2 questions 1. anyone know a good patent attorny...

[Jim Bremner]

1, anyone know a good patent attorney?

2. Anyone ever license an idea to a Automotive Manufacture with out getting burned in the deal?

[fanaudical]

Please remember that patents are expensive (~$25k to start) and are economic tools; you only get into a patent if you think you can recoup the expense through the sale/perceived exclusivity of the product you're marketing.

Unfortunately, I don't have any good contacts in California. All my patent work is in high-tech and industrial products.

[Jim Sims]

If you haven't already done so, go on-line to the USPTO and do a patent search. You can do this yourself instead of paying someone to do it. This can save you time and money. You may think you have a a new invention but ten other people/corporations have perhaps had it also with one of them patenting it. There are a lot of smart, technically oriented people (more than anytime in history) trying to invent. Good luck.

[BRPORSCHE]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Good luck. The good ones are expensive for a reason.

[Zeke]

The key to any idea is to sell it for an advance on royalties. Anything after that is pure profit.

A friend of mine (my dad's age) wrote this. Very much worth the read.

[mikeesik]

Can't help you. Though I've been to one. Concerning diapers.
I'd appreciate if you kept us informed about your plight.

For 20 years, it's been stewing in me to carry on.

[HarryD]

I know nothing about him but i recall there was a fellow on the old Rennlist Porsche mail server, Todd Serota, who I think is a patent attorney.

[obrut]

Jim,

I am one (and hopefully good!) but not based in the USA. However, my firm works with many US based firms. I'll have a dig around for some names near you next week.

Spending some time searching yourself is a good idea, but like most things a pro will do a better job. Patents are classified in a very sophisticated way that is more specific than just keywords etc. However, there are many online, mainly keyword based, search tools on the net that may give you a sense as to whether your idea is new or not.

Secondly, a provisional patent application can, for a more modest outlay, give you a years breathing space in which you are able to disclose without shooting yourself in the foot for seeking protection down the track. If the idea isn't looking commercial after 12 months then you can stop the process (and the spend).

Hope this helps.

[vlocci]

Jim,

I'm a us patent attorney, and am more than willng to lend a hand or offer some advice. I have also closed 1B or so in licensing deals over the last couple years, including licensing some of my own stuff to auto firms.

Shoot me a PM and we can go from here,

Vin

[BRPORSCHE]

Why am I not surprised at the lack of patent attorneys on Pelican?

Probably has to do with the massive salaries. I admire every single one of you guys. To be able to have a technical background with the ability to eloquently process your thoughts verbally and on paper has to be one of the most challenging things.

Some people only get the technical mind. Some get the English/grammar mind, and then you guys get both! Talk about a double whammy.

[G50]

I work with a very good patent attorney in Orange County.
I can give you his name if you are interested.

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by G50

I work with a very good patent attorney in Orange County.
I can give you his name if you are interested.

Yes Please. I told the idea to one of my closest friends. He's a Enginer and for years held a top secret clearance tag. The first thing from his mouth was WOW!


I've come up with other items. some have made it to market. Others have made it to market prior to me/ This is the first one that REALLY has major wings to it.

The odd thing is that it came to mind with daydreaming while my wife was talking about something else. All of the design came very quickly.

[matthew-s]

Originally Posted by obrut

Secondly, a provisional patent application can, for a more modest outlay, give you a years breathing space in which you are able to disclose without shooting yourself in the foot for seeking protection down the track. If the idea isn't looking commercial after 12 months then you can stop the process (and the spend).

I am not a patent attorney, but have been exposed to the process. I was going to recommend this. It is a lot cheaper, and puts a "hold" on the idea. You have 1 year to convert the provisional into the patent.

Depending on your strategy, this could even be good enough. When the provisional expires it becomes public. What this does is makes it prior art, and nobody else can patent that exact idea (but they can use it). So if you just don't want anyone to come after you later for infringement (rather than blocking others out), this could be an option.

At least that is how I understand it. If a professional here thinks this is wrong, I'd sure like to be corrected!

[intakexhaust]

Subscribed.

Back and forth regarding the worthiness of most mechanical or design patents these days. So let's say you get your patent. How deep of defending spending are you willing to go? International patents are even worse to defend. The Chinese laugh quietly to our lack of protecting patents.

I think you first have to evaluate the idea and dollar revenue. If its not substantial enough to afford defending it, I'd say forget it. If thats the case, move forward with the product and sell it off, royalty, etc. Although, the hard part doing that is most investors and or company prospect, want to see the initial provisional or full patent grant.

Years ago I learned a lesson firsthand with the bandits from Harley Davidson. It wasn't my patent but I was representing an inventor / patent holder from the UK. He had US and International patents. HD got in bed with a Taiwan exact copy, without patent and had the gall to send me a threat letter of cease and desist! For that, I'll never buy a POS Harley Davidson product. Americans are so duped.

[techweenie]

You actually have 12 months from the "publication" of a design to apply for the provisional patent. That means you can do some field testing and refine the design before formalizing the presentation in a filing. Getting notarization of the 'art' of the design is valuable early on -- before you start any patent process.

I would caution you that a patent is about the 'mechanism' to accomplish something; not about the concept. So if you have a mechanical or process difference that's not in use, you may have something patentable. If you want to patent a concept, you can, but only if you literally cover every means of executing the concept.

I have a very good patent atty in LA if you want the contact info.

[john70t]

Jim, anyone you talk to should have signed a non-disclosure agreement, and you should have a witness or dated photo....etc.

You should also keep written ideas hidden in a safe place.
-I'm in an ongoing dispute with a thief, and know for fact that my garbage was stolen off my premises several weeks ago(police report filed).
-When we were out of town last Christmas, I'm fairly certain my office was broken into. Security measures were disturbed. That has been corrected.
-One of my simple ideas that was described in notes with pics was found on the 'net a short time later: Israeli Army's hands-free "Human Backpack" for rescue operations

Before spending any money.....
Is it cheaper, and/or better that what's on the market today?
Will it be sold?

Do a self-search here: US Patent Full-Text Database Boolean Search The US patent office can do one cheap as well.
There are local resources as well: PTRC Library List A - L
Approved attorneys here: Registered Patent Attorneys and Agents

Many claims are already hidden in others.
I found that out (to my dismay) years ago when applying for a 3-rotor motor-flywheel/efficiency transmission and storage device.
I still think "my" idea will someday be utilized, but a lot of development and a huge consumer push would have to happen first. Industry is sticking with what it knows is cheap and reliable.

[island911]

Good info above.

Originally Posted by fanaudical

Please remember that patents are expensive (~$25k to start) ..

That strikes me as very high. (I have a few patents)

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by john70t

Jim, anyone you talk to should have signed a non-disclosure agreement, and you should have a witness or dated photo....etc.

You should also keep written ideas hidden in a safe place.
-I'm in an ongoing dispute with a thief, and know for fact that my garbage was stolen off my premises several weeks ago(police report filed).
-When we were out of town last Christmas, I'm fairly certain my office was broken into. Security measures were disturbed. That has been corrected.
-One of my simple ideas that was described in notes with pics was found on the 'net a short time later: Israeli Army's hands-free "Human Backpack" for rescue operations

...

Yes, the "big stuff" can be the target of industrial espionage. A software client of mine in the mid-90s was competing with Microsoft and suffered a series of break-ins with server access (nothing material stolen) until they hired a couple ex-Mossad guys with dogs to patrol at night. This stuff really happens.

[G50]

Originally Posted by Jim Bremner

Yes Please. I told the idea to one of my closest friends. He's a Enginer and for years held a top secret clearance tag. The first thing from his mouth was WOW!

I've sent you his info by PM.

He does this exclusively, has a ton of experience with patents, provisional patents, etc. He can guide you through it all.

It sounds exciting! Good luck!

Brian