OWNERSHIP VERIFICATION

Verify Your Ownership

Before your patent goes live on Rocket Patent, we confirm you're the rightful owner. Here's what that takes — and why it protects you.

Why we verify

Rocket Patent is a marketplace for real patents and real ownership. Confirming ownership before a listing goes live protects buyers, protects you, and keeps the marketplace trustworthy. It's the reason a deal on Rocket Patent means something.

Inventor vs. owner — an important distinction

Being named as an inventor on a patent isn't always the same as owning it. Many patents are owned by a company, a university, or someone the original inventor assigned it to.

To list a patent for sale, you'll need to show you're the current owner with the right to sell it — not only that your name appears on it.

Not sure if you're the owner? Your patent's record lists a current assignee — that's the legal owner. If that's you (or your company), you're in the right place.

What you'll need

Have these ready to make verification fast.

If you own it personally

A government-issued photo ID matching the name on the patent's ownership record.

If your company owns it

Proof you're authorized to act for the company that owns the patent (for example, your role at the company), plus basic company details matching the ownership record.

If ownership has changed hands

The assignment paperwork showing how the patent came to you (for example, if it was transferred from the original owner).

How it works

Claim your patent

We pull the official details automatically, so there's nothing to type.

Upload your documents

The items listed above — government ID, company proof, or assignment paperwork.

We review

Usually within 2–3 business days. You'll get an email when it's done.

You go live

Once approved, your patent enters the marketplace and earns a Verified badge.

You can build your listing — set your price and write your description — while verification is underway. It just won't go public until you're verified.

Your documents are safe

Anything you upload is stored securely, used only to confirm ownership, and never shared publicly or with buyers.

Common questions

I'm the inventor, but my employer owns the patent. Can I list it?

Only the current owner — or someone authorized to act for them — can list a patent. If your employer is the owner, the listing would need to come from them or with their authorization.

My name isn't exactly the same on my ID and the patent. Is that a problem?

Small differences like a middle initial or a former name are usually fine — just let us know. We may ask for one quick extra document to connect the two.

What if someone else claimed my patent?

Verification confirms ownership for listing purposes and isn't legal advice.