Patents? Ever invent something?

[Big Joe]

I have a couple of ideas that I think could be popular items.

Anybody ever use those online patent things?

Are they easy to use?

Expensive?

Effective?

[excane]

I've never used anything online, but the work I do for a living and as a freelancer has given me the chance to be involved in the patent process.

It is a very loooong process....sometimes could take years before you are awarded the patent. If this is something you're seriously considering, I would talk to a patent attorney. You'll need descriptions, drawings, etc. and it gets very technical.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

If ideas is all You've got, there's no way that they can be patented. To be patentable, an object, formulae etc. have to meet certain criterias. Those You can look up from your nearest patent office.

While in poly, we all made hypothetical patent applications to be evaluated during the patent office excursion. Most of them would've passed with flying colours, but then came the downside. Having/keeping patents gets expensive fast. Unless You're in position to manufacture and actually sell "your" invention(s) as a product, it's a lost cause.

And yes, about once a month IIRC, a perpetual machine patent application did land on their desk, and that's in Finland alone .

If Your idea is hi-tech and can only be produced in the "west", You have a chance. If it's lo-tech and can easily be produced, well you know where, forgetaboutit.

IMHO/IME as always.

Regards
Sam

[i_got_a_mohawk]

It can be a very long process (at least 18 months - 2 years IIRC?).

The costs will also add up.

And re perpetual motion devices - was talking to a patent attorney who said he was seeing a few on his desk each week!

[MakiSupaStar]

Get a patent attorney and do it properly. You're not necessarily creating the patent to protect your ideas, but you're also creating a patent that will, in effect, improve upon, and incorporate your idea.

For example. I have a buddy in Taiwan whose brother in law designed xmas lights. His job was to file patents that protected the original designs. There are only about two sources for xmas lights in the entire world for this reason, also a significant source of their income comes from suing people that steal their idea, and in turn creating contracts that lease their idea out to competitors.

[fo shizzle]

Just send me all your info and your prototypes......

I'll take care of the rest.....

[drteeth]

You need a lot of resources to maintain patents and make them worthwhile. Also, keep in mind that your product has to be profitable in no more than 20 years. After that, the patent expires and anyone can use your ideas.

[Big Joe]

Let's say I have this great idea for a piece of exercise equipment that would utilize unique properties not before used in this manner.

I can get 3D diagrams of it made up.

I have no way of manufacturing it.

I don't want to spend thousands on patenting and maintaining patents. What I would like is to sell my idea to someone who can produce and manufacture it.

Is this doable?

And fo shizzle... You have PM. :P

[Disraeli Gears]

Originally Posted by MakiSupaStar

also a significant source of their income comes from suing people that steal their idea, and in turn creating contracts that lease their idea out to competitors.

May want to talk with Monster Cables to learn more about how that all works