I have an idea that I would like to register as my own and patent, I have looked at the website but I don't quite understand it - has anyone been through the process that could advise me? I'm based in the UK ...
2006-08-14 20:36:39 · 12 answers · asked by Mandy R 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Other - Business & Finance
Here is a page of links you might find useful:
http://www.abettermousetrap.co.uk/links.htm
It's important when filing a patent that the idea has not already been made public, so be careful about who you give details to, and ensure that if you show it to anyone before your application is filed that it's covered by a confidentiality agreement.
Most patents are filed by companies, so it can be hard to do if you're an individual. I have a couple of patents but my then employer filed them on my behalf. If you are employed, incidentally, check your contract doesn't allow your employer to claim your idea, even if it's obviously unrelated to your job. Most engineers, for example, do not own inventions they think of whilst employed because they have to assign their rights to their employer before starting work.
The patent application is done in a particular form. There is some advice from the patent office, but try reading a few similar ones, and in particular recent ones. You may need help in creating the application. There are patent agents who will do this, but you'll have to pay. The most important thing is to try and get your application in as soon as possible - if someone else gets in first you then have difficulty proving your idea was earlier. Email me if you want to talk more about this (I don't need to know your idea of course!)
2006-08-14 21:10:01 · answer #1 · answered by Graham I 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First thing is to write it all up, date it, take copies of all the details, and post your self a copy by recoreded delivery, so that you have some sort of evidence you developed the Patent.
If possible, and you know a soliceter/lawyer, get them to noterise it, and keep a copy, as that will also work as proof.
Then you need to find if there has been a similar patent registed. This has to be done vie the Patents office, or a patents lawyer. That is where the costs start.
Try to find someone who has done it, who you know to help with the paperwork.
If there is no other patent, you can take out one, there are various degrees or levels, all at differant expences.
Good luck
2006-08-14 20:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by Frankie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.
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
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-08-15 02:34:37 · answer #3 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a really tricky matter i invented a tool about 5 years ago and every time i tried to ask for advice or help people wanted money.patenting is very complicated and can be expensive.I saw an advert on the telly for inventers to ring i did and was told my tool would make loads of money so i sent of plans and details,was then asked to pay this bloke and he would market it,i said no and 6 months later someone else used my idea so be very careful.
2006-08-14 20:48:38 · answer #4 · answered by WOODROWCONSTRUCTION 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here is the web address for the UK patent office:
http://www.patent.gov.uk/patent/sas/index.htm
Do let us know how you get on!
2006-08-14 20:45:53 · answer #5 · answered by Baz94 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Find a patent agent--they should be in yellow pages or enter patent agent in your search engine
2006-08-14 20:59:11 · answer #6 · answered by Gordon R 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
see a good patent lawyer , (and ask their opinion before spending any money) but first write a 400 word description of your invention, and a diagram if appropriate.
2006-08-14 20:53:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
call the patent office!
2006-08-15 05:46:13 · answer #8 · answered by floxy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i d give hp a ring there always looking at helping people with new inventions
2006-08-14 20:44:31 · answer #9 · answered by stanny 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good luck.
2006-08-14 21:46:07 · answer #10 · answered by fistfull-of-$ 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋