If you’re planning on patenting your invention, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced intellectual property attorney. Having a patent Ireland is vital if you want to protect your rights in the marketplace, but it can be an expensive process that requires plenty of time and money. Fortunately, there are certain steps that will help make it easier for you to get started with the process of registering your patent in Ireland. In this guide, we’ll go through everything from identifying your invention all the way through filing the application and getting the patent granted.
Step 1: Identify the Invention
The first step in the patent process is to identify and describe your invention. Before you can do this, you’ll need to know what an invention is. An invention is an innovative solution that meets a specific problem or need, and has not been previously known or used by others in any country. It must be new, useful and inventive (inventive).
You should write down all relevant details about your invention: what does it do? How does it work? What does it look like? Who might use this product or process for their business? What problem does this solve for them?
Step 2: Make Sure Your Invention is Novel and Useful
You may have discovered a new way to solve a problem, or you could be working on creating something that has never been done before. These are both great examples of inventions, but before you can register your idea as a patent, it needs to meet certain criteria:
The invention must be novel (novelty). This means that no one else has previously created something similar enough for their work to be considered relevant in relation to yours. If someone else has already invented something similar in nature or function, then yours won’t be considered novel.
The invention must also be useful (utility). It doesn’t matter how creative or innovative your idea is–if it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do efficiently and effectively, then it isn’t considered useful by the patent office and therefore cannot receive protection under IP laws.*
Step 3: Conduct a Prior Art Search
A prior art search is a search for existing patents, published patent applications and other relevant information relating to the invention. This process helps you to identify if your invention has been previously patented or publicly disclosed in any way.
Prior art searches can be conducted either manually or automatically using software tools (i.e., databases). Manual searches are more time-consuming but can be done by an expert searcher who has knowledge of the field in which you are working. Automatic searches may take less time but do not provide as much detail on each document found as manual searches do; therefore it’s important that both methods are utilized when conducting your own prior art search report.
The importance of conducting a thorough prior art search cannot be overstated; if another party has already patented or published details about your idea, then there will be no point pursuing further protection through patent registration because their work will likely prevent yours from being granted protection!
Step 4: Drafting the Specification
You are now ready to draft your specification.
The specification is a written description of the invention, including the technical problem it solves, the solution to that problem, and how to make and use the invention. It must include:
- The title of the invention (the name you want people to use when referring to your patent) – this should be descriptive yet concise; for example “A Method for Solving X” or “A Machine for Making Y”.
- A list of figures and tables in the specification (if any). Figures should be numbered consecutively throughout each page with Arabic numerals from 1 upwards; tables should also be numbered consistently between pages if they span multiple pages in length.
Step 5: Filing the Application
Once you have finished putting together your application, it’s time to file it with the Irish Patents Office. You can do this either by post or in person at their offices in Dublin. You should receive a receipt for your application within 10 working days of filing; if not, contact them immediately so they can look into the matter for you. Once an examiner has been assigned to review your patent, he or she will have six months (or less) in which to make a decision about whether or not it should be granted as filed on its merits; however, most applications are granted within three months of being filed because there is no opposition period in Ireland like there is elsewhere around Europe and North America!
Step 6: Completing the Registering of a Patent/Patents in Ireland
The patent register is a public record of patents, patent applications and other documents relating to patents. It contains information about all patents granted by the Irish Patents Office.
The benefits of registering a patent include:
- protection from unauthorised use of your invention;
- evidence that you have disclosed your invention;
- proof of date for priority purposes (where applicable); and
- maintenance fees payable upon renewal are reduced if you have registered within 12 months after grant or renewal.
If you’re planning on patenting your invention, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced intellectual property attorney.
If you’re planning on patenting your invention, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced intellectual property attorney. Patent attorneys can help you navigate the Patent solicitor registration process and avoid common pitfalls that may prevent your application from being approved by the United States Patent Office (USPTO). In addition, they can determine if your invention is patentable and draft a patent application for you.
Conclusion
With so many steps to take and things to consider, it’s best to get as much help as possible. An experienced intellectual property attorney will know how best to navigate the process and ensure that your patent application is ready for submission.
