General Discussion

Duer 157099

(17,742 posts)

38. Here's a bit more background

Mon Dec 2, 2013, 10:47 PM

Dec 2013

I recently attended a trade show and visited all of the vendors who deal in the sort of product I made. I asked each one if 1) they sell anything like what I've made (only telling them the purpose of the thing but not describing it in detail) and 2) what their customers currently use for the purpose.

It was in one of those conversations that one company asked if they could market my idea. They've been asking for details and I've been delaying showing them or telling them details until I figure out the IP angle.

So, they know the idea in general but the specifics are still unknown to them. Even so, they are interested.

I just want to protect myself as much as possible before doing anything further.

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Is there a cheap and fast way to get a patent? [View all] Duer 157099 Dec 2013 OP

The only way I know... pinboy3niner Dec 2013 #1

That's patently absurd. Orrex Dec 2013 #14

Pinboy's jokes are neither novel or non-obvious jberryhill Dec 2013 #24

Wow. Orrex Dec 2013 #26

It depends on your definition of "cheap" and your definition of "fast" jberryhill Dec 2013 #2

OK thanks for the link Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #5

If you already have a prospective manufacturer jberryhill Dec 2013 #6

Ok, thank you again Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #8

Yes, that's the point jberryhill Dec 2013 #10

Fantastic. Thanks so much. Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #18

You just got some great free legal advice. I second everything msanthrope Dec 2013 #11

The advice you've gotten already is accurate Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #28

Here's a bit more background Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #38

Recently is good (as long as recently is less than a year ago) Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #39

And then decide if you really want to... PoliticAverse Dec 2013 #3

The more relevant question is whether his prospective licensee does jberryhill Dec 2013 #7

Good reading for any small inventor contemplating a patent. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #30

MAD indeed, for an example see... PoliticAverse Dec 2013 #34

That is actually MAD not working. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #43

Inherit it Demeter Dec 2013 #4

I assume you've checked out information from the U.S. Patent Office... DreamGypsy Dec 2013 #9

Oh boy. Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #16

You've got some bad information there. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #29

If you think the cost of having your patent done right is expensive, ... badtoworse Dec 2013 #12

If you are intent on having a patent - Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #31

Unless you are a major corporation or plan to sell it to one, a patent is a waste KurtNYC Dec 2013 #13

I hear that, but Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #17

same dynamic really. Whoever has the most lawyers wins. KurtNYC Dec 2013 #21

Then what you need to do is to publish all of the details of your idea Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #32

Publish anywhere? Website? Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #37

Let me see if I can find some of the discussions about publication. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #40

Ugh no. lonestarnot Dec 2013 #15

Have you checked to see if NOLO Press has something on patents? Hekate Dec 2013 #19

There is only one way to do it to guarantee to save your ass and your ownership of Drew Richards Dec 2013 #20

I have one and my advice�.. Bonhomme Richard Dec 2013 #22

Why do you want a monopoly? nt Dreamer Tatum Dec 2013 #23

I don't Duer 157099 Dec 2013 #27

I already have a patent on your invention. Tough luck: 1,773,980 Logical Dec 2013 #25

That patent expired years ago - so that actually solves the problem. Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #33

Damn, my lawyer is an idiot!! n-t Logical Dec 2013 #35

Well - Ms. Toad Dec 2013 #36

I guess that is me! n-t Logical Dec 2013 #41

Most businesses don't bother beyond a provisional.. pipoman Dec 2013 #42