What steps are necessary to file a patent?
February 4, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Günther Schenkenberg
Dear patent lawyer,
My name is Albrecht Lichtenberg and I work as an engineer in a medium-sized company. In recent months, I have developed an innovative solution to a problem in our industry and I am firmly convinced that this is a patentable product. Now I am faced with the question of what steps are necessary to file a patent.
The current situation is as follows: I have already conducted extensive research and found that my solution is indeed new and innovative. Now I would like to ensure that I correctly follow all legal steps to protect my intellectual property. My biggest concern is that I may make mistakes in filing the patent and as a result, my invention is not adequately protected.
Therefore, my question to you is: What specific steps are necessary to file a patent? What documents and information are needed and how does the application process work? Are there any specific deadlines I must adhere to, and what costs will be incurred? Additionally, I would like to know how long the entire process typically takes and what steps I need to take afterwards to protect my patent internationally.
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Albrecht Lichtenberg
Dear Mr. Lichtenberg,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the registration of a patent for your innovative solution. I am pleased to hear that you have already conducted extensive research and have determined that your invention is indeed new and innovative. It is important that you take all the necessary legal steps to protect your intellectual property.
To file a patent, several steps are necessary. First, you should document and describe your invention in detail. This includes technical drawings, technical specifications, a precise description of the structure, and a detailed explanation of how your invention works. These pieces of information are crucial for the patent application.
Next, you should submit a patent application to the relevant patent office. In Germany, this is the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA). Various documents are required for the application, including an application form, the invention description, technical drawings, possibly a summary of the invention, and a statement of patentability.
It is important that you provide all relevant information correctly and completely to ensure that your patent is successfully filed. There are specific deadlines that you must adhere to, especially the deadline for disclosing your invention. Missing this deadline may result in your invention no longer being considered new and therefore not patentable.
The costs for patent application vary depending on the country and the scope of the invention. In Germany, the filing fees for a patent average a few hundred euros. However, there may be additional costs for the examination of the patent and, if necessary, for extending the duration of protection.
The entire process of patent application can take several months to years, depending on the complexity of the invention and the workload of the patent office. After successful registration, you can protect your patent internationally by filing it in other countries. There are various procedures for this, such as the European Patent or the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
I hope this information helps you and answers your questions about patent application. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, I am happy to help.
Kind regards,
Günther Schenkenberg
Patent Attorney
