in public can create the same problems as a sale (or offer to sell).  In the United States, if you publicly use your invention, you have twelve months to apply for a patent.
• Skipping a professional patent search:  Many inventors attempt to do these themselves, and often find nothing similar to their invention on file.  This is nearly impossible, since there are over 7 million US patents.  Using a professional patent search will ensure that you have uncovered every similar invention on record.
• Using the wrong patent translation service:  This is perhaps the most important step in obtaining international patents.  Be sure you choose a patent translation service with the proper credentials and certifications. They should also have patent translation experience within your specific industry, and a history working with the patent office in the country where you are filing.