2006-08-05 12:49:58 · 10 answers · asked by dayhawk3 2 in Local Businesses ➔ United States ➔ Los Angeles
The three types of patents are utility, design, and plant patents.
Utility patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, article of manufacture, or composition of matters, or any new useful improvement.
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/utility/utility.htm
Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/design/index.html
Plant patents may be granted to anyone who invents or discovers and asexually reproduces any distinct and new variety of plant.
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/plant/index.html
Because registering a patent is a very complex legal process, the USPTO recommends that you first seek legal counsel from an attorney who specializes in patent law. Although you may file the application yourself, it is also recommended that you first familiarize yourself with USPTO regulations.
PTO Information Toll Free Hotline (HQ) Arlington, VA
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
PO Box 1450
Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
Voice: 1-800-786-9199
Voice: 1-571-272-1000
TTY: 1-571-272-9950
For private courier patent deliveries, the street address is:
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Customer Service Window
Randolph Building
401 Dulany Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Address for mailing of Trademark documents is:
Commissioner for Trademarks
P.O. Box 1451
Alexandria, Virginia 22313-1451
http://www.uspto.gov
E-mail: usptoinfo@uspto.gov
This office will either answer your inquiry or refer you to the right state or local office.
Also, there are a number of patent submission companies that will help you search the current market to see if your idea has already been invented. Then they submit the patent for you, and this, of course, costs you money. I personally wouldn't use this method of submission. You can go to http://www.firstgov.gov/index.shtml for any governmental questions you may have.
2006-08-05 12:57:07 · answer #1 · answered by jcaxels 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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
What to do Next:
* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis
* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese
* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie
* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy
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!
2006-08-05 13:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
file a patent with the US patent office, if its a great invention you should hire a patent lawyer to protect your invention
2006-08-05 12:56:03 · answer #3 · answered by DodgerBlueFan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try out for the next American Inventor Television show...Good Luck...
2006-08-05 12:54:13 · answer #4 · answered by 345Grasshopper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell me the idea and I'll take care of it and get back to you...
2006-08-05 12:52:00 · answer #5 · answered by Opera 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
havent you seen that commercial where you call it and give them ur idea and you can get money off of it! if its a good one!!
2006-08-05 12:54:08 · answer #6 · answered by Steph 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get it patented.
http://www.inventhelp.com/contactform
2006-08-05 12:54:10 · answer #7 · answered by ~mary~ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pay a lawyer....everything ends with paying a lawyer
2006-08-05 12:53:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its already been done..... just rob a bank
2006-08-05 12:52:45 · answer #9 · answered by Chris86 dotdotdot 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell me what it is and i will let you know ....................
2006-08-05 12:53:33 · answer #10 · answered by eliesmommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋