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Patents – Understanding the Process from Start to Finish
Patents play a vital role in protecting new inventions, helping individuals and businesses maintain a competitive edge while bringing new ideas to market. Whether you are developing a new product, refining an existing technology, or creating a unique industrial design, understanding how patents work, and how to begin the process, is an essential first step.
Here, we provide a clear overview of what patents are and how to get started on the path toward securing protection. Contact Ade & Company Inc. for comprehensive patent support or if you need any clarification on the process.
What Is a Patent?
A patent is a form of intellectual property that grants its owner the exclusive right to make, use, and sell an invention for a set period of time. Patents can protect:
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New processes
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Machines and mechanical systems
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Manufactured products
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Compositions of matter
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Improvements to existing inventions
By obtaining a patent, inventors can prevent others from copying, producing, or profiting from their creation without permission. This protection encourages innovation by rewarding the time, effort, and investment required to develop new ideas.
Industrial designs, which protect the visual features of an article, can also be obtained and offer complementary protection for products with a distinctive appearance.
How to Get Started with the Patent Process
Before filing a patent application, it is important to take the right steps to determine whether your invention is likely to be patentable. This initial stage can save significant time and cost later in the process.
1. Conduct an Initial Search
The first recommended step is performing a preliminary search of existing products and prior patents.
This search helps determine whether similar inventions already exist and whether your idea may be considered new and inventive.
A preliminary search can prevent you from moving forward with an application that is unlikely to succeed. Many publicly accessible databases are available for this purpose, including:
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Google Patents
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The United States Patent and Trademark Office
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The Canadian Intellectual Property Office
These resources are free and can provide a useful starting point for your research.
3. Schedule a Preliminary Consultation
After gathering initial information, a consultation with a patent agent can help you understand:
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Whether your invention appears patentable
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What type of application may be appropriate
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What next steps you should take
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How to prepare for filing
This conversation helps assess whether any features of your invention may still be patentable based on the information identified in your preliminary search.
2. Consider Professional Search Support
While anyone can conduct an initial search, the process can be challenging without experience. Patent agents are familiar with relevant databases, classification systems, and search techniques. Their searches are typically more thorough and can highlight subtle similarities or differences that may not be obvious to an inventor.
Ade & Company Inc. can provide guidance on conducting your own search or assist with a professional search tailored to your invention.
​4. Move Forward with Application Preparation
If your invention still shows potential for patent protection, the next stage is preparing the patent application.
This involves drafting a complete description, technical drawings if needed, and the claims that define the scope of protection.
Ade & Company Inc. can guide you through every step of this process in a cost‑effective and efficient manner.
