Patent advice

[coylo]

Hi everyone,
As fellow inspiring inventors I'm sure some of you out there may have experience patenting other off-topic ideas. (unlike me, I'm a beginner in this field)
When I finish my University course I'd like to become an inventor and make a living flogging other ideas while I try to crack Bessler's wheel like everyone else here.
I think I'm a good judge of my own ideas, on whether they'll succeed or not.

I currently have a non-Bessler related idea that I'd like protection to ASAP.
I just heve a few questions...
How long does it take to file a patent?
and...
When does that patent become enforcable?

...and any other stories of your experiences with this subject matter will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[jim_mich]

coylo,

There is no fixed answer to your question. Patenting an idea is a process which can be speeded up or prolonged and delayed. A very informative book has been writen by patent attorny David Pressman titled 'Patent It Yourself' published by Nolo Press. In his book he explains the steps involved. You can ask the PTO to make your application special (speed it up) due to one of the these ten reasons...

Code: Select all

I.    Manufacturer Available *
II.   Infringment Exists *
III.  Applicants Health is poor
IV.   Applicants Age is 65 or Greater
V.    Envionmental Quality Will Be Enhanced
VI.   Energy Savings Will Result
VII.  Recombinant DNA is Involved *
VIII. Special Procedure: Search Was Made *
IX    Superconductivity Is Advanced
X.    Relates to HIV/AIDS or Cancer *

* Additional fee required

http://www.uspto.gov/go/fees/fee2004dec08.htm

If you make your own drawings and write your own application then your cost is small. If you use a patent lawyer expect to make his luxury car payments for the next few years.

A patent becomes enforceable when the patent issues. But it is enforcable back to when filed.

[Vic Hays]

How long does it take to file a patent?
and...
When does that patent become enforcable?

...and any other stories of your experiences with this subject matter will be appreciated.

Thanks.

I have seen simple patents isssued in a few months. Generally it is easier to have help with patent searches. I have seen simple patents done in the $2000 range when done mostly by the inventor. Watch out for the ones that advertise that they will help you patent and sell your invention. A simple patent this way will probably be in the $10,000 and up range. If you have documentation, you have up to one year to patent an invention after it is disclosed to the public.

I had an acqaintance who had an idea and went to one of the patent mills. They did the drawings for him and helped him get the patent. He thought a manufacturer would give him money and then do all the promotion and sales. Wrong. A lot of money, $10,000, went to patent an item to fit into a crowded market. A manufacturer in Taiwan was willing to quote a price according to the quantity of his special can openers he wanted to order. He was real disappointed when no one wanted to buy licensing rights from him.

[jim_mich]

In his book David Pressman discusses marketability of your invention and weighing of Positive vs Negative factors of your ideas.

Anyone thinking of patenting an idea should own a copy of this book. He covers most everything one needs to know involving patents and inventing. I very strongly recomend this book. Look-up the book Patent It Yourself at www.amazon.com and read the table of contents pages to get an idea of his in-depth coverage.

[coylo]

Thanks Jim, I didn't realise that you could fast track a patent due to the circumstances given, I wonder if that applies to America only?

...and thanks Vic, reading about the money involved, its enough to put you off. Suddenly, I don't know if its worth the risk!

I'll check out that book Jim.

Thanks!

[Clarkie]

Coylo,
I'm a prefesional inventor working in the plastics industry in the UK, I have 14 international patents over the last 20 years.

I would be very happy to advise you on what not to do and how much and how far to go on patents.

Please send me a private message with you e-mail and we can communicate without boring the others.

Pete.

[Clarkie]

I'm also a dyslexic, it comes with being wired up wrong.

Pete.

[jim_mich]

Pete, I find everything about patents interesting. You'll never bore me!
I'm working on my first patent. Energy related. Not a wheel.

[ovyyus]

Pete, I agree with Jim. Hearing about your experience with patents would be interesting!

[coylo]

Well Pete, I'm overwhelmed.
It seems the board has got its very own Patents Guru.

I'm going to research the general info on patents on the internet, because at the moment I don't know what I questions I should be asking you. I think this would be a good thread for the board so I'm all for inclusive discussion.

But it's comforting to know that I can contact you if I'd like to take it further.

Thanks!

[Clarkie]

OK prepare to be bored, ask your questions.

I'm a busy guy so responses will be as and when.

Pete.