Determining What is Patentable

Patents prevent other people from copying, using, or selling your invention without permission. However, some ideas cannot legally be patented. An inventor, for example, cannot patent any abstract ideas, perpetual motion devices, an invention publicly disclosed over 12 months ago, laws of nature, or a naturally occurring substance. However, patent law does allow patents to be issued for new and useful inventions that fall under certain categories. Furthermore, the inventor is not required to understand how or why their invention works to receive a patent.

Patentable Inventions

As humans, we inherently respect and admire original thought and creation. If you have conceived of an invention that falls into one of the following categories, you should immediately seek the assistance of an attorney to begin the patent application process:

• Process
• Machine
• Manufacture
• Composition of matter
• Improvement of any of these

It is important to note that you don’t need a prototype built to apply for a patent, as long as you have described it in sufficient detail. A patent lawyer can further help you determine if your invention is patentable.

Contact a Dallas Patent Lawyer For More Information

No matter what step in the process of inventing you are in, you want to be sure your intellectual property is protected. Our highly experienced Dallas patent lawyers at Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C., have the extensive technical and legal knowledge needed to successfully seek legal protection for your original work under intellectual property law. Contact a member of our legal team by calling our offices at (214) 824-1414 today, and discuss further your legal options for intellectual property protection.