Inventors Community

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Comment by Chris Lattin on February 6, 2010 at 8:41am

Hello all! I am a local patent attorney and cofounder of the Timberline Patent Law Group ( www.timberlinepatents.com ). I am glad to be a new member of this forum.

Comment by Elan Taylor on November 14, 2009 at 5:18pm

I am new to Spokane, moving up from Palo Alto CA. I have started five companies, two successful and three not. I am one of the lucky few who have patents (going on 7, with more to come) that are making me a fine living.
I can offer you help in understanding the patent process.I can also help you understand if you should patent your idea. P.S. Sorry to say, I have read the older conversations in this forum and I would stay clear of almost every suggestion in this forum. NEVER write your own patent or apply for a provisional patent without understanding the many downfalls of these approaches.

Comment by Susan Nielsen on October 22, 2009 at 2:23pm

I have a concept that I need to develop into a protype and alpha test. I need an NDA, a designer to engineer the item, and a fabricator to prototype the item. There is also a companion item for this, but a suitable item already exists, it would simply need to be branded for this purpose. If you can help me let me know. Of course, I have a very limited (very) budget for all of this.

Comment by Dave McClave on October 15, 2009 at 10:51am

Hi all! Welcoming myself to the Inventor community - I'm a system & software inventor with a few patent apps under my belt. I LOVE innovation, and think that sometimes, reinventing the wheel is necessary!

Comment by Eric Abbott on February 12, 2009 at 7:36pm

The next version of my ITS software may well include USB-interfaced expansion and data collection modules. I'm researching USB connectivity and development. Here's one possible source for parts: http://www.phidgets.com Anyone have an opinion of their product? I'm thinking creating a USB/RF receiver for 5 kHz signals and a USB/power signal collector. Initial cost for these parts appear to be relatively inexpensive...$20 to $80.

Comment by Scott Whitaker on February 11, 2009 at 6:27am

Right on that sounds helpful.

Comment by Terry Jett on February 10, 2009 at 1:40pm

I am not using a patent attorney at this time. Some patent applications can be done prior to hiring a patent attorney. Legal Zoom has all the forms in preparation for a Patent Search, Provisional Patent or a full Patent. The forms are fairly easy to use and can be uploaded quickly, plus there is telephone or remote/web assistance if needed. Another source that is very helpful is Startup Nation (http://www.startupnation.com/index.asp). They have web seminars and daily insights for small businesses and inventors.

Comment by Scott Whitaker on February 10, 2009 at 1:08pm

Terry, I assume you are not using a patent attorney?

Comment by David Elton on February 10, 2009 at 3:48am

Terry Jett sounds highly intelligent.

Comment by Terry Jett on February 9, 2009 at 8:32pm

Regarding Patenting
I began my Patent journey a couple of months ago and found there are many views on how to approach such a topic. There are so many opinions and “perceived” roadblocks I had to see for myself if I can be successful and not to trust those who have never experienced the Patent processes.
I took a safe first step and submitted an official Patent Search through Legalzoom.com for one of my ideas. The results were discouraging. There were so many similar ideas for “my invention”, I felt like giving up once I read all the reports - they all looked and appeared like my very own invention. On the flip side I knew I was on the right track because of the several similar products being submitted. There must be a need for this product.
After talking in great length to a local inventor, he encouraged me to press forward. He emphasized the fact that the inventor will face his/her darkest moments during their development processes. He said there will be many discouraging times as you attempt to move from a concept to a real marketable product. Friends and family can be critical and there are so many reasons just to give up. He said to keep going if you truly believe in your product. After all – a Patent only gives the inventor a legal right to sue – that is all.
In my experience, the Patent Search as a first step at least cleared up any doubts as to whether my product was a viable solution worthy of a Patent. After all, who knows when there is an invention like mine out there waiting to solve a problem for our communities.
My next steps are to do some of my own market research about my product. If there is at least some interest, I will approach a marketing firm to examine my product. I may go directly to applying for a Provincial Patent (Patent Pending) just to keep me in the positive and keep me moving forward. In this economic environment I see there is no way for me to fail. I may lose a few hundred dollars on applications, but in the long run, I will benefit through my efforts to promote my simple idea and ultimately improve our complex world.

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