If you’re considering a patent, there are a few things you should know. For one, you should realize that there is a lengthy wait for the patent process. As of June of 2019, there were 552,359 unexamined patent applications waiting at the USPTO. It took an average of 16.2 months for applicants to receive the first action on their application.
To achieve the final results, individuals had a wait time of more than 24 months. The patent process is not easy, and it’s not quick. Fortunately, submitting your application gets your invention in patent-pending status. A provisional patent is another option if you need more time to finalize your invention.
In North American, there were 642,000 patent applications in 2017. Those patents came from a variety of industries. Sadly, not all of those patents were approved. Some are still waiting on the decision, while others were denied.
If you’re overwhelmed by the wait and the overall process, you should know that you’re not alone. A patent attorney can handle your paperwork. Additionally, they know how to get you results in the quickest possible way. Before you get started on the process, you should learn more about what to expect and how a lawyer can help.