A question that has been bugging me for a while now is does InventHelp provide patent services? Does it offer professional consultation on invention related issues, and how do I get an application filed? These are the typical questions that a patent seeker must confront when first researching a patent idea. Inventorship is a difficult process. There are many aspects to successfully obtaining a patent such as developing an idea and drafting a complete patent application.
I have been asked many times whether or not in inventing a new product or technology my business will be considered a patentable idea. A recent article on “Inventing Your Own Business” by Robert Woodhead and Mark Crispin discussed this very issue. This article explored some of the common challenges faced by patent lawyers and inventors alike. One of these challenges is determining whether or not the invention is indeed patentable. The discussion went on to point out that sometimes it may be wise to consider outsourcing some of the patent services to a patent attorney or software engineer.
In answer to the first part of the question, we believe that inventing a product or technology that has not been patented can indeed be patentable provided that there is an invention. What we do not feel is that an invention is required to be patented, and we believe that such services could prove to be quite useful to a patent applicant. Such services might include advice with respect to the drafting of a patent application and the drafting of a filing to obtain a patent. Such services may also assist with the drafting of a business plan and marketing strategy for the invention.
In answering the second part of the question, we believe that inventing a new product or technology does not necessarily require a patent. In our opinion, in order to determine whether or not an invention needs to be patented, there are a number of factors that need to be considered. For example, if the invention constitutes a new process or idea, then the patent should be sought based upon what the invention is. Additionally, the extent of competition can also impact whether or not a patent is necessary. As a result, it would be prudent for an inventor to seek patent services prior to submitting a patent application.
We note that inventing a product does not necessarily require a patent. However, in the past, it has been our experience that obtaining a patent was significantly more difficult than obtaining a patent when it comes to products and technologies. In most instances, we have been able to successfully patent a product without having to go through the process of obtaining a patent. It is for this reason that inventing a product requires a patent, especially where the invention is a technological system.
To date, we have not been contacted by any patent services to assist an individual patenting an invention that they believe does not require a patent. We encourage our clients to seek patent services only after a proper analysis of the invention has been completed and prior to filing a patent application. If a patent is needed, we strongly recommend reviewing the merits of your invention with a patent attorney prior to submitting a patent application.