Patents? How to start an idea?

Hi folks.

Our family has a couple of ideas that we would like to put into the works, but we have no clue where to start. I was hopeing someone here had some experience with patents or new ideas that you got started.

What we want to do is. Get a patent on this item we want to produce. I believe this is the first step. I really have no clue what is required for the patent. Blueprints, diagrams, charts, what? Are there any fees? Are there restricions on patents?

All the info on the idea i can give you is: Its plastic, small, and deals with food. What i really need right now, is some one who has a general clue about this stuff( a kick in the butt to start working)

Any information, suggestions, and experiences would be great.

Thanks



cooked

 

US Patent Office Website... should give ya all the info you need
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/tac/doc/basic/

 

There was a thread on this once:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=28944&highlight=patents

I can't remember it all (except someone told me I was pretty wrong about what I was writing...which may have been true ) but it may be helpful

 

First thing to do is consult with a "patent attorney". He can advise from there. Any advice you get from others may cloud your judgement on if you should proceed with your idea or not. Do not spend $ on anything until you talk to a professional first.

 

cooked,
you are in the same boat as we used to be in.
my dad is a freelance inventor, and we patent all of our ideas by ourselvs. if you want any tips or questions, dont hesitate to pm, im, or email me.

 

Not that kind of professional.

 

I wonder who holds the patent on THAT? Hue maybe?

 

Thanks for all the help everyone!

I noticed on the main website, that the patent office has some type of new software that would walk you through the steps of everything. Any one have an opinion on that. If the connection was not secure. Would you send your information accross the net?



cooked

 

What is secure?
if you want to be totally sure that information is "safe"
you could always take it to the patent office yourself
but who has the time?


no I am not being a smart a**

 

Yes it would, but being sniffed is hardly a concern, plus, if your patent is allowed to you it's Public info anyway.

 

It's been done before , a fast food restuarant fork. Seriously, go to it. Keep us informed, as much as you wish to release to us. Bazza

=====

 

Thanks for all the support guys! Im still in the process or researching. Im looking through the software now. I will keep everyone updated, as we make progress.



cooked

 

Something to consider about patents. You can easily modify an existing product, and I believe only 10 %, and the patent won't help you.

China India Pakistan will flood the market with your own invention and the patents don't hold in foriegn countries.

A friend of mine spent close to 50 grand patenting a idea and process of bath salts, only to be beaten to market by the 10% change in design.

Market strategey will put you farther ahead than a patent. Get your product into production as fast and cheap as possible with reasonable quality.

You now have established your foothold and name in the industry. You have the money to defend against any patent infringement cases etc. Publicity is your friend at this stage, so lawsuits are welcome.

If your product is complicated the patent process could kill you before you start. Trying to get investors can be extremely difficult unless you have a working prototype and a good business plan.

So here is the best thing to remember-- Ideas are like buses, one comes along ever hour or so. If you make 10% of 100 ideas or 100% of 10 ideas that never take off, which is better?

In other words, the patent process is outdated and very limited in it's protections. Something no-one seems to speak of is that if someone steals your patent idea, you will spend thousands trying to collect nothing, as those who would steal your idea are sheilded with corporate shelters.

Get your product to market fast establish your product, reap the financial gain and let the copycats promote your quality product.

If your worried about someone stealing your idea before it is in production (someone working with you), well let's just say their is a lot of theivery and who knows who you can trust.

Let me tell you of another person I know who has many inventions. He is so paranoid about someone stealing his ideas that he won't even persue producing or even securing a patent for fear that someone in the patent office will steal his idea.

So in summary, document all your first steps well with time and credible witness. Keep impeccable records and off you go to the wonderfull realization of the American Capitalistic Dream. And make sure that all those involved sign a confidentiality contract.

Best to you and your new product, keep us all posted

 

what mag00 says is true, the asian coountries don't recognize our patent system, in fact they could care less, if they can steal it and make a profit they will.
as far as the patent, if someone steals it evidence that you thought it up is to take a copy of the design and mail it to yourself. Leave the envelope sealed, that way it has the post offices stamp for the date on it.