What are the First 3 Steps to Take after you Invent?

So, you’ve invented something new—exciting! Now what? Hi, I’m JD Houvener, founder and patent attorney at Bold Patent Law Firm. I also wrote Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents, which you can download using the link below. It’s a free PDF we put together just for our YouTube viewers.

When you’ve got a new idea, there are three key steps to take right away. Let me walk you through them.

Step 1: Talk to a Patent Attorney

This step might feel like a big deal, but it’s really just about getting the right information early. Before you show your invention to anyone, build a prototype, or try selling it, sit down with a patent attorney. We can help figure out if your invention is truly new and worth patenting. Plus, we’ll explain if you should go for a patent search or an application.

If you’re working with others, protect yourself. We can help with a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or a simple business structure if you have co-inventors. Skipping this step can cause big issues later. I’ve seen inventor teams break up and end up in legal disputes, all because they didn’t get these basics down at the start.

Step 2: Do a Patent Search

After that, run a patent search. Even if you know your industry, you might not know what’s been patented recently. A search shows what’s already out there and helps you avoid wasting time and money. It also helps you figure out if you need to tweak your idea to avoid conflicts.

Step 3: File Your Patent Application

If things still look good after the search, it’s time to file. We’ll help you choose between a provisional, non-provisional, or design patent. A provisional patent can be a smart move if you’re still working on your product, giving you a year to finalize the details.

To sum it up:

1. Talk to a patent attorney—they’ll help you understand if your idea can be patented.
2. Run a patent search—find out what’s already been filed to avoid potential conflicts.
3. File your application—get your official patent date locked in as soon as possible.

That’s it. Three straightforward steps to get your invention on the right track. For more details, click below to grab the Bold Inventor Kit. It’s packed with helpful info on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and more.

Good luck with your invention—and remember, go big go bold!