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Download video of my invention without protection?

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coytoered

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Indiana. I have 2 questions if that is OK.

I am a door security/locksmith & electonics technician, and I came up with a very simple, but very strong locking device that works by either mechanical or electronic means. It secures a door so tightly, that it's almost impossible to kick/break-in. It creates a locking device similar to installing a secure bar across the door. The wall studs will have to be broken to gain entry.

The homeowner can easily install it with a just a drill, 2 different size drillbits, a hacksaw, and 2 screwdrivers. It comes with templates. Just drill the marked holes and install the screws.

I have built 2 working prototypes that look and work exactly like my invention should. We finally did break through the door, but it took nearly 8 minutes with a sledge hammer & battering ram and it completely destroyed the door and wall around it. My lock was still perfectly intact and reusable. No way are you going to kick through this lock!

My 1st prototytpe works by a mechanical connection to the existing door hardware(deadbolt & entry set). It has a mechanical override and can only be unlocked if the entry set is first unlocked a turned and held stationary in either a CW or CCW direction, then simutaneously unlocking the regular deadbolt.

The 2nd is an electronic version that works by coded keypad, indoor push button, or remote control. It isn't connected by any means to the existing door hardware, but it can't be unlocked unless the entry set is first unlocked and turned and held in a CW or CCW direction, which activates the power switch and then simutaneously turning on the power switch, remote control or keypad to my lock. It can still be easily locked or unlocked mechanically, by hand, inside the house.

I have the complete drawings, schematics and dimensions ready to go. I have made a video of the installation and use of my locks and I'm ready to post it on the Internet.

My first question is: Since I only have these 2 prototypes and since this video will be advertising my locks for sale, how easy would it be to find a manufacturer to quickly build an inventory for me if I were to get a few thousand orders?

My 2nd question: Should I get intellectual property protection first, and if my invention doesn't sell, won't I be wasting my money on patent filings?

Thanks very much to whomever answers my questions.
 
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quincy

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
My first question is: Since I only have these 2 prototypes and since this video will be advertising my locks for sale, how easy would it be to find a manufacturer to quickly build an inventory for me if I were to get a few thousand orders?

My 2nd question: Should I get intellectual property protection first, and if my invention doesn't sell, won't I be wasting my money on patent filings?

You should consult with an IP attorney prior to marketing your locks online.
 

FlyingRon

Senior Member
If you think the work might be patentable, you need at least a provisional filing in before you market or sell the device (to include your video), lest your application ceases to be considered novel.
 

coytoered

Junior Member
I did go to a patent attorney, but he wanted $1500 to file a provisional. Seems like a waste of money if my invention doesn't sell. It seems the money could be better spent on my invention.
I thought I read that if you disclose your invention, you had a year to file for a patent or you would lose all rights to it.
 

quincy

Senior Member
You have one year after publicly using your invention to file a patent application or it is considered to be in the public domain (can be used by anyone without permission from the originator).

You also have one year after filing your interim (provisional) patent application to file your regular patent application. This one year after filing the PPA gives you the chance to find possible developers, etc., without the same risk you would have using the invention publicly without this "patent pending" status.

The PPA should cost somewhere around $100-ish to file, although it definitely ratchets up the cost if you have an attorney file it for you. You need to include a complete description of your invention and any drawings needed to explain the description. The regular patent application requires more.

The provisional patent application filing date would be important in showing your entitlement to the invention, should it be questioned.
 
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