We'll show you step-by-step how to prepare your idea for submission using our automated online idea submission engine. We make it easy!
STEP 1 - DESCRIBE IT
Before going any further, download our handy, easy to use Word-based form for describing your invention (click here). For a Rich Text version, click here. Just answer the questions by typing directly on the form to create a description of your invention that you will submit using our online Idea Submission Engine a little later on.
We provide analysis for mechanical, electrical, computer, software, business method and other inventions. However, we cannot provide analysis for chemical or plant inventions at this time. We hope to include these fields soon. |  |
STEP 2 - DRAW IT
Draw the invention from a few perspectives (profile, above, at an angle). You may also show the invention in various stages of operation. For example, if you invention were a mouse trap, you might draw the trap before and after it is triggered. For methods and software, you may choose to draw flow charts, data flow diagrams, software architectures, and the like.
Sometimes, the invention may be constructed in more than one way. You may decide to draw each of the main versions of the invention. In some instances, it can be useful to make a first general drawing showing the major subsystems/method steps/software components of the invention and further drawings showing the sub-components of each subsystem/method step/software component. Label the parts of the invention using lines running from a text label to each element of the drawing or by writing directly in a box or other sufficiently large object. Click here to see example drawings. After your drawing is complete, take a look at it and then review the written description in light of the drawings. You may want to describe any components in the drawing that are not already referred to in the text.
Sometimes, the invention may be constructed in more than one way. You may decide to draw each of the main versions of the invention. In some instances, it can be useful to make a first general drawing showing the major subsystems/method steps/software components of the invention and further drawings showing the sub-components of each subsystem/method step/software component. Label the parts of the invention using lines running from a text label to each element of the drawing or by writing directly in a box or other sufficiently large object. Click here to see example drawings. After your drawing is complete, take a look at it and then review the written description in light of the drawings. You may want to describe any components in the drawing that are not already referred to in the text.
STEP 3 - SCAN IT
Drawings must be submitted in one of the following formats: jpeg (.jpg), Word (.doc), Rich Text Format (.rtf), TIFF (.tiff), or portable document format (file extension .pdf). PDF is the preferred format. If your drawing is on paper, scan it to a file in pdf format. If it was done using a drawing program, convert or print the drawing to pdf format.
Click here to download a free version of CutePDF Writer, which allows you to create a pdf file by selecting "Print" and choosing "CutePDF" as your printer.
If you cannot operate CutePDF Writer, or if your drawing program does not convert or print to one of the accepted formats, print your drawing normally and scan it to a pdf file. Note that the computer storing the drawing and description files must have Internet access.
Click here to download a free version of CutePDF Writer, which allows you to create a pdf file by selecting "Print" and choosing "CutePDF" as your printer.
If you cannot operate CutePDF Writer, or if your drawing program does not convert or print to one of the accepted formats, print your drawing normally and scan it to a pdf file. Note that the computer storing the drawing and description files must have Internet access.
STEP 4 - LOG IN, PAY & SUBMIT
Your final step will be to log in to our automated online idea submission engine and purchase an analysis report. Do not log in until your files are ready for submission and stored on the computer you are using to connect to the Internet.
First, click on the idea submission engine link. You will need an active user account to purchase the report. By creating an account you are agreeing to the terms of our Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). You may set up a user account from the Main Engine page by selecting "Create new account" from the User Login menu on the left side of the Main Engine page. A valid email address is required. A verification email will be sent to this address. Follow the instructions in the email in order to activate the account. You may continue to use this account for future reports.
From the Main Engine page, add an Idea Analysis Report to your shopping cart. Enter your name; type your address and summarize your invention in the space provided in the "Required Information" text box. Attach your drawings and description using the Choose File and Upload buttons at the bottom of the page. Choose and upload one file at a time. You may upload a total of 5 files. None of the files may be larger than 10MB in size.
We will respond within 5 business days - and usually within 24 hours!
First, click on the idea submission engine link. You will need an active user account to purchase the report. By creating an account you are agreeing to the terms of our Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). You may set up a user account from the Main Engine page by selecting "Create new account" from the User Login menu on the left side of the Main Engine page. A valid email address is required. A verification email will be sent to this address. Follow the instructions in the email in order to activate the account. You may continue to use this account for future reports.
From the Main Engine page, add an Idea Analysis Report to your shopping cart. Enter your name; type your address and summarize your invention in the space provided in the "Required Information" text box. Attach your drawings and description using the Choose File and Upload buttons at the bottom of the page. Choose and upload one file at a time. You may upload a total of 5 files. None of the files may be larger than 10MB in size.
We will respond within 5 business days - and usually within 24 hours!
