OT/Has someone ever applied for a patent? Options

[computers4kids]

I have this widget that I've built 30 of so far that I believe has true marketing potential. Sorry, it won't bolt on a 914. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) The idea is novel, unique and inexpensive to make, but has a worldwide audience. Anyway, I was toying with the idea of mass producing several thousand for a first run but if this takes off like I think it might--some big company is going to replicate it.



The patent process?
Any idea how difficult it is to get one....costs? From what I've read you can do it yourself or hire a patent attorney.

Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks, Mark

[rock914]

Patents are a slippery slope......Hiring a patent attorney firm is quite easy. Paying for the process can be quite expensive. I received one about 15 years ago, the product was fairly complicated so quite a few drawings were required. the total was $10,000 +. Also there are fees that need to be paid along the way to keep the patent from expiring. Keep in mind that after you are granted a patent it only gives the the ability to go after companies or people that infringe on your product. Many years ago I spoke with Ned Steinberger, quite possibly the most innovative guitar designer in the past 50 years. He told me that he could have easily bankrupted the company just paying lawyers to fight infringement. It also gets VERY tricky with foreign patents and protection. He said that the best plan is to get into the market fast and establish yourself as the leader in the product that you bring to market. If it is really good plan on duplication. Good luck with your new product and best of success, It is a very exciting process!!!

[r_towle]

Patents are a slippery slope......Hiring a patent attorney firm is quite easy. Paying for the process can be quite expensive. I received one about 15 years ago, the product was fairly complicated so quite a few drawings were required. the total was $10,000 +. Also there are fees that need to be paid along the way to keep the patent from expiring. Keep in mind that after you are granted a patent it only gives the the ability to go after companies or people that infringe on your product. Many years ago I spoke with Ned Steinberger, quite possibly the most innovative guitar designer in the past 50 years. He told me that he could have easily bankrupted the company just paying lawyers to fight infringement. It also gets VERY tricky with foreign patents and protection. He said that the best plan is to get into the market fast and establish yourself as the leader in the product that you bring to market. If it is really good plan on duplication. Good luck with your new product and best of success, It is a very exciting process!!!

I could not agree more.
Plan to have your product copied.
Spend your money and effort to capture the market early...
Most products have a limited market appeal and limited lifespan.
It will get copied, but if you have already taken the top portion of the market...the most profitable portion, use your new profit to innovate a new product instead of fighting over another product via patent law suits.
Its really basic business logic.
Any consumable product or anything easy to copy will get copied.
Do a better job of marketing and a better job of innovating and you will always stay in the lead.
Sit back on your laurels and try ti live off one single patent will make you pay attorneys all of your profits, and in the end its just to prove a point..that you were first.

Total potential market size is a large factor in your decision.
If the market is 1 billion of more...its worth the effort. The ROI is there for a patent, and for enforcement.
If the market is 1Mm or 4Mm it may not be worth the efforts to pursue a patent and instead just focus your energy to capture the market.
A provisional patent will give you that 12 month lead with little to no cost in a deep patent search (which you need to pay for with either your time, or a specialists time)
Then its just a standard battle for customers after that.


Rich