Most independent inventors find it difficult to protect their inventions. They often have fewer resources than a large group or company to register a patent. Patent protection seems out of reach. But it’s affordable, even for individuals and small businesses!
Portrait of the independent inventor
If you’re self-employed, run a one-man business or are an individual, you fall into the category of independent inventor.
You create, you innovate, and your invention deserves protection. The independent inventor may have research ambitions, to develop new technical solutions, or he may have an unexpected idea with immense potential. Innovation is not just a laboratory affair. It’s about curiosity and renewal.
Note that we are not talking here about the employee inventor, for whom the terms and conditions are quite specific.
- Read more: Employee, does your invention belong to you?
I’m alone and isolated
An autonomous inventor is often alone and isolated. This situation creates constraints. Without necessarily being surrounded by competent, supportive people, the independent inventor is more likely to make mistakes. Financially, embarking on patent filing procedures without knowing the ins and outs quickly becomes a waste of time and money. However, the independent inventor is not always aware of the subtleties of industrial property, or of the professionals who can help him or her.
Find support to protect my invention
| FNAFI | National Federation of French Inventors’ Associations | Association under the law of 1901 Website: https: //fnafi.wordpress.com/ |
| INPI | French National Institute of Industrial Property | Public administrative body, under the authority of the French Ministry of the Economy, Industry and the Digital EconomyWebsite: https: //www.inpi.fr/fr |
| IP Consulting | Industrial Property Attorney, freelance, in office or via YesMyPatent.com | On our website: Portrait du Conseil en PI |
I don’t know where to start
YesMyPatent has set up free online tools to help inventors and entrepreneurs better determine their needs. Create your account to access the simulators.
Our online calculator
Determine the exact cost of a patent filing procedure, and the maintenance fees, according to your project. For a patent in France, in Europe or internationally, we can help you establish your budgets.
The free questionnaire for validating the patentability of an invention
To be patentable, the invention must meet certain patentability criteria. In just a few clicks, determine whether your project meets the main criteria before starting your patent application procedures.
I don’t have enough money
There are several ways of reducing the real cost of patent protection. Small businesses can take advantage of tax credits such as the CII or CIR. These financial incentives cover part of the costs of research and development, as well as the fees of patent attorneys.
Did you know?
Administrative costs at INPI are lower for independent inventors and companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.
What’s more, when looking for financing (fund-raising, bank loans, finding investors, etc.), a patent is a powerful argument. It’s a mark of innovation, but obtaining it also brings real financial value to the company. Patents are included in assets and can be valorized through the marketing of products and services derived from them, and/or through paying licenses.
The BPI (Banque Publique d’Investissement – Public Investment Bank) also offers solutions to help finance innovation, whether through risk-sharing with banks, or the financing of R&D expenditure.
Also, as indicated in our article on how to reduce the cost of a patent for a company, we recommend that you choose support packages. This will give you a clear price, enabling you to plan your financing needs. Discuss your project and the level of support you require with your patent attorney.
Read more: Filing a patent when “you don’t have a budget
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Clear, unambiguous pricing for self-employed patenters.
