A clear and simple guide to the entire patent process. Do you toil away in an office, garage or basement lab 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 law and much more! Nolo's Patents for Beginners provides sample forms and letters, resources and glossary of terms. The 5th edition is completely updated and revised to cover all changes in patent law and regulations.