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Patents for the Little People?

Posted by Cliff on from the empowering-the-underdog dept.

_ph1ux_ asks: "I have an idea that i would like to patent. I have called several patent attorney's in the San Francisco Bay Area and inquired about the costs associated with doing a patent search and filing. I was quoted a flat fee for the search by some, ranges by others - and some more sound sounding advice from others. Some attorney's want $450 for the search and a range of $3-6,000 for the filing - with up to six months before they are ready to just file the application for you. I have been researching on USPTO website to see if there are any pre-existing patents that cover my idea now for several days, and so far have found none. In the past I was able to quickly locate existing patents that thwarted my previous patent attempts - so this time it looks promising. My personal feelings for attorneys and lawyers aside - I want to know what have other slashdotters done with regards to pursuing patents, specifically if it is at all possible for an IANAL to successfully apply for a patent (cheaply)? Can you tell me what other avenues there are for me online or otherwise, while not giving away a large stake in my invention?"

6 of 466 comments (clear)

  1. Why Try? by Valiss · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Just sell your idea to M$ and live off the interest. That is, of course, if your idea is worthy of Billy G.

    =]

    --

    -Valiss
  2. Re:quick way by outlier · · Score: 0, Redundant

    That's why I mail myself empty envelopes once a month...

  3. Nolo Press: Patent It Yourself by nweaver · · Score: 4, Redundant

    Buy a copy of Patent it yourself, by Nolo press, eg at Amazon. It is a VERY good text on how to go through the patent process, both with and without a lawyer.

    --
    Test your net with Netalyzr
  4. Re:quick way by SlaterSan · · Score: 1, Redundant

    That might be an ok way to show prior-art, but that's not a good way to make money off the idea. I think that it is/was a valid form of copyright that many aspiring musicians use. It only works if you plan on producing something, and don't want them to sue you.

  5. Re:quick way by Anonym1ty · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Mailing something to yourself to use the postmark to establish prior art is also known as a "poor man's copyright"

    IANAL -- though I am not anal.

    --
    See the Pictures of the Flood of '08
  6. Re:quick way by Rhett · · Score: 1, Redundant

    If this really works, then I'm gonna mail myself an unsealed envelope every day. Maybe two.

    Hi ho!
    Rhett