Patent F.A.Q.

Patents - Questions and Answers

Question
What kinds of patents are there?
What is a utility patent?
What is a design patent?
What is a plant patent?
What is eligible for patent protection?
What is eligible for design patent protection?
What test does the patent office apply to determine whether or not to grant a utility patent?
How can I determine if my invention is patentable?
Typically how much does a preliminary novelty search and opinion cost?
How much does it cost to obtain a Patent?
How long does it take to obtain patent pending and ultimately a patent?
What happens after the patent application is filed?
How can I help the patent agent to obtain the best patent protection for my invention.
I am aware of products that are similar to my invention. Do I have to tell anyone about these other products?
What other fees and maintenance fees are associated with obtaining a patent?
How do I protect my invention in foreign countries?
Are there time limits and deadlines associated with foreign filing?
Can I tell others about my invention or offer my invention for sale before I apply for a patent?
Should I tell anyone about my idea or my invention?
Where can I get additional information on the patenting process?

Hamilton Invention Center 583 Main Street East Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8M 1J4

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