Draft a Patent Pending document
What should I include in my patent pending document?
The only requirement for a patent pending document is that:
"It fully describes your invention"
Preferably, write the description in English.
This document need not be drawn up in any specific / legal form. It is not required that a patent attorney draft the document, nor does the document need to include "claims" ‐ if you don't know what "claims" are: don't worry; it isn't relevant.
To "fully describe your invention", we suggest that you:
- Focus on your product "features" instead of its "benefits". Tip: create a list / table of features.
- Include photos, CAD drawings or hand sketches showing your product features.
- Associate a reference number with each "feature" in the write‐up (e.g. hat 10 with peak 12) and add corresponding reference numbers to the photos / drawings, so that each feature mentioned in your write‐up can be linked to a component shown in your photos / drawings.
A copy of your presentation to a conference / thesis (in PDF format) should be sufficient.
Note: You can add more detail and drawings when filing a complete patent in 12 months' time.
Don't focus too much on:
- The absence of a feature (e.g. a vehicle "without" a spare tyre).
- Use of an obvious alternative material (e.g. making a spanner out of plastic).
- An obvious combination of known features (e.g. a box containing a Phillips screw driver and a no. 11 spanner).
- An obvious alternative power source (e.g. a solar powered electric toothbrush).
- A mere benefit (e.g. a "more rugged" cellphone) - rather focus on features you have added to make it more rugged.
- A new use for an existing thing (e.g. use of a Schweppes bottle as an oil container).
- A new shape, brand / logo, or artwork - this should be protected by registered designs, trademarks and copyright, respectively.
Focus on "new" and "not obvious" features. And, get a patent pending number before you make your first sale / publish your product on a website.
Add your signature to the end of the document.
