The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

How many times have you heard a friend or a colleague say, "I've got this great new invention, but I can't afford to patent it"? We've been conditioned to believe that the patent process has to be long, drawn-out and expensive. But, getting a patent doesn't have to be as difficult as you think. This course will show you how you can apply for a patent online with the U.S. Patent Office for less than $100.

However, just because you can inexpensively handle your patent application online yourself doesn't mean that you should. A good patent attorney can greatly increase the chances that your patent application will be approved in a timely manner and may be able to structure your application such that you are afforded the maximum protection of your intellectual property. But, if you want to file a patent application yourself, this course will show you step-by-step how to do it. A sample patent application is provided in the course to help you through the process.

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of twenty (20) questions at the end of this course to earn PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.

Please Note: Continuing Education credits for this course are awarded as PDH (Professional Development Hour Credits).