How can I apply and receive a patent and not have to assign it to some corporation.?

Question

Do I have to actually get an attorney and what is the minimum cost ? Is there software ? something like tax preparation.

Answer 1

you can do it on your own if you have lots of time on your hands but it is best to hire a patent attorney. their is a lot of searching through documents to be done.

Answer 2

The only reason you would have to assign a patent to a corporation is if you worked for that corporation (either as an employee or contractor) and signed an employment agreement that obligates you to assign any invention developed as a result of or during that employment. If you have developed the idea on your own (meaning basically you are self-employed), and have made no commitments, you own the patent regardless of who writes it up, files it, and prosecutes it.

It is not necessary to have an attorney to file a patent. It is not necessary to have a working model. However, unless you know a lot about how the patent process works, I think it will be very difficult to do on your own. I have dozens of patents on work I have done over the years (for employers), and was very familiar with the process. Later, when I developed something on my own, I drew up and filed my own patent. i responded to all of the examiner's rejections, etc. and eventually obtained the patent. Even then I needed some help from the patent attorney I had worked with on my earlier inventions (he was kind enough to give advice without charging me).

The patent office charges fees for filing and issuing, but I don't remember how much. The patent office has publications that describe the filing procedure, and you should contact them to get the latest information.

I don't know of any software for patents, but there may be now. A patent must have a certain structure, with a summary, drawings, technical description and claims. It must be clear enough and complete enough so that anyone skilled in the field can reproduce the invention. Basically, you are giving the invention to the world in exchange for a period of exclusivity.

Answer 3

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

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. 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:

Getting a Patent:
* 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 4

Before you do anything take and mail two copies (one to you and one to a friend) of your comlete idea including pictures or drawing. Do not open it..This will lock in the date of your idea so no one can steal it before your idea is patented. The poststamp is the key.

Answer 5

http://www.uspto.gov/

no you do not need a lawyer

check out the site