While the iron is hot

[prog]

I've got a new idea for a simple invention. It's a mass-manufacturable, store-sellable artifact this time. A consumer item. It could be big.

It may be worth patenting, and starting a company around.

I'm going to leave my door unlocked tonight, and would appreciate it if one of you would just sneak in and suffocate me while I'm asleep. I've seen it done it movies; it doesn't look very hard.

Comments

[gemini6ice.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why you want to be suffocated with regards to your invention idea. Do you think it's a pipe dream you'll waste money on?

[prog.livejournal.com]

I think it mostly means I talk to Plotkin too much.

I am seriously going to look into patenting this. Or at least talk to someone about what that entails.

OK, first I am going to build a prototype and see if it actually does what I think it will do. And then etc.

[gemini6ice.livejournal.com]

3. Profit

[prog.livejournal.com]

oh sweet jesus

[gemini6ice.livejournal.com]

Only if Sara Lee made communion bread.

sweet shortbread jesus

[jtroutman.livejournal.com]

Nice! I'm going to use that one from now on.

[radtea.livejournal.com]

Or at least talk to someone about what that entails.

Get a patent lawyer or patent agent who is recommended by someone you trust (I've got a good guy, but he's Canadian.) Don't deal with invention services or try to do it all yourself.

Be prepared to spend some real money. I've been told it's possible to get a patent for $5K, but I've never seen it done for less than $25K. My patent lawyer charges in the range of $400/hour. Patent agents should be a good deal cheaper, and in your area there ought to be a lot of them about.

Also be prepared to spend some real time, especially learning "patent speak." The language of claims can be extremely esoteric.

I recommend prototyping before patenting--it's what I'm doing with a heat-engine idea at the moment. Unless you have very deep pockets it isn't worth patenting something that is not definitely exploitable.

You should also get familiar with the USPTO patent database (www.uspto.gov) and do a thorough search. You will be amazed by what has already invented. Some patent applications are also searchable, but it is still possible to get blindsided by a newly issued patent (I've had it happen.)

Google Patents

[prog.livejournal.com]

Thanks, man.

Coincidentally, this just appeared on my radar: http://www.google.com/patents

[keimel.livejournal.com]

I'm going to leave my door unlocked tonight, and would appreciate it if one of you would just sneak in and suffocate me while I'm asleep. I've seen it done it movies; it doesn't look very hard.

Well I sure as hell aint drivin back down there again two nights in a row. You had a perfect chance to want to be suffocated LAST night. Please try to coordinate our schedules better next time.

;)