my invention

[glenny]

I'm posting from Massachusetts.

Hello and thank you in advance

I have an invention which has two versions. They are different in that one dissapates staic electricty and the other does not. There is only one simple step to make my product not hold a static charge. My question is do I have to apply for two patents or can both versions of the same be covered under the one?

Thank you

 

[divgradcurl]

I'm posting from Massachusetts.

Hello and thank you in advance

I have an invention which has two versions. They are different in that one dissapates staic electricty and the other does not. There is only one simple step to make my product not hold a static charge. My question is do I have to apply for two patents or can both versions of the same be covered under the one?

Thank you

It depends on whether or not there are really "two" inventions here, or just one. If you are working with a patent attorney or agent, that person can guide you on how best to approach this issue. If you are writing the application yourself, then probably the simplest method is to write the disclosure and the claims to cover both "inventions." If the USPTO finds that there really are two inventions, and not just two embodiments of the same invention, then they will issue a restriction requirement, and then you can file a divisional application to "divide out" the second invention into a different patent.