I encourage many of my inventors to do their own patent searches, especially when they are developing new ideas. There is nobody more qualified to perform a search than the inventor who knows their idea and can benefit from seeing other people’s versions of their idea.
Tag: Patent Basics
The Art of the Patent Disclosure Interview
One of the most rewarding parts of patent law is the disclosure interview. This is where a good patent agent/attorney can add value far in excess of the fees collected.
A good disclosure interview is an opportunity to shape the invention into something that makes sense for the business as well as sets the proper expectations for the inventors. A good disclosure meeting is also brutally exhausting if done well.
I do all of my patent cases for a fixed fee. Because of this, I need to be efficient and thorough at every step. I view the disclosure interview as the most essential step that helps me do the highest quality work for a reasonable price.
One of the most rewarding parts of patent law is the disclosure interview. This is where a good patent agent/attorney can add value far in excess of the fees collected.
A good disclosure interview is an opportunity to shape the invention into something that makes sense for the business as well as sets the proper expectations for the inventors. A good disclosure meeting is also brutally exhausting if done well.
I do all of my patent cases for a fixed fee. Because of this, I need to be efficient and thorough at every step. I view the disclosure interview as the most essential step that helps me do the highest quality work for a reasonable price.
Inventor's Myopia
There are times when an inventor can be very myopic. There was one inventor several years ago who insisted on very specific definitions of his invention and would not permit any variation from his vision of the invention. The inventor would not consider any expansive definitions or alternatives to his idea. He was so fixated on his little view of the invention that he could not see how it could possibly be expanded.
As I work with a client to understand an invention and begin writing an application, I spend a considerable amount of time and effort to come up with different embodiments and alternatives for the concept. Since my background includes many years as a practicing engineer, patent holder, and entrepreneur, I have a unique vantage point to expand the scope of coverage for a patent application.
There are times when an inventor can be very myopic. There was one inventor several years ago who insisted on very specific definitions of his invention and would not permit any variation from his vision of the invention. The inventor would not consider any expansive definitions or alternatives to his idea. He was so fixated on his little view of the invention that he could not see how it could possibly be expanded.
As I work with a client to understand an invention and begin writing an application, I spend a considerable amount of time and effort to come up with different embodiments and alternatives for the concept. Since my background includes many years as a practicing engineer, patent holder, and entrepreneur, I have a unique vantage point to expand the scope of coverage for a patent application.
Writing Your Own Patent
Inventors sometimes file their own patents. Often, I consult with inventors who are considering writing their own patents or those who have already done so. In general, these pro se patentees are looking to save some very valuable cash and are willing to invest their time and effort into learning how to write and file a patent.
Inventors sometimes file their own patents. Often, I consult with inventors who are considering writing their own patents or those who have already done so. In general, these pro se patentees are looking to save some very valuable cash and are willing to invest their time and effort into learning how to write and file a patent.
Patent Drafting Styles Change to Meet the Client's Needs - Protecting a Specific Product
I vary the drafting style of a patent application based on the client’s business needs. Based on the client’s short and long term needs of the patent, the resulting patent may take on significantly different looks.
I vary the drafting style of a patent application based on the client’s business needs. Based on the client’s short and long term needs of the patent, the resulting patent may take on significantly different looks.
How to Be a Good Client
There is not any big secret to being a good client, it is merely common sense. But it is interesting how many people just don’t get it. Personally, I try to be a good client in every interaction, not only because it makes things go smoother, but because I stand to gain in the end. Let me explain.
In every business transaction, I see myself as a client of the other party. I want something from them, be it service from a waiter at a restaurant, repairs done on my car, or payment for a service that I render.
There is not any big secret to being a good client, it is merely common sense. But it is interesting how many people just don’t get it. Personally, I try to be a good client in every interaction, not only because it makes things go smoother, but because I stand to gain in the end. Let me explain.
In every business transaction, I see myself as a client of the other party. I want something from them, be it service from a waiter at a restaurant, repairs done on my car, or payment for a service that I render.
Information on Invention Assistance Companies
Our US Patent Office may endure plenty of criticism, but it does provide many services that are underutilized, not the least of which is the very informative, well written, and well presented site www.stopfakes.gov, which contains a plethora of information about all forms of intellectual property, especially targeted at small businesses.
For the small business owner, and any business manager for that matter, knowing how to use intellectual property effectively can greatly increase the bottom line.
Our US Patent Office may endure plenty of criticism, but it does provide many services that are underutilized, not the least of which is the very informative, well written, and well presented site www.stopfakes.gov, which contains a plethora of information about all forms of intellectual property, especially targeted at small businesses.
For the small business owner, and any business manager for that matter, knowing how to use intellectual property effectively can greatly increase the bottom line.
The Importance of Patent Searches
This report on Out-law.com talks about the Euro notes that may possibly infringe a European Patent. The patent holder is apparently seeking a reasonable royalty for the literally billions of Euro notes in circulation.
Let this serve as an example of how operating in a vacuum can be a bad thing.
This report on Out-law.com talks about the Euro notes that may possibly infringe a European Patent. The patent holder is apparently seeking a reasonable royalty for the literally billions of Euro notes in circulation.
Let this serve as an example of how operating in a vacuum can be a bad thing.
How To Be A Good Client
I recently had a conversation about bad clients with another practitioner and it got me thinking about good clients and bad ones. Being a good client is somewhat of an art, akin to being a good manager or coach.
Basic common sense will get you a long way sometimes, but many people seem to forget that.
I recently had a conversation about bad clients with another practitioner and it got me thinking about good clients and bad ones. Being a good client is somewhat of an art, akin to being a good manager or coach.
Basic common sense will get you a long way sometimes, but many people seem to forget that.
How To Save Costs on Patent Drafting
There are many ways to save costs on patent drafting. You can do a search beforehand; you can work on the idea with someone else so that you can explain it well and identify the new elements; you can have some good drawings prepared.
Even if you do all of that, there is one critical thing you need to do: ask your patent attorney/agent how fast they can type. If you are paying by the hour, and even if you are not, you don’t want someone who types at 5 words per minute to pound out a 20 page patent application.
There are many ways to save costs on patent drafting. You can do a search beforehand; you can work on the idea with someone else so that you can explain it well and identify the new elements; you can have some good drawings prepared.
Even if you do all of that, there is one critical thing you need to do: ask your patent attorney/agent how fast they can type. If you are paying by the hour, and even if you are not, you don’t want someone who types at 5 words per minute to pound out a 20 page patent application.
