A patent application must describe an invention with sufficient detail, so as to enable others to make and use the invention. This may seem strange when you consider that anyone who makes or uses the patented invention will be infringing on the patent. But. There is a reason for this. And before discussing the parts of a patent application, you should understand these reasons.
The first section of your patent application is the background of the invention. In this section you discuss what is known as the “prior art”. “Prior art” refers to existing products or processes, usually the patents found in your patent search, that solve the same problems addressed by your invention. Essentially, this section addresses the problems with the prior art that are solved by your invention.
Suppose you invent a revolutionary new medical product that stops aging. Obviously, this product will be worth large amounts of money. Without a patent system, you would have to keep your anti-aging formula a secret. And hope that no one else figures it out. With a patent system, you can patent your formula. And no one is allowed to compete with you, no matter how simple your formula may be. To do everything right it is recommended to hire professional help from agencies such as InventHelp.
The “prior art” would be the products and processes that people used to do to prevent aging, before you discovered your secret formula. The prior art would include facial moisturizing creams, herbal remedies, vitamins, plastic surgery and so on. You would then describe the shortcoming of the prior art. The purpose of the Background of the Invention section is to show the advantages of your invention over the prior art. In other words, to show why your invention is worthy of a patent.
Summary Of The Invention
Once you have described why your invention is patentable, then you need to describe what your invention is. In this section, you briefly discuss your invention and how it solves the problems of the prior art. For example, you would briefly describe the components of your anti-aging formula and how it is made or manufactured.
Detailed Description Of The Invention
This next section goes into detail as to how your invention is made and used, and the best mode for carrying out your invention. This is usually the longest section of the patent application, and the most detailed. This section describes your invention by making reference to the drawings and figures that may be attached to your application. It would be wise to let the experts, like InventHelp, help you with this.
The actual structure or make-up of your invention is called an “embodiment”. For example, your patent may describe one or several embodiments of your invention.
The Purpose Of The Patent System Is To Benefit Society
How does the patent system benefit society? Here is how.
Your patent teaches others how to make and use your secret anti-aging formula. No one can compete with you. But society still benefits because they can learn from your formula. Your formula may lead to other inventions. Such as an anti-cancer drug or a drug that prevents heart disease, or a drug that prevents hair-loss or bad breath. Who knows!
The point. The patent system benefits society by encouraging the disclosure of inventions, in order to spur future innovation. It accomplishes this by offering inventors an incentive for disclosing their invention.