Which Comes First - The Patent or the Prototype?
... a new or better solution is achieved. Potentially these iterative developments could require altering the original patent application or filing a new application. This could cost more or result in advantageous changes being left unprotected. The grace period before substantial fees and important decisions need to be made during the patenting process is quite short, considering the average time it takes to launch a new product onto the market. It could be argued that it is better to progress the idea as much as possible before filing the patent application, including finalising the design through prototyping. This would then allow the ... . Prototyping manufacturers can be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before the idea is disclosed. However bear in mind that many companies will not sign confidentiality agreements, since their in-house departments might be working on similar ideas. Pre-application patent searches can be carried out prior to prototyping or patenting to discover whether it is sensible to proceed without having to draft and file an application. There is a third perspective for consideration. Some industry experts would suggest that it's not a patent or prototype that should come first but the opinion of industry experts as to whether the ...
Tags: prototype | prototype an idea | patent application | patent process | concept prototype |
Tags: prototype | prototype an idea | patent application | patent process | concept prototype |