| Author | Message | ||
| elzie
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 371 Registered: 8-2002 |
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
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1011 Registered: 7-2004 |
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
Intermediate Member Username: fmm Post Number: 122 Registered: 6-2002 |
get a patent attorney | ||
| lidon2001
Intermediate Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 101 Registered: 4-2005 |
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
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 773 Registered: 6-2002 |
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
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 775 Registered: 6-2002 |
... and I take it they don't take it on a no cure, no pay basis? (Pun not necessarily unintended.) | ||
| keith_h
Advanced Member Username: keith_h Post Number: 347 Registered: 2-2005 |
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
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 372 Registered: 8-2002 |
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
Senior Member Username: adriaan Post Number: 776 Registered: 6-2002 |
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
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 342 Registered: 12-2003 |
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
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 3092 Registered: 6-2000 |
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
Advanced Member Username: elzie Post Number: 373 Registered: 8-2002 |
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
Advanced Member Username: jalevinemd Post Number: 344 Registered: 12-2003 |
Best of luck, Paul. |
