Hi
I have come up with an improvement to the construction technique of a common style of cremation urn that will allow it to be manufactured more cheaply. How hard is it to get a patent? How much does it cost? If I get one in Canada will it cover the US.
Any input from people who have been through this process would be appreciated.
stan
A Canadian patent will only provide protection in Canada, each country has different rules regulations and fees. Each country charges an annual fee to keep a patent in force. It is always a temptation to apply for a patent when you feel you have a unique idea or solution to a problem, but some investigation will reveal that it also has a down side. Sorry if I am tossing cold water on your idea but look at it closely before starting the process.
Jack
Does anyone know the annual cost of this? Do you need a lawyer to help you through the process? I have built something I've considered getting a patent for but always figured it'd be more trouble than it's worth.
Doug
Patents are expensive, a lot of trouble, and hard to do yourself. All they give you is the right to sue someone IF you discover and can prove they are violating your patent. Because patents are based on the "claims" you make (usually several), a violator only has to make some small change and they are not violating. This area is a little gray but usually, it's hard to prove a true patent violation.
Better to keep as much of your information secret as possible. If you plan on making it yourself, take measures to maintain the process as a "trade secret". If you plan on selling the process, you market the results without giving away the process. If a customer is truly interested, yo can say something to the effect that "this is so much better and such a trade secret that you need to sign a non-disclosure agreement (and non steal agreement)". A lawyer could guide you better on this.
Get a good patent book and you'll see just how flimsy the patent process really is. The only way most patents have value is if the item is on the very high end of profitable. The other value is that some people think they make you special when looking for a job. Being able to put "holds a patent on invention X" on a resume will influence some potential employers.
Koz
Doug Arthurs wrote:
Patents are expensive, a lot of trouble, and hard to do yourself. < much snipped >
The other value is that some people think they make you special when looking for a job. Being able to put "holds a patent on invention X" on a resume will influence some potential employers. ...
here's the link to the "official" Canadian Patent website:
A DIY patent may not be "right" but does it really matter how well it's done if you can't afford years of legal wrangling with some big corporation while trying to enforce it? Justice only works within a narrow band of income: below that, force rules... above that, money rules.
I am of the opinion that business people make money from inventions, not inventors. I have no illusions about getting rich from my ideas. But, if you have the business sense that I don't...
David...
FixerDave wrote: ...
... Wrong, and wrong again. Look at following URL (all on one line) and tell me if it's actually a good idea or novel.
Regarding novelty of patents, I have yet to see a software patent that is novel, aside from several cryptography methods. Patent examiners seem quite ignorant about software prior art.
-jiw
Looks like the American Patent Office is even more brain-dead than the Canadian version!!!
Yup. There are reasons. See "Patently Absurd" at:
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