InventHelp Sales Representative - Alonzo Rivera

How to Begin an Inventor's Log or Journal

NOTICE: The content of this page contains material from the United States Patent and Trademark Office Web site and is intended for purely informational use. It should in no way be construed as any type of legal advice whatsoever. InventHelp® cannot and does not perform legal services associated with the seeking of patent protection. InventHelp® does offer patent services by referring clients to a patent attorney or patent agent.

Creating a record of your ideas and work will help you develop your invention and protect it when completed.

Rules for Authentic Invention Journal Keeping

  • Using a bound notebook, make notes each day about the things you do and learn while working on your invention.
  • Record your idea and how you came up with it.
  • Write about problems you have and how you solve them.
  • Write in ink and do not erase.
  • Add sketches and drawings of your invention to make things clear.
  • List all parts, sources, and costs of materials.
  • Sign and date all entries at the time they are made and have them witnessed.

Practicing the Critical Parts of Inventive Thinking

  • Is my idea practical?
  • Can it be made easily?
  • Is it as simple as possible?
  • Is it safe?
  • Will it cost too much to make or use?
  • Is my invention idea really new?
  • Will it withstand use, or will it break easily?
  • Is my idea similar to something else?
  • Will people really use my invention? (Survey your classmates or the people in your neighborhood to document the need or usefulness of your idea.)

Completing the Invention

  • Identify the problem and possible solution. Give your invention a name.
  • List the materials needed to illustrate your invention and to make a model of it. You will need paper, pencil, and crayons or markers to draw your invention. You might use cardboard, paper, clay, wood, plastic, yarn, paper clips, and so forth to make a model. You might also want to use an art book or a book on model-making from your school (or local public) library.
  • List, in order, the steps for completing your invention.
  • Think of the possible problems that might occur. How would you solve them?
  • Complete your invention.

REMEMBER!

*WHAT – describe the problem
*MATERIALS – list the materials needed
*STEPS – list the steps to complete your invention
*PROBLEMS – predict the problems that could occur

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