2006-08-01 19:49:26 · 5 answers · asked by ? 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It's not a mandatory requirement though having an attorney to help you with the patent process will more than likely save you from headaches. That being said, there's no reason you can't do as much research as possible before hiring an attorney.
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!
2006-08-02 02:45:05 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can apply for the patent on your own.
I think uspto's website will give you good infor if you are applying in US.
Attorney's cost a lot, if you can afford you can do it thru attorney. Or else just get a sample application, I think it should be available from the patent office and know how to fill up the application and apply it yourself. I think www.bayareaip.com is a little less cheaper to most attorneys.
2006-08-02 02:56:15 · answer #2 · answered by sr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Caution...I spent $800.00 once to get a patent on a mailbox that bests most others around today.
My invention went nowhere, but the mailbox stood the test of time.
So many good new products out there, but what the people will ultimately buy is a crap shoot.
Tread cautiously.
Better to have no patent and see if you can have the product produced and sold on a small scale first.
2006-08-02 03:08:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, you don't need an attorney for anything. But due to the complexities of the legal system it may be a good idea to use one who is trained in patent law in order to ensure that your idea is properly protected.
2006-08-02 02:54:25 · answer #4 · answered by Ms T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its very hard because you have to do a patent search first and they are probably much more knowledgeable at it than you would be.
2006-08-02 02:54:16 · answer #5 · answered by brokolay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋