Thank you for using the Patent Selector Assistant (PSA)! Based on the answers you have provided so far, a design patent application would best for your situation. Please continue with the questions below. You may also start over.
Please read and consider each question carefully before selecting an answer.
There are many routes to a patent, and we will guide you along the way. If you can’t quite decide, don’t worry, we’re happy to step in at any time to help you figure out what will work best in your situation.
Which of these best describes your situation?
Are you interested in first starting with a Patent Search?
Let’s consider a patent search, which is an optional first step. Patent searches are very valuable if the invention is in a field that is well-developed, such as hand-tools or simple machines. For a lot of emerging technology, like blockchain or cannabis, patent searches tend to be less valuable. I recommend a patent search for approximately 2 out of 3 clients, as application drafting and patent prosecution benefit from familiarity with prior art.
Circumstances that would cause us to recommend skipping a patent search include:
- The inventor is extremely familiar with the field and related technology, has done independent research on the state of the art for the invention, or has previously commissioned a search. The inventor is fairly confident that my search will not return relevant prior art.
- Time is of the essence- we don’t have time to wait for the results. We must file something ASAP to establish priority, and we’ll figure out everything else after that. This situation is best handled by an abridged or concurrent patent search, followed by an abridged or full provisional application.
- You have a prepared provisional patent application already, and we only need to review and file it.
- You are in an area of emerging technology that has relatively little publication or patent activity. Blockchain, many types of software, cannabis and related tech, artificial intelligence are all examples of areas of technology where a search is unlikely to return relevant prior art, so the cost is not justified.
- You enjoy gambling with sizable wagers.
Circumstances that would cause us to recommend skipping a patent search include:
- The inventor is cost sensitive. In most cases, a patent search reduces total cost and total risk. The common exceptions to this principle are listed above.
Design Patent Application and Utility Patent Application
If your answers led you here, a design patent application would best for your situation.
Alloy Patent Law Services
Call a Provisional Patent Application lawyer today - (206) 899-6980
Our experienced patent lawyers are standing by to provide the guidance you need. Contact Alloy Patent Law today at (206) 899-6980.