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Re: Patent questions

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Posted by James Ivey on September 27, 2003 at 13:40:49:

In Reply to: Patent questions posted by DB on September 27, 2003 at 00:07:35:

: I have a couple of questions regarding patents. My concept has a limited application - in-fact there is only one potential user that may be interested in what I have in mind. The application is specific to that company. My first question is: Are there alternatives to obtaining a patent that can protect an idea even on a short term basis?

Yes. Trade secret comes to mind (easy to get, difficult to keep, difficult enforce). Copyrights can protect some things. I doubt trademarks will be useful to you.

: With only one potential buyer for the idea a full blown patent may be a costly mistake. Second: Once an idea has been protected are there patent attorneys and or patent organizations that will act as agent to bring the idea to the buyer?

There are some organizations that do that. I don't have enough experience with any to recommend one. I looked to see if I save any spam from such a service, but I don't see any.

: Third: Can anyone provide a reference to a patent attorney or organization who will not ask for $8000-$10,000 as their first words? I am not adverse to paying a fee but I am unsure my idea can be patented or even if it is viable. Any help or referrals will be greatly appreciated.

As I've said in another thread, cost depends primarily on the complexity of the invention.

Regards.

IveyLaw

Follow Ups:

Re: Re: Patent questions DB 19:11:28 9/27/03 (1)
- Re: Re: Re: Patent questions James Ivey 13:48:35 9/28/03 (0)

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: : I have a couple of questions regarding patents. My concept has a limited application - in-fact there is only one potential user that may be interested in what I have in mind. The application is specific to that company. My first question is: Are there alternatives to obtaining a patent that can protect an idea even on a short term basis? : Yes. Trade secret comes to mind (easy to get, difficult to keep, difficult enforce). Copyrights can protect some things. I doubt trademarks will be useful to you. : : With only one potential buyer for the idea a full blown patent may be a costly mistake. Second: Once an idea has been protected are there patent attorneys and or patent organizations that will act as agent to bring the idea to the buyer? : There are some organizations that do that. I don't have enough experience with any to recommend one. I looked to see if I save any spam from such a service, but I don't see any. : : Third: Can anyone provide a reference to a patent attorney or organization who will not ask for $8000-$10,000 as their first words? I am not adverse to paying a fee but I am unsure my idea can be patented or even if it is viable. Any help or referrals will be greatly appreciated. : As I've said in another thread, cost depends primarily on the complexity of the invention. : Regards.

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