How do I protect my invention?

As a Washington resident, you have the right to protect your invention through patent law. A patent is a set of exclusive rights granted to an inventor by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). These rights give the inventor the right to exclude others from making, using, or selling the invention without their permission. In order to secure a patent, you must first be sure that your invention meets all the requirements of a patent. This means that the invention must be new, useful, and non-obvious. Additionally, your invention must be an “article of manufacture” or a “process”, meaning it must be a tangible object or a series of steps which can be used to produce a desired result. Once you’ve determined that your invention meets the necessary requirements, you will need to apply for a patent. This involves filing an application with the USPTO. The application must describe the invention in detail, and must include drawings, diagrams, or other visuals to help illustrate the invention. Once your application is received, it will be reviewed by the USPTO. If it meets the requirements, the USPTO will grant you a patent. This patent will last for a set amount of time, usually 10 or 20 years, and will give you the right to prevent others from making, using, or selling your invention without your permission. By properly filing and receiving a patent, you can protect your invention and the rights associated with it. This will help you to take advantage of the returns of your invention, as well as protect your intellectual property and creative ideas.

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How do I protect my invention?

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