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Re: Re: Patent questions

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Posted by DB on September 27, 2003 at 19:11:28:

In Reply to: Re: Patent questions posted by James Ivey on September 27, 2003 at 13:40:49:

: : 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.

Mr. Ivey

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

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.

Following your suggestion I did research Trade Secrets but it does not seem to fit the situation. However, I did find some information regarding Provisional Patents that may be useful. Given the cost of obtaining a patent on a process with such a limited application it may be beneficial to protect the idea for a minimal cost and then present it to the perspective company to determine their interest.

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.

Again, thank you for looking. Just knowing they exist is helpful in itself.

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

The idea is basic but the company I have in mind has not implemented anything like it yet. Eventually they will see the opportunity and the potential.

Thanks again!

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Re: Re: Re: Patent questions James Ivey 13:48:35 9/28/03 (0)

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Comments:
: : : 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. : Mr. Ivey : Thank you for taking the time to reply. : 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. : Following your suggestion I did research Trade Secrets but it does not seem to fit the situation. However, I did find some information regarding Provisional Patents that may be useful. Given the cost of obtaining a patent on a process with such a limited application it may be beneficial to protect the idea for a minimal cost and then present it to the perspective company to determine their interest. : 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. : Again, thank you for looking. Just knowing they exist is helpful in itself. : As I've said in another thread, cost depends primarily on the complexity of the invention. : The idea is basic but the company I have in mind has not implemented anything like it yet. Eventually they will see the opportunity and the potential. : : Thanks again!

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