Make a Record of Your Invention
As soon as possible, create a “Record of Invention.” This is simply a collection of information that describes and documents your invention(s) and the process in as much detail as possible. Be sure to include:
- A written statement of your idea and how it works, including a description of any experimentation that led to design improvements.
- Drawings, sketches or pictures you have, even if they are only in rough form.
- Any correspondence about your work, sales receipts from materials, and any other records that might help you prove the facts and dates of your accomplishments.
You should sign and date this record, and have a witness sign and date it as well. If you recall the date when you first thought of your invention, include that in the statement. This record could be important if you need to prove the date of your invention.
You can provide this record to your patent attorney as a way to improve his/her understanding of your invention. You can also submit it to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) under its Disclosure Document Program, where it will be kept for two years pending filing for a patent. Doing so does not protect your idea. It merely establishes a record of your submission.
