The majority of small businesses are ones that sell a product. Furthermore, when a person begins to consider self-employment it tends to be because they have an idea for a new product, or a way to make an existing one better. In order to ensure that you can move forward with your new idea, securing a patent is essential.
Below is a recent article I read from Popular Science; which lists the detailed steps it takes in getting a patent.
Be the first.
Search the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s site (Uspto.gov) to make sure an “idea like yours” hasn’t been patented.
Avoid the obvious.
Your idea should be a distinctive concept that someone with an “ordinary skill level” couldn’t have created.
Hire a patent draftsman.
Even if your invention makes complete sense to you, “at least one drawing” is necessary to meet federal patent requirements.
Hire a lawyer.
Having an attorney betters the chances of receiving a patent. But be careful not to hire any “shady” firm that demands a cut of the proceeds.
Be patient.
The patent process can take anywhere from “two to five” years. If people infringe on your idea during that time, give them notice and “collect damages” afterward.
Source: Popular Science
http://www.theweek.com/article/index/94730/Tip_of_the_week_How_to_secure_a_patent
