1. If you want a patent attorney or agent that will help you using the patenting process, why not take along the names and address of lawyers or patent agents you find from patent document when performing a patent search. If the address just isn't given, conduct a Google type search using the information which is listed. Obviously, must be firm could have already handled the patenting of an invention much like yours doesn't necessarily mean they may be right for you. Do you wish to know a great source to find out whether you must look into using the same law firm or patent agent? How about speaking with the inventor on the patent document? Yes it's true, call the inventor, introduce yourself and say, "I'm in the process of finding a patent with an invention. I have been looking for a good reputable agent that helped me to which will charge a reasonable amount. I understand you used so-and-so. Can you recommend them?" To be able to locate the contact info from the inventor utilize a people finder tool. Be aware that sometimes the inventors listed on the patent document will work for a company and was not in charge of hiring the lawyer or agent that handled the patent process. In this case, it would not be appropriate to get hold of the inventor. These types of arrangements and a way possible of identifying choices discussed in more detail later.
2. From previous patents you can also compile a summary of assignees which may be considering licensing your invention. The assignee in patent document is a person or company who had been not the inventor, but was issued ownership or part who owns the patent. Most patents that list assignees are the ones the location where the inventor, or inventors benefit an organization in the company's research and development department. As part of the employment contract, the company has ownership rights to the invention developed by the worker. Patent documents that could involve this kind of arrangement are occasionally simple to spot. Some possible signs are when several inventors are on the patent and when the invention is highly technical. Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard to determine. If it's not obvious, you just have to call and have. Set up assignee can be a company that features a development and research department, that doesn't mean that they would not be interested in licensing your invention. Simply because they have shown that they're in operation with products just like yours, they might also be adding your invention to their manufacturer product line. When the assignee is an individual, it's hard to ascertain why there is an assignment. You will never fully realize until you call and have. Create a list of assignees and at the best time, don't be afraid to get hold of them. If you don't have a patent, ahead of revealing any information regarding your invention make sure to protect yourself by having a non-disclosure or similar kind of protection agreement signed.
3. Surprisingly, one of the most valuable information you'll find over a patent document may be the address and name from the inventor. (I'm discussing inventors that work in the private capacity and not being an employee of a company.) An inventor of the product just like yours can be a gold mine of data for you. Many people will be afraid of contacting the inventor considering them being a competitor, but I let you know, it really is worth the risk of having the device stuck on you. Besides, you'd be surprised concerning how friendly most people really are and just how willing they shall be to offer you advice and share their experiences. Tap into the knowledge they gained through their experience. You will see some people might not wish to speak to you, but I'll say it again, you'll never know unless you ask! Should you opt to make contact with an inventor remember you might be there to gather information, not give information. When they start communicating with them you do not feel safe answering simple say something such as "I know you'll realise why I can not share that information since I do not have a patent to date." Many people will understand rather than be offended. You will find people who failed at becoming successful making use of their invention and definately will attempt to discourage you. This is when you'll want a thick skin. Hear what they are saying, for they could share information along with you that you need to consider, try not to allow them to steal your dream given that they failed. The reason behind their failure may not affect you. By the way, you might be capable of capitalize using their company failure. Read # 4 below and you will see what i'm saying.
4. While performing a patent search, if it is discovered that somebody else has recently received a patent on the idea, the tendency is perfect for visitors to stop there. However, finding a previous patent on an invention idea does not always mean the overall game is over. The patent protection may be alive and well, but the inventor's drive and enthusiasm for his or her invention might not be. They've already quit attempting to make money business invention. Allow me to explain. Unfortunately, lots of people believe that after they obtain a patent on their invention, the money will virtually start rolling in. They have associated the concept of running a patent to be much like winning the lottery. They think all they must do is have the patent, speak to a few big companies, license their patent to one, then settle-back and wait around the checks. When this doesn't happen, they see themselves up against having to run the business enterprise. Including paying for the manufacturing as well as the costs of promoting to say the least. Confronted with this thought, some people get discouraged and give up. There's no telling the number of good inventions already patented are getting dusty in garages all over America because of this very reason. I'm talking about inventions which have real possible ways to make tons of money if handled correctly. To keep this from taking place read "Collect Money with Your Invention, Not Dust" by Jack Lander. For inventions in which the inventor has provided up, might it be possible to purchase the rights to this kind of invention for little money and flip it yourself? You bet it would! Many people is going to be very happy to just go back the expense of their patent. Others may rather get a small piece of the pie. After all a really small piece. However, you will see people who prefer to allow the ship sink than let someone else make money off their baby.