If you have invented your very own original cosmetics, you may want to make them officially and exclusively yours by patenting the recipe. You should do this especially if you want to sell your cosmetics. Even if your cosmetics are just for personal use or gifts, you can still get the recipe patented.
Instructions
1. Conduct extensive research to make sure that your specific recipes does not already exist. This will save you time and money during the application process. The United States Patent Office will charge you a fee of $270 to research your recipe, and they will not move forward with a patent if the recipe already exists elsewhere. You will also be responsible for other fees such as the initial filing fee and examination fee.
2. Write your recipe down and save it in a few different forms. Print a few copies of the recipe and keep them in a folder where they will be safe and won't be read by others. Save your computerized files on a disk or external hard drive. For security purposes, you may want to label the disk with a name so that you will know what it is without giving away the content to others. Another way to protect your recipe is to mail it to yourself, but don't open it. The postmark on the envelope will prove when the recipe was created.
3. Apply for a 'utility patent' which is needed to patent any type of recipe. Go to the United States Patent and Trademark Office's Web site to get information on this type of patent and to find out what is needed. Keep in mind that this is a lengthy and expensive process. It could take up to 2 years for your patent to be in place, and it will cost you approximately $1,300 to obtain the patent without the help of an attorney.
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