In 1899 Charles H. Duell, commissioner of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, was famously attributed with the later much-contested quote, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.”
Many inventors appear to have taken this as a personal challenge. In 2007, 484,955 patents were applied for. If you think you have the next brilliant invention, you can secure your property rights by following these steps:
1. Develop your own original and creative idea for an invention. The invention cannot already be patented in a foreign country. It must be deemed useful and operate and perform its intended purpose.
2. Classify your patent as either a utility patent, granted to processes, machines or articles of manufacture; a design patent, new, original or ornamental design for articles of manufacture; or a plant patent, granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces a distinct or new variety of plant.
3. Submit the appropriate patent application. This must include detailed specifications, descriptions and drawings.
4. The patent will last for 20 years as long as fees are paid.
5. More information can be obtained from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Reach the office online at uspto.gov.
Kissing Shield, 1998
Patent Number: 5,727,565
A protective membrane that starts under the nose and reaches to the bottom of the chin, it allows a person to kiss through the membrane.
Naval lint removing pick, 1984
Patent Number: Des. 276,561
An ornamental pick for removing naval lint.
Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office, patentoftheweek.com.
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