What is the Difference Between an Idea and an Invention and How Do I Properly Document My Idea?

The dictionary defines an invention as "a device, contrivance or procedure originated right after study and experiment." An thought is defined as "a formulated believed or opinion." With these definitions, you ought to ask yourself how much study and experiment have you really performed on your notion. Is your idea a tangible solution or just the recognition of a difficulty that wants a answer?

How many occasions have you said to yourself "it would be fantastic if there were a item that could solve this situation?" I have had that similar believed numerous times before. Sadly, often occasions, I was not identifying a real solution but just the have to have for a resolution. In addition, I have noticed several inventors make the exact same mistake confusing their "identification of a difficulty" for an actual answer, therefore spending unnecessary time focusing on the situation and not the remedy.

The genuine challenge with inventing is not just identifying a will need, but also figuring out a solution. This could possibly appear frequent sense yet, I can tell you that I have talked with hundreds inventors who believed they had an invention, when in fact they had an idea without a nicely-defined answer.

The inventor can document his invention in 1 of the following two techniques:

1. Inventor's Notebook or Form
Use a bound notebook or record of invention form to record your invention by clearly describing the notion and idea and signing and dating in ink. Also, have two other people sign and date the book or form as witness to your invention.

The description should really contain the following: consecutively numbered pages, the purpose of the invention, a detailed explanation of the invention, drawings or sketches and a list of functions and positive aspects.

two. Disclosure Documents
The inventor can make use of the USPTO "Disclosure Document Program" and file disclosure documents but, the technique described above is as superior or improved than filing disclosure documents. The USPTO charges a nominal fee for filing these documents.

Note - documenting your invention is not a substitute for a provisional or non-provisional patent. The purpose is to establish a date of record for your invention and to produce you with the suitable documentation in the occasion of a dispute.