What is an example of a patentable invention?
Asked by: Mr. Lucious Jakubowski I | Last update: January 26, 2026Score: 5/5 (11 votes)
An example of a patentable invention is the Post-it Note, which uses a unique, low-tack adhesive for easy repositioning, or a new medical device like a more accurate diagnostic sensor; patentable inventions involve new, useful, and non-obvious processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter, such as a new drug, a faster algorithm, or a more efficient engine. They protect how something works (utility) or how it looks (design).
What is an example of a patent invention?
Thomas Edison's patent for the electric light bulb in 1879 is a prime example of a game-changing innovation. Edison's invention of electric lighting set the stage for how we use electricity everywhere today, from our homes to businesses.
What inventions are patentable?
Categories of Patentable Inventions With Examples
- Mechanical and Engineering Innovations. From consumer gadgets to large-scale machinery, mechanical inventions often qualify for protection. ...
- Technology and Software. ...
- Medical and Biotech Inventions. ...
- Consumer Products and Everyday Items. ...
- Green and Environmental Innovations.
Is Coca-Cola patented?
It enjoyed meteoric rise in 1899 when the bottling rights were sold to a company with factories throughout the United States and in many countries throughout the world. Despite this, Coca-Cola never patented their secret recipe, which has remained one of the most guarded secrets in the world for over a century.
How to determine if an invention is patentable?
In order for an invention to be patentable it must be novel, i.e. not known to the public before the patent application is filed. In most countries, novelty is assessed based on what was published or used before the filing date of the first patent application for the invention.
How to get your idea patented
Can I sell my invention idea without a patent?
“You certainly don't need a patent [in order to sell], but in my experience, it's going to be a lot more attractive to a buyer if you have at least started the process of seeking protection for the idea or the invention,” says Dawn-Marie Bey, an intellectual property attorney in Richmond.
What is the average cost to patent an invention?
Patenting an idea costs anywhere from a few thousand to over $20,000, with provisional patents starting cheaper (around $2,000-$5,000 including attorney fees) for temporary protection, while a full utility patent (covering function) can range from $10,000 to $25,000 or more due to complexity, attorney work, and responding to patent office rejections. Key costs involve patent attorney fees, government filing/examination fees, patent drawings, and ongoing maintenance fees after issuance, with complexity and international filing adding significant expenses.
What if I invested $1000 in Coca-Cola 10 years ago?
Investing $1,000 in Coca-Cola (KO) stock about 10 years ago (mid-2015 to mid-2025) would have grown significantly, potentially doubling or more, depending on the exact date, with returns often cited around 100-130% or more, turning your $1,000 into roughly $2,000 to $2,300+, but often underperforming a broader S&P 500 investment over that specific decade, though KO offers strong dividends as a "Dividend King".
What is the most famous patent?
1. The Lightbulb. The electric lightbulb is perhaps one of the most famous patented inventions known to humankind. It was awarded to Thomas Alva Edison in the year 1878.
Where is Coke's secret formula?
On December 8, 2011, the company placed it in a vault on the grounds of the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta, with the vault on public display. According to the company, only two employees are privy to the complete formula at any given time and they are not permitted to travel together.
What kind of invention cannot get patented?
What inventions cannot be patented in India?
- inventions being frivolous or contrary to public order, morality, public health, the environment, etc.
- scientific discoveries.
- mere discoveries of new forms of known substances.
- methods of agriculture or horticulture.
What patent does Elon Musk have?
Elon Musk holds patents primarily for innovations at his companies, especially Tesla, covering AI-driven autonomous driving features (like Summon), vehicle design (charging ports, Model X aspects), solar energy systems, and potentially early ideas for online business directories, though his approach to patents is complex, often releasing them for public use while companies like Tesla amass large portfolios.
What are good ideas to invent?
Good invention ideas often solve everyday problems or tap into emerging trends like sustainability, health tech, and smart homes, ranging from biodegradable packaging and advanced water purifiers to wearable health monitors, solar-powered gadgets, or clever household items like a microwave with a heat map or self-cleaning clothes, focusing on making life easier, greener, or more efficient.
Which invention is patentable?
An invention can be patented in India if it is related to a product or process that is new, involves an inventive step, and is capable of industrial application.
What are the big 5 patents?
The five patent offices are the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), and the National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA formerly SIPO) in China.
Is Bluetooth a patent?
US Patent 6,590,928, titled “Frequency Hopping Piconets in an Uncoordinated Wireless Multi User System,” became foundational. It covered Bluetooth's frequency-hopping mechanism, enabling stable communication between multiple devices. The patent was granted in 2003.
What is the most profitable invention ever?
1. Printing press: But before any other kind of gadget or gizmo made communication easy, we lived in a world where communication was one-to-one. Basically, your options for conveying an idea were to speak in person or through letter-writing. Then Johannes Gutenberg came along.
How long does a patent last?
How long does a US patent last? The term for which a utility patent is valid is generally 20 years from the date of filing, and the term for which a design patent is valid is generally 15 years from issuance.
What is the most ridiculous patent granted?
Funny Patents
- Patent No. 5,885,614: Cure for Impotence. ...
- Patent No. 1,466,559: Head Exerciser. ...
- Patent No. 6,681,419: Urinal Headrest. ...
- Patent No. 269,766: Rodent Blaster. ...
- Patent No. 5,031,161: Calculate Your Life Expectancy: Watch. ...
- Patent No. 256,265: An Alarming Wake-up Call. ...
- Patent No. ...
- Patent No.
What if I bought $1000 shares of Amazon in 1997?
An investment of $1,000 in Amazon at its 1997 IPO would be worth millions of dollars today, potentially over $2 million, thanks to multiple stock splits (including a significant 20-for-1 in 2022) and consistent growth, demonstrating one of the best IPO returns ever despite enduring the dot-com crash.
Which stock is going to skyrocket in 2025?
Predicting a single "booming" stock for 2025 (which has already passed) is impossible, but strong performers and key sectors in 2025 included Nvidia (NVDA), AMD (AMD), and other tech giants like Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), and Alphabet (GOOG), driven by AI, with specific growth opportunities also seen in healthcare (Eli Lilly, J&J), renewable energy (NextEra Energy, GE Vernova), and value tech (Yiren Digital). The overall trend favored growth stocks, though market volatility persisted.
What are common patent mistakes?
Mistake #1: Talking About Your Invention Too Soon
One of the most common missteps is disclosing your invention publicly before filing a patent application. Public disclosures can include trade shows, product demos, investor presentations, or even a post on your business's website or social media.
Can I sell my idea without a patent?
Can you sell an idea without a patent? Technically, yes, you can sell an idea to a company without a patent. However, this is where we circle back to entering into an NDA contract before sharing said idea, as mentioned previously.