I have a great idea for a new product. How should I go about getting it patented?

Question

I have an excellent idea for improving a pre-existing product. How should I go about getting my idea patented? Should I seek counsel of a patent attorney. Additionally, how can I find out if the patent is indeed legit or hasnt already been patented? Thanks. I am afraid that if I go to a patent attorney he/she might steal my idea. Should I just fill out the patent forms and see if it gets accepted? Additionally, it involves plastics - anyone know where I can get a prototype made without them stealing my idea as well.

Answer 1

I know alot of people are going to doubt me on this, so if you go to my blog or website I will link the report to the government that proves this. It is rare for some one to steal a patent in the US. Fewer than 100 cases ever make it to trial every year and the number is declining. 97% are settled out of court. Most patents are stolen from the US patent site by foreigners while they are pending. There's a good chance that their governments behind this and at the very least turning a blind eye. There is a back log of 500,000 patents and the process takes about 30 months now. The surest way to get your product ripped off is to send it overseas to be manufactured. Intellectual property right are non existent in places like Korea and China. I also own a plastics company who specializes in dealing with inventors. Even though I've heard rumors of people stealing other someone elses ideas, I have yet to see it myself in 20 years. I have personally seen people have their product manufactured overseas and find identical product to theirs, being sold on the same shelf for less money. Probably made with molds they paid for.

Answer 2

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what else the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

Find a registered patent agent or attorny at www.uspto.gov (patents - main - registered attorneys or agents)

They will not steal your idea, they have much more to lose than gain by doing such a thing.

You should not attempt to file yourself, as your patent, if you get it issued at all, will likely be worthless. The first step should be to get someone to do a search for you and see whether it has a reasonable chance of being patentable.

Get a patent filed, and then you can get a prototype made wherever you wish. If you want one made before you file a patent, get a competent attorney to set up a confidentiality agreement for you.

Do not try to sell your idea before speaking with a patent attorney.

Answer 4

A patent attorney is worth the money. i had a green flame lighter idea a few years ago and saw one. They charged me about 400 for the patent search but it truly is worth it. if you really believe in your idea get out there and sell it to investors. there are ways to go about it. Of course if you are looking for an investor basic legal paperwork should be written and signed by both parties before further discussion of your idea.

Answer 5

You patent recommendations to guard your product. It doesn't propose something must be patented to promote it to somebody else. I doubt each and each and every of the people promoting issues they created or serves on craigslist patented their recommendations.

Answer 6

Go to your big city library and do a patent search. You might be able to do it over the Internet. If your idea or closely similar idea is already listed, your SOL.