How To File A Patent For Business Invention, Process, Idea, Or Model And Get Approved

There are several key steps to file a patent for business invention, process, idea, or model. Filing for intellectual property (IP) is a must for startup, mid-sized, and established corporate businesses operating in highly-competitive industries. Once secured, a patent gives companies the exclusive right to produce, use, sell, and import protected inventions or processes for-profit. As a business owner yourself, you should know how properly-drafted IP can propel your organization’s operations forward. Read on to learn about filing a patent for business inventions, processes, ideas, or models.

Novel Ideas & Inventions

Most commonly, businesses file for patent protection to defend their novel ideas and inventions. To get approved, new, non-obvious, and novel inventions need to meet a few qualifying criteria. For a start, the invention needs to have a useful purpose – or utility. Plus, it cannot be something that just anybody could invent, which fulfills the “non-obvious” category. Due to the strict requirements, have a finalized prototype developed before applying. It’s nearly impossible to secure intellectual property when you only have a basic idea in-mind. Certainly, file a business patent to defend novel ideas and original inventions.

Unique Business Models & Processes

In addition, you can patent a process for business manufacturing. Any series of steps, acts, or responsibilities can qualify for intellectual property protection. While these procedural models don’t have moving parts, they still certainly produce a functional utility. These forms of protection are fairly common for businesses in the industrial manufacturing, assembly, and production sectors. Of course, these patents can also be used for digital, computerized processes. To get approved, clearly document the novel steps in your business processes. Also, try and demonstrate how this knowledge is proprietary to your business. Surely, file a patent for business models and processes.

Corporate Software Products & Mobile Applications

Mobile application and software patents are also common for modern-day businesses – especially those in the technology space. These patents extend to stand-alone digital programs that can be downloaded on personal computers (PCs), employee workstations, tablets, and smartphone devices. Additionally, software patents can protect enterprise applications that get integrated into mechanical machinery, business equipment, or operational devices. If you’re looking to file this type of application, hire an IP lawyer with years of experience prosecuting software patents. Indeed, file a business software patent to protect your company against infringement and gain a competitive edge.

Mathematical Formulas, Algorithms, Chemical Compositions

If you’re business has developed proprietary formulas, algorithms, or compositions, you may be eligible for patent protection. In most cases, you are unable to patent a specific formula itself. Instead, you’ll need to first demonstrate a specific application. Say your business follows a bespoke algorithm to obtain hard-to-calculate results. Oftentimes, the procedural-formula alone won’t qualify for patent protection. However, you can patent the end-recipient of these roles and applications – which rely on that formula. Absolutely, business patent protection can help companies safeguard their novel formulas, unique algorithms, and original compositions.

Original Business Machines

For companies with original machinery and equipment, patent protection may be an option. Businesses use different pieces of equipment to optimize, accelerate, secure, monitor, and track all sorts of day-to-day operations. If this machinery gives you a competitive advantage, you should certainly try to patent it. Otherwise, you risk your top competitors gaining a similar edge. Just decide if your machinery qualifies as an invention or idea in its current state. Definitely, secure a patent for business on your original machines, equipment, and inventions.

There are several steps to file a business patent and get approved this year. Experienced, USPTO patent agents can help you acquire intellectual property for your novel ideas and inventions. In addition, they can help you get approved for process or business model patents. You can also register a patent for mobile apps and enterprise software products. Or, draft specialized IP applications to protect your original formulas, business algorithms, or chemical compositions. Some companies also use provisional, design, and utility applications to protect their unique business machines. Follow the points above to learn about filing a patent for business inventions, processes, ideas, or models.