Patents are explained in this clear guide to every step of the patenting process.Do you have a great idea for a product? Do you toil away in an office, garage or basement lab day by day in the hopes of bringing a new widget to life? What will you do when it"s alive and kicking?Here"s the primer every first-time inventor needs. Packed with detailed information and concise explanations, Nolo"s Patents for Beginners defines what a patent is and what it can do for you. Step by step, it explains how to:- use basic patent principles- document an invention- conduct a patent search- acquire patent rights- "read" an application- determine patent ownership- analyze disputes- find patent information- interpret international patent lawNolo"s Patents for Beginners provides sample forms and letters, resources and a glossary of terms. This edition is completely revised to cover all changes in patent case law and updated regulations for inventors applying for a patent.