Own a Patent?

[Doug]

Hello Friends,

I'm contemplating the arduous task of applying for a U.S. Patent.

Have any of you been through that? The first question that comes up is whether to DIY or hire a Patent attorney?

Anyone with experience?

[Qapla]

I have not needed a patent but know a couple who did.

 

One Brother tried the DIY method. After 20 years, he was still trying.

 

The other Brother used an attorney. He later sold his invention for a great amount of money because he had the patent.

 

I know that most business people will advise using a patent attorney - that is, except for those businesses that advertise on TV that THEY can help you

 

 

Edited November 5, 2017 by Qapla

[Tortuga]

Be careful who you talk to. My mother once claimed that she told her doctor about an idea she had and that he later patented it...

[Doug]

28 minutes ago, Tortuga said:

Be careful who you talk to. My mother once claimed that she told her doctor about an idea she had and that he later patented it...

Exactly what my concern is. Would love to find a brother or sister to work with.

[Qapla]

I had an idea for something that could not be patented, so I never tried

 

 

Seems they won't issue a patent for anything that is considered "perpetual motion"

[Tortuga]

30 minutes ago, Doug said:

Exactly what my concern is. Would love to find a brother or sister to work with.

Call the Branch and ask if there are any patent lawyers looking for some extra money...

[Doug]

11 minutes ago, Tortuga said:

Call the Branch and ask if there are any patent lawyers looking for some extra money...

Good idea!  They should have a list . .

But, ALL lawyers are looking for more money, so . .

[Old]

1 hour ago, Qapla said:

 

I know that most business people will advise using a patent attorney - that is, except for those businesses that advertise on TV that THEY can help you

 

 

 

 

I will echo that. I used one of those patent attorneys that advertised in Popular Mechanics. Proved to be a money pit, and slow. Someone else had the same idea and got it to market while I was still trying to figure out a way to pay my patent attorney. I was young and naive about what could or couldn't be patented and was not properly advised by my attorney. $1200 was a lot to waste 1960.