How do you get a patent on something?

[bloom25]

Wedsnesday night at 3:30 AM I thought up something interesting and jumped out of bed and sketched out a plan.  I built a working prototype this weekend and as far as I know this particular product doesn't exist.  I was wondering what was involved in patenting something?  

(I'd love to tell you guys what it is, but it's pretty simple for an electrical engineer to copy so I'm kind of afraid to do so.   )

[Hangtime]

Yah need a patent lawyer.

unnnngh. Good luck..

I can't believe I just reccomended someone talk to a laywer.

*sigh* Curious time we live in; enh?

[Pongo]

How did you make it so that the latex surounds the entire device but the batteries can still be replaced?

[Animal]

can it be strapped-on?

it better be flourecent and have a special pattern of vibrations, or i bet it has been invented.

ask the Ass!ass!<--INs they are experts.

[Midnight]

Getting a patent on your own can be very difficult and cost lots of money.

Suggestion #1. Put a copy of the ENTIRE thing (drawings, notes, when you thought of it, etc.) into a sealed (Tamper resistant)envelope and send it to YOURSELF via registered mail. (This will serve as your proof of invention dates, etc. should there be a dispute over the creation dates with another person/company.) Keep that in a safe place like a home fire safe or Bank safety deposit box if you have one. Note: DON'T OPEN THE ENVELOPE! If you need it, the seal must only be broken in a patent application hearing or patent dispute hearing.

Check the Library for patents that may be similar to yours. Someone may already have something like it, but you just don't know it yet.

If you still think you have a good idea that is marketable, call a patent lawyer and discuss it with him.

I recommend against using one of those so-called "invention agencies" who claim they want to help you. All they want is for you to pay them money so they can o a half-assed patent search for you.

I had an idea a couple years ago and went through that BS game they play. I tried and tried to get them to let me talk to a marketing person to see if there was a market for the product, but they insisted I pay them money for the search before they would do anything.

I refused, and did the searching myself. It took a little while, but I found out my "new idea" was already in use, so I would have wasted my money with the patent company. I'm glad I didn't pay them. If I remember correctly, they wanted like $300.oo just to get started.

Good luck, whatever it is you are trying to make. Who knows, it could be the next paper clip.  

Wing up, Get kills, Be happy!

Major Midnight - CO
   

The 412th is actively seeking P-51 Mustang pilots. E-mail me for more information      davidlj@charter.net

[ 10-15-2001: Message edited by: Midnight ]

[Leslie]

I believe you must write to the Library of Congress first.  This action is known as a Patent Pending.  You must include schematic diagrams of your invention, and I think there is a registration fee involved, (don't know what it is.)  Depending upon what the invention is, you may be called upon to demonstrate that it actually works as advertised, previous posts notwithstanding.

In all seriousness, my advise is to contact the Library of Congress by telephone before consulting a lawyer. In any event, don't reveal any particulars about your invention to anyone.

Good luck mate, I hope you do well with it.

Les
SC-Bama

[skernsk]

Do what Midnight said...TODAY and mail yourself that letter.

Then it doesn't matter how long it takes for the patent..it was "born" the day they stamp that envelope.

[bloom25]

Thanks for the help guys.    I'm nearly 100% certain this idea hasn't been patented yet, as one particular item it uses is only about 8 months old itself.

It's a very simple and inexpensive item that would be very useful to a number of people, so I think that makes it quite marketable.  

I think I might make a trip to the post office sometime soon.