I have an idea for an invention. What should I do first?
Kutztown SBDC: Small Business Development CenterIdeally, if you have a unique invention, you could file for a patent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office , and perhaps with patent offices abroad. Unfortunately, this can be an expensive and time-consuming process that generally requires the use of an attorney. You can also file a provisional patent, which recognizes the date of your invention and provides you with one year to undertake the full patent process.
Related QuestionsWho can I talk to about an idea or invention that may be worth protecting or marketing?
FAQ for ResearchThe MUSC Foundation for Research Development (FRD) is responsible for managing intellectual property developed by MUSC faculty, staff, trainees, and students. The FRD staff provides services in identifying, evaluating, protecting, marketing, and licensing inventions, copyrightable material, and tangible results of research, as described in the MUSC Intellectual Property Policy. This policy can be found in the MUSC Faculty Handbook.
Related QuestionsWho owns my invention idea?
Staples® Invention Quest® KidsEntrants own all rights to their invention ideas. Ownership of the invention idea shall remain with the entrant who had the idea.
Related QuestionsOnce I have a good idea for a new invention, then what?
Ask The InventorsThe first thing to do is to start keeping a journal. In the journal you need to describe and draw your invention the best that you can. Then you need to have two people who are not related to you to read your description and sign and date the page where you described it. This is very important. It is essential that you keep your journal in exactly the right sort of journal book. It must be a book in which the pages are stitched or sewn in. It must not be a book with glued pages.
Related QuestionsI have an idea for an invention. Where do I start?
Simple Patents SearchWe recommend searching the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office website, Google Patents, and Free Patents Online on your own first. If your search is inconclusive, then you should come to us.
Related QuestionsCan MIT help me with my invention idea?
MIT School of Engineering: About: Frequently Asked QuestionsThe School of Engineering does not have the facilities or personnel to help individual inventors outside MIT with their ideas. However, several groups at MIT may be able to direct you to an appropriate source of information and assistance. The Technology Licensing Office identifies technologies that may be suitable for startup companies. The TLO selects innovative technologies with a broad range of potential applications in new markets, then introduces them to appropriate potential investors.
Related QuestionsWhat's the difference between an idea and an invention?
Patent FAQ -- Patent Information, Patents, Search, and Inven...What we in the business call "reduction to practice.
Related QuestionsDo I have to have a patent or patent pending on my invention idea?
Staples® Invention Quest® KidsNo patents (pending or final), trademarks or copyrights are necessary in order to submit an invention idea. However, by entering you are representing that to the best of your knowledge, understanding and belief, your invention idea does not infringe any patent, trademark or copyright.
Related QuestionsHow do I know whether someone has already patented my idea for a new invention?
Webb Law Firm - Our OfficeConducting a search of United States issued patents and pending applications is a good way to begin. The United States Patent and Trademark Office provides a free search tool at its www.uspto.gov web site. Searching can identify whether someone has already received a patent covering your idea. A patent attorney can assist with the search or conduct one for you.
Related QuestionsI came up with an idea that involves an invention I made. How do I get it to market?
Venture Capital FAQ | Business Plan FAQYour best bet is to sell your idea or product outright rather than try to start a company to market it. Depending on your business skills and experience, you may be better off selling your idea to a manufacturer or company. Again, focus on selling your inventions rather than starting a company around your product. Unless you're a very strong business person, you stand a much greater chance of success and fast capital return doing it this way.
Related QuestionsIs my invention patentable?
Help Getting Started, Frequently Asked Questions, Patent FAQ...Note, the information provided here are the basic concepts, however we would have look at the details of your case to provide you a patentability legal opinion. In generic terms: in determining the patentably of your your invention, the Patent Office must consider utility, novelty, obviousness, and so called "secondary considerations." Generally, if your product or process does something useful that a "close" one does not, then your product would logically be novel.
Related QuestionsHow can you lose your invention?
Under the Patent Code there are several events that can prevent an inventor from receiving a patent on his invention. They are generally based on the principles that there can be only one true inventor and that the United States has a one year grace period from the day that the public learns of the invention. It should be noted that a patent issued anywhere to anyone, even the inventor applying in the U.S., is a printed publication which begins the clock running.
Related QuestionsHow much do you think my idea/invention is worth, or how much should I sell it for?
FAQ - Frequently Asked Question about InventionsInventions: We (123 Inventions) are not in the business of buying ideas and/or inventions. The amount that an idea is worth will be different with each interested investor. If it is a highly sought after invention, then obviously it will generate more worth then an idea that will only interest a small group of people. This reflects the age-old adage 'Supply and Demand'. You have to communicate the want and need for your idea to them (the investors).
Related QuestionsI have thought of a great invention but I don't have any idea how to actually make it. What now?
Ask The InventorsWe advise all first-time inventors to stay within their area of expertise. Too often first-time inventors confuse an "idea" with an invention. For example, I may think that it would really be neat to have cars that "hovered" above the road on jets of air, eliminating the need for tires and making for a very smooth ride. That's an interesting idea, but that is all it is, an idea. I wouldn't have a clue as to how to actually make such an invention.
Related Questionsreturn to top I have to have a patent or patent pending on my invention idea?
Invent-A-Toy World Games presented by MATTELNo patents (pending or final), trademarks or copyrights are necessary in order to submit an invention idea. However, by entering you are representing that to the best of your knowledge, understanding and belief your invention idea does not infringe any patent, trademark or copyright.
Related QuestionsIf I have more than 1 idea for an invention, will I have to create an account for each entry?
Invent-A-Toy World Games presented by MATTELNo. All of your inventions/products will be accessed using the same account. You can save them all in your workspace, and decide to submit each entry individually - when you determine it is ready for review.
Related QuestionsWhose idea is this anyway?
Total Ministry FAQMany attribute the idea to the Holy Spirit calling God's people to use their spiritual gifts. The idea has been developing for years in dioceses with many small, rural congregations, such as Alaska and those in Michigan. The idea for Spirit of the Heartland came from local multi-church gatherings usually facilitated by Canon Missioners to discuss possibilities for the future of our congregations. The idea was formally accepted by our vestries.
Related QuestionsWhat is the idea?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe idea is simple: to raise $50,000 (US) by selling 400 40x40-pixel blocks for $125 each. That's about $0.08 per pixel. All money collected from the selling of blocks will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help fight blood cancers. My wife, Renée, and I are currently training to complete a 100-mile bicycle ride around Lake Tahoe this June to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as part of Team In Training. It will be my second TNT event and Renée's first.
Related QuestionsWhat is an invention?
Intellectual Property Office - Patent FAQsInventions include new processes, products, apparatus, compositions of matter, living organisms, or improvements to existing technology in those categories. A process is a method of producing a useful result. A process can be an improvement on an existing systems, a combination of old systems in a novel manner, or a new use of a known process. A machine is an apparatus that performs a functions and produces a definite result or effect.
Related QuestionsKancelaria Patentowa £ukaszykwhich has been sufficiently disclosed in a patent speciffication. Though the first two requirements are intuitive, the third and fourth ones (the inventive step and the sufficiency of disclosure) may be controversial and the legal advice of a patent attorney is helpful if there is any doubt as to whether a given invention is patentable. its effect of operation is unexpected from the point of view of existing state of the art.Related Questions
Technology Transfer FAQ'sThe first step is to disclose your invention to TJU. An Invention Disclosure Form should be completed and returned to OTT.Related Questions
PARTEQ innovations-Process FAQsquot; ‘Invention' means any new and useful art, process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement in any art, process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter."Related Questions
How can I make sure that my idea / invention will be safe from those who may want to steal it?
FAQ - Frequently Asked Question about InventionsInventions (Previously we would have given you this answer:) Gather all the information you have on your idea. Write it all down. Include pictures, graphs, and any other important information. Make a copy of all this material. Seal that copy of the material in a large heavy duty envelope. Go to your local post office, and send that package to yourself certified mail. When you receive it, DO NOT open it. Sign for it, and keep it in a safe place.
Related QuestionsWhat is the marketability of your invention?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -- PATENTWIZARD, LLCWhat is the patentability of your invention? If 3 or more factors are high, then you should seriously consider hiring a patent attorney to draft your patent application. If 3 or more factors are low, then self-drafting should be considered. If you are in the "middle", then you need to seriously evaluate your position and attempt to make the best decision for you and your technology.
Related QuestionsWhat's an Invention?
Frequently Asked QuestionsWe hope this page will help you answer commonly asked questions as you go throught the proposal and grants management process at the University of Delaware. Choose a topic heading at right to view questions that are commonly asked about them and then click on a question to expand its answer. If you have additional questions that are not covered here you can contact RGS or find your representative in our staff directory.
Related QuestionsInvention is actually the combination of two events. First, the ideas or concept which will become the essence of the patent must be conceived. When this idea is put into a working model or reduced to practice, invention occurs. The inventor is not required to file an application at that time. He may file at some later time and still obtain a patent, provided he did not create any statutory bars for himself or one else creates such a bar to obtaining a patent. See Statutory Bars, below.Related Questions
If I am employed, who owns my invention?
Inventors generally own their inventions, even if they are employed by a company. The exceptions (although state laws often limit these rules) are: If prior to the date of invention the employee entered into an employment agreement providing for the assignment of all of his inventions, made during the term of employment The employee was specifically hired to invent the particular invention or make developments in the general area of the invention.
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