How to sell a software patent on my own?

Question

I have a pending software patent and I would like to sell it. I developed it on my own and I have the sole right. The patent application has been published. I would like to know where to find companies who can market, license or sell it for me. I have tried to approach some big software companies in the invention area but I didn't get anything back from them. I guess that IP is a quite sensitive topic.

Thank you very much for your input.

Answer 1

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* 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
* Essentials of Licensing Intellectual Property by Alexander I. Poltorak, Paul J. Lerner
* The Licensing Business Handbook, Fifth Edition by Karen Raugust

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 2

Most patent attorneys know a lot about this. Also, most of them give you your first session free! I'll bet they have some pretty good ideas on who to contact.

Second, look for investment groups in your area. For example, in Boise, we have an organization called "Kick start", which matches investors with inventors. While these organizations typically are looking for businesses to invest in, they are also a good source of contacts. You can find groups like this with simple web searches.

Answer 3

You can market this yourself starting out with, by setting up trade shows all around the US. Simply what that is, is you rent a booth, setup your demonstration of what you are offering and if they like they buy. Many software companies if not all start up that way.