Oscar,
Contact a patent attorney as soon as possible.
If you've never drafted a patent application before, you may not realize how
important it is to describe your invention correctly in the patent specification
and to claim exactly what you've invented. You'll need an experienced person to
write up your invention and word the claims so they'll protect your invention.
The attorney will need to evaluate the prior art you've already found and will
probably want to have some additional searching done, but he or she will be able
to advise you after seeing what you've invented and what you've already found.
In selecting a patent attorney, beware of firms that promise big profits and
advertise 800 numbers. Ask enough questions to find out if the attorney you're
considering will understand your invention - if you've invented an electrical
appliance, you'd rather have an attorney with an EE degree than a degree in
chemistry.
As for "patent pending", it's not a right granted by the government. You're
allowed to to put it on your product as soon as you file the application with
the US Patent and Trademark Office.
You can protect your invention in other countries by filing application papers
with the same specification within a year of your US filing. You will need a
patent agent in each other country, but your US attorney can file the initial
application in the USPTO through the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
Edlyn Simmons
Registered US Patent Attorney (not in private practice)
Procter & Gamble Co.
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From: Oscar Rau <osca003@attglobal.net> on 06/22/2000 08:49 AM
To: Patent Information Discussion List <piug-l@derwent.tecc.co.uk>
cc: (bcc: Edlyn Simmons-ES/PGI)
Subject: Advice on Product search and attorney
Hello,
I live in the US. Although this is a UK based list, I am hoping someone
could shed some light and offer some advice!
I have an idea and I would like to apply for a patent. At the USPTO site,
the search yeilded lots of results. I download some of them after paying some
money.
None of these were close the product in my mind. What is the best course of
action?
Should I continue search more or go ahead and apply for the patent?
Regarding attorneys, when should I bring them into picture? Is it after getting
the
patent and negotiating a deal or much later?
Can someone please name some reputable patent attorneys in Michigan?
If I do get the patent, how can I protect this invention in some other
countries?
If I apply for the patent, then can I get a "patent pending" and start
manufacturing
the product.
How long will USPTO take to give the "patent pending" status? How about in other
countries, mainly in the EU?
Thank you in advance for any advice and help!
--Oscar Rau osca003@attglobal.net
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