Documenting Your Idea

Protect a simple invention with the documentation worksheet

If you have a single and somewhat simple invention concept, you can start by documenting your idea on the following Invention Documentation Worksheet.

The Invention Documentation Worksheet shows you exactly what to do to formally document your invention. This will give you your first important level of invention protection.

Click here to download or copy a PDF version of the Invention Documentation Worksheet.

For professional inventors, multiple ideas, longer term projects:

You will want to have an inventors or engineers logbook. Professional engineers, scientists, and corporate researchers keep their own logbook of activity. Here’s a link to purchase one of the many logbooks that are available on the market: Inventor’s Logbook for sale.

What DOESN’T work when it comes to protecting your invention

There are several misbeliefs about how to prove that you are the inventor of an invention concept.

  1. Sending a description of your idea to yourself in the mail in an unopened self-address letter DOES NOT WORK.
  2. Having a notary witness your signature only on your written description DOES NOT WORK. The notary would also have to make a signed statement that they’ve read and understand the information about your inventions, and this not something that a notary normally does, although they may if you ask.
  3. Having your husband brother or business partner witness your invention DOES NOT WORK. They have too close of a vested interest in you, and therefore may be disqualified as a witness.

DO read the Inventor’s Logbook and The 5 Steps to Invention Development for suggestions about how to create the best documentation for your invention.