2006-08-02 23:31:58 · 12 answers · asked by ljmuller 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing
email it to yourself then print it so you have a date and timestamp on it
crude but might stand in court
2006-08-02 23:35:25 · answer #1 · answered by Monty 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Applying for a patent is relatively in-expensive...Less than $100 when all is said and done. This can be done be simply filling out a form and paying a fee, no attorney needed. This gives you the right to put " Patent Applied For " on your product, and offers a small degree of protection.
It is the process of using a patent attorney, doing a patent search, and completing the process to obtain a patent number that entails a GREAT DEAL of expense. Thousands of dollars usually...
Go here and STUDY for more information:
http://www.uspto.gov/
2006-08-02 23:45:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.
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 Does that definition apply to your idea? If not, perhaps it's another form of intellectual property you're looking for - here are quick summaries of each:
Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.
Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.
Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.
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.
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!
2006-08-03 02:59:31 · answer #3 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing out there..... What I found out is, here in the U.S., their are a lot of people that don't get their item patent because all you have to do is change it by one little thing and IT'S NOT THE SAME ITEM, so the money you spent on the patent is just gone by by ......Why do you think we have so many of the same items and their just a little different ????? Examples....toothbrushes, brooms, mops, hair produces, and so on....
2006-08-02 23:58:09 · answer #4 · answered by shart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont tell a soul. but u do not get to claim any right if your idea will sprout out there. a man's mind is very brilliant. you should never underestimate that so if u think u can really make money out of ur idea, go ahead and invest on it and have it patented!
2006-08-02 23:38:13 · answer #5 · answered by nome 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many groups of people exist in the world.
Some people spend their time "protecting ideas." Many of these people will never have an idea of their own, and they place great value on the ideas of others.
If you consider yourself a creative person, forget protection. You received your reward already; you experienced something few other people will ever know. Now try to find a way to do it again.
2006-08-02 23:40:23 · answer #6 · answered by El Gringo 237 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot. If the idea is good enough to patent, it is good enough to patent.
2006-08-02 23:38:06 · answer #7 · answered by regerugged 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
keep it secret, do produce that item.
2006-08-03 15:21:35 · answer #8 · answered by Gabrio 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can give it to me to hold for you.
2006-08-02 23:34:06 · answer #9 · answered by Brandon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont tell anyone about it
2006-08-02 23:34:19 · answer #10 · answered by blackduck1001 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋