Author Topic: Anyone here ever apply for a patent? (Read 162 times)

elzie · « **on:** February 21, 2006, 04:16:51 PM »

I am trying to apply for a patent for something in the medical field. I got a headache reading all the info at the US Patent website. If anyone here has applied for a patent, can you give me some tips or help me out? I contacted a patenet attorney, but for the price of the retainer I'd be oredering a new Alembic I know I can do it myself, but I need some help/guidance.

Paul TGO

lbpesq · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2006, 06:34:05 PM »

Paul:

If you get busted growing cannabis, I'm your guy. Unfortunately I know nothing about patents. You might give Mica a call. I assume Ron/Alembic must own a patent or two.

Bill, tgo

fmm · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2006, 09:23:14 PM »

get a patent attorney

lidon2001 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2006, 09:32:24 PM »

http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm

So others' heads may spin as well...

T

(Message edited by lidon2001 on February 21, 2006)

adriaan · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2006, 01:25:35 AM »

If it were anywhere but the medical field, like a tool or something, you'd probably be able to find a small-scale law IP law firm for a reasonable sum.

But don't hesitate to do your own searching -

USPTO Patent Full Text and Image Database ? (granted patents)http://164.195.100.11/netahtml/search-bool.html

Same, but published applications (patent may not have been granted, but if there's a match here you don't have a new invention) -http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

You might also look at the WIPO -
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) - http://www.wipo.int/
PCT/WO Application Database http://www.wipo.int/ipdl/en/search/pct/search-struct.jsp

adriaan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2006, 03:01:15 AM »

... and I take it they don't take it on a no cure, no pay basis? (Pun not necessarily unintended.)

keith_h · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2006, 04:18:44 AM »

Many years ago when I was still doing engineering we always used a patent attorney to navigate the process. All we engineers did was put together the drawings and descriptions for them. I do recall at that time the drawings had special requirements as to style and type of lettering. We had a special tool that we used to letter all of the drawings (can't remember the name anymore).

Heres a URL to the requirements:
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#standards

Hope it helps.

Keith

elzie · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2006, 04:45:42 AM »

I have done my own preliminary search and there is nothing I can find even remotely related to or like my invention. I meet all the criteria for an invention to be accepted by the patent office. I just need someone who's been through it to help me with the forms and such.

The patent office is very particular in the way they want things, so I want to get it right. I think they also accept CD-Rs and CDs now, which would be great for me, but I need to know how to do it. I have been trying to call patent agents instead of attorneys, but apparently they don't like to retuen calls.....

Paul TGO

adriaan · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2006, 06:15:45 AM »

I've heard stories about the US PTO as a giant paper warehouse, in organized chaos - though the situation may well have improved over the past few years.

If you were in Europe, you could use the on-line filing facilities available from the EPO, which help you with all the stuff that you need to include. Pretty sure WIPO will be offering the same soon, building on the EPO software. US PTO may join the program as well.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2006, 09:42:01 AM »

Paul,

I have been there, stared into the abyss of the self-patent process and gave up. My gut feeling was that unless you had money and unlimited time, it was a lost cause. A friend once sent me a book called Patent It Yourself. It was thick as a baby's arm! My suggestion is to find a partner with the resources you need. I have done that for 2 patents thus far. What you may give up regarding complete ownership, you more than make up for in expediting the entire process and turning a pipe dream into a reality.

As a physician and inventor myself, if you want to e-mail me, I'd be more than happy to talk to you. Perhaps I could put you in touch with someone directly connected to the area for which you are developing this product.

Regards,

Jonathan

mica · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2006, 10:07:51 AM »

Jonathan's suggestion of a financial partner is good advice. There isn't any advantage to obtaining a patent if you can't also afford to defend it. If you don't defend it, you will not keep the patent protection.

elzie · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2006, 11:02:08 AM »

Thanks for the advice Jonathan and Mica!

I spoke with a patent agent today and have scheduled a meeting an a few weeks ( I need to get past tax time to see if the IRS leaves any money in my bank account). My thinking is a Provisional patent so I can shop my idea around to a few selected companies. Maybe I can then fund my other idea with that money

Thanks again for all the invaluable help!

Paul TGO

jalevinemd · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2006, 04:30:14 PM »

Best of luck, Paul.