Patent Attorney and Founder
When’s the Best Time to File a Patent While Prototyping?
Hi, I’m JD Houvener, founder of Bold Patents and a patent attorney with over a decade of experience. I’ve helped inventors secure more than 500 patents and authored Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents.
Today’s question: When should you file a patent application if you’re in the middle of prototyping?
This question popped up on Reddit. The person has spent about a year refining their prototype. They’ve talked with manufacturers, prototypers, and packaging experts. Now they’re wondering: Do I need to file a patent before finalizing my prototype or before launching my product?
The Short Answer: File Early.
It’s always a good idea to file a provisional patent application as soon as your invention is fully fleshed out. Why? Because patent law operates on a “first-to-file” system. Whoever files first gets priority, even if someone else came up with the idea independently. Filing early secures your spot in line.
Why Provisional First?
A provisional application is more flexible. If you’re still prototyping, things are bound to change. Materials, tolerances, or attachments might evolve during manufacturing. Customer feedback can also reveal areas for improvement once your product hits the market.
Filing a provisional patent gives you 12 months to fine-tune your invention. During this time, you can test the market, refine the design, and gather input from manufacturers and early customers. After that, you’ll need to file a non-provisional patent to lock in the final version of your invention.
Example: What Could Change
Let’s say you’ve created a new kitchen gadget. Your manufacturer might suggest stronger materials or better connections. Customers might point out quirks—maybe an attachment doesn’t fit right or breaks after repeated use. Adjustments like these are normal and often necessary to ensure your product succeeds.
By starting with a provisional patent, you protect your idea while leaving room to improve. Once everything is polished, you can file a more detailed non-provisional application.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to protect your invention:
- Do a Patent Search. Make sure your idea is unique.
- File a Provisional Patent Application. This protects your invention while giving you time to iterate.
- Work with Your Attorney. When your invention is market-ready, they’ll help file the final application.
For more guidance, download my Bold Inventor Kit. It’s packed with helpful resources to get you started.
I hope this clears things up! If you’ve got more questions about patent timing or prototyping, feel free to reach out.
Go big. Go bold.