patent question

[sbever]

What is the name of your state? IN

I have an idea (as everyone else here does as well). I would like to know if there is a website that would give step by step information on how to move from start to finish. I'm a bit disoriented by it all but would really like to make some sort of plans and attempt to contact a company I feel could use my idea.

If a prototype is needed, would it need to be a functional prototype or could it be enough of a model to get the idea across? Could the model be patented if it is non functional at the time but enough to get the idea of what would become of the idea?

Thanks for any and all help.

 

[divgradcurl]

What is the name of your state? IN

I have an idea (as everyone else here does as well). I would like to know if there is a website that would give step by step information on how to move from start to finish. I'm a bit disoriented by it all but would really like to make some sort of plans and attempt to contact a company I feel could use my idea.

If a prototype is needed, would it need to be a functional prototype or could it be enough of a model to get the idea across? Could the model be patented if it is non functional at the time but enough to get the idea of what would become of the idea?

Thanks for any and all help.

An invention needs to have both "conception" (the idea) and "reduction to practice" to be patentable. Here's some pretty technical -- but official -- information on when "reduction to practice" has been achieved: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/2100_2138_05.htm

As far as "step by step" info, if you are interested in a patent, check out the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov, which has information for individual inventors. If you are not so much interested in a patent, try using Google to find inventor resources on the web.

 

[Ben the 2L]

Could the model be patented if it is non functional at the time but enough to get the idea of what would become of the idea?

Thanks for any and all help.

Well, from my understanding, yes and no.

Firstly, before you worry about filing with the USPTO, you should do a little research on your "idea" to make sure it is not prior art or public knowledge.

Also, even if it is novel, you should do some serious considerations about the marketability of the idea. There are a few good texts out there from very successful patent inventors, and they discuss the pro's and con's of getting started.

If you are serious, I would spend the $20.00 for one of their books, which seem to stress the "market first patent second" approach.

Good luck!

-Bt2L