Researching a Patent

[Piobaire]

To the local legal eagles...how do I find out if an idea I had is already patented?

 

[mordecai]

Google patents. You can send me the basic info if you want. You can't patent an idea btw.

 

[Piobaire]

Thanks for the tip. You can patent a type of device though? This is an idea to make a very new and different type of an existing device. I am sure the existing device is not patented.

If I'm reading you correctly you're offering to access Google Patents for me?

 

[jrd617]

Spill the beans. What's the device?

 

[Piobaire]



Spill the beans. What's the device?

After a quick Google Patents search (thanks Mord) I'm going to stay quiet. There has been some various patents in this area but I think my modifications are pretty distinct. I am going to ponder this for a bit and might actually consult a patent attorney to see if my ideas warrant a patent.

 

[mordecai]

I was offering to assist in the search, but if you have a little money for it Consult an attorney. They may recommend doing a little preliminary work and ordering some drawings in order to file a provisional application whIle you determine tge claims and research prior art.

 

[Piobaire]

Does one need to build a prototype or will drawings and claims be enough?

 

[NoVaguy]



Spill the beans. What's the device?

Don't spill the beans. Posting something here could be used as prior art against you if it's sufficiently detailed and you wait too long to file a patent.

 

[NoVaguy]



Does one need to build a prototype or will drawings and claims be enough?

No prototype (is usually) needed.

If its a mechanical device, as I suspect it is, drawings, written description, and claims is enough to get started.

As always, get a lawyer in the field.

 

[Piobaire]

Spill the beans. What's the device?

Don't spill the beans. Posting something here could be used as prior art against you if it's sufficiently detailed and you wait too long to file a patent.

Thanks.

 

[jrd617]



and you wait too long to file a patent.

Yeah, don't be this guy

Damn, I'm excited one of own could be the next Edison! Good luck Piobear

 

[Piobaire]

Heh, this is a pretty minor thing but might worth an hour with an attorney I think.

 

[CBrown85]

Transparent aluminium?

 

[Biggskip]



Thanks for the tip. You can patent a type of device though? This is an idea to make a very new and different type of an existing device. I am sure the existing device is not patented.
If I'm reading you correctly you're offering to access Google Patents for me?

If your device is simply taking an existing device and rounding the corners on the device, I regret to inform you that Apple already owns the patent on that.

All kidding aside, good luck.

 

[JohnGalt]

You can also check the USPTO directly - www.uspto.gov - for US patents and/or WIPO for international patents - www.wipo.int.