Invention Guides

I come up with great ideas for new inventions, but what do I do next?

I come up with great ideas for new inventions or ideas to improve a product (a new feature). But the problem is I don't know what to do next? I know I need a patent but where do I go, where do I get one? I hear this number on a radio to call for information but I'm scared that they might trick me into taking my idea. What do I do next? Help me please, any useful tips will be appreciated. Thank you.

Public Comments

1. Best bet is to first see a reputable patent attorney. Many will even do a free first consultation. Was in your situation a few years back, and the attorney proved to be invaluable. Because of his experience, I was able to save a great deal of time, money and didn't have to worry about my idea being stolen thanks to the legal documents he drew up to be agreed to by any contacts I used before showing them my idea. Good luck!
2. Visit USPTO.gov and do a "patent search". This step will be necessary to determine that no one else has invented anything like yours before. Many, many people offer the patent search service - but I found that I learned an awful lot doing it for myself. What you'll do is read patents that have been issued for products similar to yours. In the process you should discover what information will be required to file your own patent application. A patent search means looking through the USPTO data base of patents and discovering if your idea has been done before. If you find patents for similar product - consider using that patent as a starting point for your own patent application! You will certainly need to cite the patent number of any invention that is similar to yours. It will be necessary to explain the previous invention and why yours is different or better. Conduct a patent search at www.uspto.gov. "Steps Determine what type of patent you will be seeking. A utility patent covers the functional aspects of an invention, while a design patent only covers the appearance of an invention. Access an online patent database such as the ones provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and IBM. Determine the most relevant classes and subclasses for your invention. Read the class descriptions in the database to see which are relevant to your idea. Review all patents issued within those classes. Perform comprehensive keyword searches for your potential invention. Leave no stone unturned. Assemble your search results into a report that can be readily referenced." By the way - there are patent service organizations can do all that work for you. Your choice. Pay their fee and hope they understand what you've created. Or research what others have done, learn from their approach and dignify your invention with your own knowledge of its value. There will be much to do once you have completed the patent search. For instance, you can find freelance patent lawyers on elance.com when you're ready to file.
3. http://eure.brinkster.net