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Applying for a patent for your invention is a task that takes time, patience and attention to detail. Before you consider applying for a patent make sure you have kept good records of your progress. You should start an inventors notebook to track our progress, record conversations you have had regarding your invention and most importantly describe your invention/idea. Here is an in-depth guide to describing your invention or idea in your notebook and other information you should record.

DESCRIBING YOUR INVENTION/IDEA

When describing your invention/idea, you should draw a picture, if it is a tangible item. Don't worry about your drawing abilities, it can be a rough sketch. Some of the best ideas started out as a sketch on a restaurant napkin. There is an added benefit to a rough sketch in your beginning stages; you'll be able to refer back to it and see how far you have actually come.

After you have your sketch, you should describe your inventions features. This of this as describing your own home, if I were to describe my home to you I would say something like, "four bedroom, two bath, fireplace in living room, breakfast nook, hardwood floors, french doors to balcony overlooking the water". Use this same technique when describing your products features. For example, some features might be:

* No assembly required
* Easy to use
* Conveniently fits in purse

List your products benefits. What are the advantages of your invention/idea. In other words, what problem does it solve? How can it help someone in their daily life or work? Here are some examples:

* Color coordinated shades eliminates confusion
* Can be applied in 10 seconds
* Various shades are available.

RECORDING YOUR RESEARCH

Next,you should have an area in your notebook where you records your research findings. Your invention/idea may be something no one has ever thought of or it may be an improvement on an already existing product. You should take time to do a little research and find out if there is a similar product in the market and if there is find out what makes yours different. What added value does your invention/idea have? Find out what makes your product unique.

Who's going to buy your product? Who is your target audience? You need to find out who would benefit most from your product. Is your target market composed of moms, dads, teens, women in general, men or the general public. Determining this information will help you through out your entire process from prototyping to sales and marketing.

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