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[EnquiringMind]

Hi everyone,

I'm nearly ready to begin an invention notebook for an idea I have.... but embarrassingly, I'm not sure exactly what my invention is.

Let me explain with this example.

Pretend I have a device (say a magnifying filter) that makes solar panels more efficient.
This is the main application of this device.... but let's say it also works for making solar ovens heat up faster.  Perhaps there are a few other applications beyond that as well.

The main thing I care about is the magnifying filter being used for solar panels.  It is difficult to explain my filter without showing how it works with the solar panel.

How should I handle this in my notebook?

Do I say my invention is a magnifying filter...and then later show that it's main use is for solar panels?  and then show it's use for other applications?

Or do I say my invention is the magnifying filter + solar panel together as a system?  Then later say the magnifying filter alone can be used for other applications?

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Basically... if you are an IP Attorney... what would you rather me have in my notebook?

A.  A notebook that focuses on the filter + solar panel system as one unit.... and later on briefly mentions other uses for the filter.

or...

B.  A notebook that focuses on filter alone... and then goes into how it can be used (for solar panels, solar ovens, etc.)

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I'm very confused, even though both A and B get to the same point.

In "Patent It Yourself", the author says that often times inventors don't realize what their REAL invention is until they figure out the claims.  Since I am not a claims expert, I'm not really sure if the system is the invention, or just the filter.

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Can I just start the notebook focusing on the filter and solar panel system, then talk about possible variations of each component in the system (including the solar panel).... then talk about the filter alone and it's other possible applications?

Sorry if this post is more confusing than I am.   

[Jonathan]

You are basically maintaining a record of what you invented. Don't fret over the details. Just write everything down, date your entry, sign it and perhaps have some1else witness your signature and that person also signs your entry.

Then, when you are ready to start the  patenting process, assuming you have someone else writing the application for you, give them a copy of your records and talk to the person about what you invented and leave it to them to figure out the claims.

[klaviernista]

The primary use of an invention notebook, at least in the U.S., is to establish a date of conception.  So, as Jonathan said, don't  fret over the details.  Write down your thoughts, include possible applications when you think of them, and get everything dated and co-signed (i.e., signed by you and someone else). 

[ChrisWhewell]

I'd define it by structure only, in as best of detail as I could but avoid using the phrase "the invention" and also use "in one embodiment an article as provided...." and describe it, and then use "in another embodiment....." and describe it, but avoid writing anything that might be construed as being limiting.  Then in a later section I'd write  "an article as provided herein is useful for ..."  ,  "in another embodiment, an article as provided herein is useful for......" etc.   I'd sign and date each page personally after I had crosshatched through the blank spaces on the page and have each page signed and dated by two witnesses under a heading of: "read and understood by _____(name) and I'd make sure the two witnesses are not related to me by blood, marriage or finances.   Then, I'd be diligent in getting a patent application on file at the earliest possible time.

[Notebook22]

The structure of how you document your progress is what will be looked at. Here are set of notebook guidelines that should help you out. They outline general notebook tasks as well some of the specifics a patent lawyer would be looking for.

Inventor Notebook Guidelines