Have an idea? Patent it now!

Electrical Apparatus, Jun 1999

There is now less time to file a patent application. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that to secure patent protection, inventors must file a patent application within one year after the invention meets certain criteria, such as prepared drawings or full description of the product.

Previously, notes Inc. magazine's "In Box" supplement, the beginning of the grace period was interpreted by inventors to be the time the invention was ready for market, thus providing time for market testing.

For first-time inventors, consulting a good patent lawyer is recommended. A free booklet, Patents and Inventions: An Information Aid for Inventors, is offered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, (800) 786-9199.