Re: All U.S. patents available on-line

Re: Trademarking

From: incomebuilder4u@home.com
Date: 27 Nov 2001
Time: 23:00:03
Remote Name: 24.5.56.39

Comments

You need help! I know an Attorney that will talk to you for free! If you are serious!

From: Stafford "Doc" Williamson
Date: 09 Oct 2001
Time: 19:54:31
Remote Name: 24.21.127.98

Comments

I have found this site tremendously helpful both in finding patents related to a recent invention of mine (which may or may no qualify for a 'utility' patent, but probably is "design patent" at least), as well as beginning to understand the patenting process itself. It's a LOT more complicated than I would like it to be, but the world is a complex place these days. I think IAA members might like to also know about a "pre-patent" step that can be helpful. (USPTO suggested that "provisional" patent applications may negatively affect the patentability of an invention under some non-US patent laws, but if I understand it correctly, this one is not likely to do that, and in general should not negatively impact any subsequent patent application.) Okay, so what is it, you are probably saying by now, right? It is called the "Disclosure Document" program, whereby you send something approximating the information that would be contained in a patent application, about what the item is, how it can be produced, the "I invented this" declaration (signed by all co-inventors, but not assignees or agents), and appropriate drawings (or under new rules photos of the object if suitable). This program costs only $10 for them to hold the documents for 2 years. Now, they point out that this is barely more "protection" than sending certified mail to yourself containing the same information, but it has a slightly more official standing. It might be worth investigating this program if cash is tight, or if you cannot find an attorney who would be willing to postpone compensation. There is also an "independent inventors" section of the USPTO web site that might help in some cases too. Speaking of attroneys, can anyone recommend a cooperative, competent patent attorney in the Phoenix area who will (sometimes, at least) defer compensation or take equity participation in lieu of cash in advance payments on patent applications? If so, I would be delighted to hear about (or from) them. My email address is paymaster@winfotech.com. Thanks, and I hope that this information will be useful to some of you.

Last changed: October 06, 2011

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History of the IAA -- In 1996, Susan Moore and Lisa Lloyd were two women armed with a great idea and a great deal of perseverance. While developing their product, they quickly discovered that resources and support for independent inventors were severely lacking. Their vision of a non-profit organization dedicated to helping inventors was soon brought to life. Through their efforts and the efforts of others, the group has grown.

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