Can you patent a new application of an existing technology?

Can you patent a new application of an existing technology?

You can’t patent an existing or old product. However, you can patent a new use for an existing or old product as long as the new use is nonobvious. Moreover, the new use cannot be inherent in the use of the existing or old product.

Should I patent my idea before selling?

No. You are not required to obtain a patent in order to sell a product or service embodying your invention. Many products and services are sold that are not patented. A U.S. patent provides the right to stop others from making marketing, selling, or importing your invention in the United States.

Can you patent someone else’s idea?

No. First, the public product is prior art. Second, the non-inventor can’t patent an invention by someone else.

Can You patent an idea that has already been patented?

If a patent already exists for the idea (known as ” prior art “), an applicant can’t patent it again. This is why any patent applicant should do patent searches at the USPTO website before filing for a patent. The patent process takes at least a year and costs thousands of dollars.

What kind of innovations are patentable?

When you’re looking for patentable innovations, be sure to consider improvements made to existing products. This class of patents — called improvement inventions — are issued frequently. Improvement patents can add something to an existing product, incorporate new technology into an old product, or find a new use for an existing product.

Can a new use of an existing composition be patented?

The court found it patentable, because it’s a new use of a known composition. To learn more about improvement and new use patents, as well other essential information to protect your company’s products and processes, get Patent Savvy for Managers: Spot and Protect Valuable Innovations in Your Company, by Kirk Teska (Nolo). Need a lawyer?

What is the difference between improvements & new use patents?

Improvement and new use patents are for inventions that improve on or feature new uses for existing inventions. When you’re looking for patentable innovations, be sure to consider improvements made to existing products. This class of patents — called improvement inventions — are issued frequently.