2006-07-29 08:49:47 · 8 answers · asked by PALADIN 1 in Local Businesses ➔ United States ➔ Other - US Local Businesses
the patent office
2006-07-29 08:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by leshunl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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. 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!
2006-07-29 16:11:13 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first step is to find out if the idea has already been patented, and this involves a patent search. It is possible to do this yourself but you'll need to learn how. There is probably information on this online. There are books on doing your own patent, and you might be able to get one from the local library.
2006-07-29 16:02:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most simply put, you file a patent request with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (http://www.uspto.gov/). Literally speaking, however, you may wish to hire a lawyer to aide you in your patent.
There are lawyers that specialize in patent filing. For a fee (naturally) they will do all the leg work for you; they will search existing patents to ensure that you're not duplicating someone else's work prior to filing the patent request.
2006-07-29 15:54:47 · answer #4 · answered by Eric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is tons of paperwork involved if you do it yourself. The best way is to get to patent attorney to do it for you. A better way in my opinion is to contact company that you can present you idea to. They will then in turn try to sell your idea to businesses in various "business trade shows around the nation. If a company likes your idea they will get back with you about an offer. Usually a lump sum, or a combination of lump sum and profits from sales. The fee these company charge range from anywhere from 7-10k depending on the package you want. It's a one time fee that cover everything (attorney fees, documenting fees, ect.....) Just check them out. Pretty exciting to do too ; )
2006-07-29 16:00:40 · answer #5 · answered by bigbadwolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contact the patent officw there are tons of paper work and i believe a fee too
2006-07-29 16:21:26 · answer #6 · answered by lindaann_56 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an excellent book!! Patent It Yourself, by David Pressman They have this book on amazon.com used or new...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1413301800/sr=8-1/qid=1154202963/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-4394052-5102230?ie=UTF8 Hope this helps....
2006-07-29 15:58:03 · answer #7 · answered by prs 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.sba.gov/hotlist/patents.html
2006-07-29 15:53:50 · answer #8 · answered by jd 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋