Do we have any 'inventors' on board?

[Gregori]

I've been working on an idea for a possible 'product' that appears to be new.

The concepts behind it aren't, but I cannot find any reference to the ideas/technologies being applied/combined in quite the way I envision.

 

I've done some online searches, and so far I've not found anything quite like what I have in mind, so it's starting to look promising.

However - in order to protect the concept (as well as to find possible overlapping applications/solutions, conflicting claims, various other ways to describe it, and so on) my searches have been intermittent and intentionally vague. (Anyone with half a brain who had access to my search logs would probably be able to figure out where I'm going with it, but that's not likely...)

 

If it is indeed a 'new' idea, I'd like to consider developing and patenting it.

I may be getting ahead of myself, but I suspect that full development, production, and even sales or distribution are probably beyond my means. More realistically - I'd probably sell (or license) it to the highest bidder who will do something with it.

 

Anyway - I know there are a number of 'we buy your inventions' outfits, but I've heard in the past that the ones you can easily find are basically scams. (Ie - they require a bunch of up-front money; demand that you to assign all the rights before they even start to negotiate payment; and so on...) I don't mind working with a legitimate professional, but I don't want to be taken to the cleaners...

 

If anyone has any insight or experience dealing with patent attorneys, safely researching/applying for patents without one, and any related issues, I'd appreciate hearing it.

 

 

 

[hANNAbONE]

i hAD hand in inventing the Internet...call me if you need some help -

[ghaverkamp]

If anyone has any insight or experience dealing with patent attorneys, safely researching/applying for patents without one, and any related issues, I'd appreciate hearing it.

 

The first question to answer is how much you think the idea is worth. Then, figure at least $10,000 at the very bare minimum to prosecute a patent. Is this new combination of existing ideas and technologies nonobvious to a person having ordinary skill in the relevant art? Or has it simply not been done? Are there other combinations that will be about as effective that your patent won't cover? That is, once your idea is out there -- as it will be with a patent -- will it be easy to engineer around?

 

Is it an invention that can be hidden? Is time and engineering of the essence, or is it long-term value of the idea itself? Trade secrets are free, and if you time to market could be the biggest differentiator, it might be something to consider.

[Joe Frickin' Friday]

Buy a book. I'd recommend something from "Dummies," or maybe Nolo.

 

I think you can cheaply file some sort of dated, sealed document with the USPTO that locks in the earliest date of your basic idea; that protects you while you research whether it's worth creating and filing a rigorous, strong, carefully-worded patent. One of those books can probably tell you more about this.

 

IIWIYS, I wouldn't be talking to the "we buy your inventions" people at all.

[Mike O]

Yes... I have been granted 5 patents and 3 more in the queue, and defended one in Federal Court. Would a p.m. be more appropriate?

 

Mike O

[ghaverkamp]

I think you can cheaply file some sort of dated, sealed document with the USPTO that locks in the earliest date of your basic idea; that protects you while you research whether it's worth creating and filing a rigorous, strong, carefully-worded patent. One of those books can probably tell you more about this.

 

You can file a provisional patent application. However, that starts the clock running, so you better be sure you can get a completed application out in a year.

 

But again, all of that assumes you really need a patent in the first place.

[Mike O]

I think you can cheaply file some sort of dated, sealed document with the USPTO that locks in the earliest date of your basic idea; that protects you while you research whether it's worth creating and filing a rigorous, strong, carefully-worded patent. One of those books can probably tell you more about this.

 

You can file a provisional patent application. However, that starts the clock running, so you better be sure you can get a completed application out in a year.

 

But again, all of that assumes you really need a patent in the first place.

Correct. There are ways around the 1yr reqmt. For a provisional all you need is basically an abstract written with sufficient detail. One piece of advice... Let the attorneys due all the prior art search. Focus on your idea.

 

Mike O

[Gregori]

Mike: A PM is certainly welcome if you prefer (and I appreciate the advise/assistance offered) but not required on my account.

Alternatively, my direct eMail addy is my profile, as well.

 

I can see some advantage to an open forum discussion, in that it (hopefully) draws input/experience from a wider pool. But discussion in PM/email is somewhat more secure, and can be more specific - so I'll let you decide which way you're more comfortable?

 

For obvious reasons, I'm not going to get into specifics of the 'device' either way.

[keithb]

Just send me the appopriate documents and I will take it from there.

[ESokoloff]

I've been working on an idea for a possible 'product' that appears to be new.

.....If it is indeed a 'new' idea, I'd like to consider developing and patenting it.

 

Sorry Greg, it's not a new idea

[Mike O]

Incoming PM

 

Mike O

[Gregori]

<>I can see some advantage to an open forum discussion, in that it (hopefully) draws input/experience from a wider pool. <>

 

On second thought - with the wise-guy comments piling up, I may have to guess I need to rethink my position on the advantages of discussing it in open forum...