how do You recognize an invention?

Whether it is a groundbreaking new product or a smart adaptation in your production process, you are probably more likely to make patentable inventions than you think. A well-protected invention can be of great value to your company. Yet many inventors miss this opportunity because they are not aware of their own inventiveness. The Problem Solution Approach is a simple step-by-step plan that helps you to see whether your invention is patentable or not. Are you unsure whether your invention is worthy of a patent application? Then go through these five steps.

Define your invention

Write down clearly what your invention is about. Please note that a patent is granted to inventions that are a technical solution. The starting point is not what do I achieve with it, but how do I achieve that? An example: you come up with a tractor with tracks. The tracks increase the grip on the land, making the tractor work better and more efficiently.

Determine the current state of the art

To get a patent on it, an invention must be new and inventive. To be able to gauge that, you must define what the current techniques are. In the case of the tractor: tractors with normal tires.

Name the differences between your invention and current technology

On the basis of this step we can determine how your invention stands out. The tracks are the innovation compared to the existing tractors with normal tires.

Make clear which problem these differences solve

Here you emphasize the added value of your product. This can be done by simply writing down the problem that your invention solves. In the case of the tracks: increasing the grip.

Ask yourself: would a professional solve this problem in the same way?

To assess whether your invention is really new and inventive, reviewers use a fictional craftsman. The question is whether this professional - with his knowledge of the field and current technology, based on logical thinking and, creativity - can also come up with this invention. Please note: the assessor does not only look at techniques in your field, but also at those in neighboring fields. Tracks are very normal with tanks and excavators. If it is assumed that the person skilled in the art with knowledge of tractors can easily link the technology of tanks and excavators to each other, this may be a reason for not granting the patent. However, a gray area is created here. Imagine: you come up with a gel saddle for a bicycle, then an assessor can say that this technique is not inventive, because it is also used with riding saddles. However, it is not said that a bicycle professional also knows about riding saddles. A patent atto ey can help you deal with this gray area in a smart way.

Patent application

If this step-by-step plan shows that your invention is indeed new and inventive, you can convert this into a patent application together with a patent atto ey. If your invention is indeed protected, it will give you a stronger competitive position and possible financial benefits. Do you want to get started with this step-by-step plan? then contact one of the patent atto eys at inventhelp. They will ensure that you get the most out of the knowledge in your organization.