Slashdot Mirror
Seeking Prior Art Before Filing Patent?
An anonymous reader asks: "I had a sort of out-there idea for computer hardware, and wanted to investigate design and manufacture. I figure the first step would be to patent the idea so that I am protected from it being stolen, while I confer with contractors about fabrication and circuit design. Does anyone know of ways to check for prior art, other than hitting up Google for something similar? I believe this idea is unique, but you never know what could have been out there, and I didn't know if there were any good resources on the web. Since the readership seems to be an inventive bunch, I think discussion on this topic may help more people than myself."
What's the worst that could happen?
Why not fork?
Get an IP lawyer. Seriously. They don't get paid just to defend against SCO. They actually do, you know, IP law.
"handlebars," "vibration," and "chocolate"
Sounds like a fine night at home with the wife!