1. If you are seeking a patent attorney or agent that will help you with the patenting process, why not take down the names and address of law firms or patent agents you will find from patent document when performing a patent search. If the address just isn't given, conduct a Google type search with all the information that's listed. Obviously, just because a firm could have already handled the patenting of the invention similar to yours doesn't necessarily mean they're best for you. Do you want to know a great resource for locating out whether you must look into using the same lawyer or patent agent? What about talking to the inventor on the patent document? That's right, call the inventor, introduce yourself and say, "I'm when getting a patent by using an invention. I've been trying to find a good reputable agent that helped me to which will charge an acceptable amount. I am aware you used so-and-so. Would you recommend them?" So that you can locate the contact information from the inventor use a people search tool. Know that sometimes the inventors on the patent document work on behalf of a business and it was not responsible for hiring the lawyer or agent that handled the patent process. In cases like this, it would not be appropriate to make contact with the inventor. These kind of arrangements and a way possible of identifying options are discussed in depth later.
2. From previous patents you can even compile a listing of assignees that may be thinking about licensing your invention. The assignee on the patent document can be a company or person who was not the inventor, but was issued ownership or part who owns the patent. Most patents that list assignees are the ones the location where the inventor, or inventors benefit an organization in the company's research and development department. Included in the employment contract, the organization has ownership rights to the invention produced by the staff member. Patent documents which could involve this sort of arrangement are often an easy task to spot. Some possible signs are when several inventors are in patent when the invention is very technical. Unfortunately, frequently it's tough to determine. If not obvious, you need to simply call and have. Set up assignee can be a company that features a development and research department, that doesn't mean they would not be interested in licensing your invention. Since they have shown they are running a business with products much like yours, they may also be adding your invention with their manufacturer product line. When the assignee is an individual, it's hard to ascertain why there is an assignment. You will never fully realize before you call and ask. Do a list of assignees and at the right time, don't be afraid to get hold of them. If you don't use a patent, just before revealing any information about your invention ensure that you protect yourself having a non-disclosure or similar type of protection agreement signed.
3. Contrary to popular belief, probably the most valuable information you will find on the patent document is the address and name of the inventor. (I'm talking about inventors that work inside a private capacity and not being an employee of a company.) An inventor of the product just like yours could be a gold mine of data for you personally. A lot of people would be scared of contacting the inventor thinking of them like a competitor, however tell you, it's worth a chance of getting the telephone stuck on you. Besides, you'd be surprised concerning how friendly most people actually are and the way willing they shall be to give you advice and share their experiences. Take advantage of the knowledge they gained through their experience. You will have some people may not wish to speak to you, but I'll voice it out again, you'll never know until you ask! Should you choose choose to speak to an inventor remember you might be there to collect information, not give information. If they start asking them questions you don't feel safe answering simple say something such as "I know you'll realize why I cannot share that information since I don't have a patent up to now." Many people will understand and never be offended. You will find people who failed at achieving success using their invention and definately will try to discourage you. This is when you'll want a thick skin. Hear what they are saying, for they could share information with you that you will must consider, try not to permit them to steal your perfect given that they failed. The reason behind their failure may well not affect you. By the way, you could be in a position to capitalize off their failure. Read number 4 below and you will see the reason.
4. While doing a patent search, if it's discovered that somebody else has already received a patent about the idea, the tendency is for people to stop right there. However, finding a previous patent by using an invention idea doesn't imply the game is finished. The patent protection might be alive and well, but the inventor's drive and enthusiasm for invention might not be. They own quit trying to make money business invention. Let me explain. Unfortunately, lots of people think that when they get a patent on the invention, the money will virtually start rolling in. They've associated the idea of having a patent to be much like winning the lottery. They think all they need to do is have the patent, contact a few big companies, license their patent to 1, then sit back and wait around the checks. Once this does not happen, they see themselves confronted with being forced to run the business. Including investing in the manufacturing and the costs of marketing as you would expect. Faced with this thought, some people get discouraged and give up. There isn't any telling the amount of good inventions already patented are collecting dust in garages all over America with this very reason. I'm referring to inventions who have real possible ways to make tons of money if handled correctly. To help keep this from going on read "Collect Cash with Your Invention, Not Dust" by Jack Lander. For inventions in which the inventor has provided up, might it be simple to choose the rights to such an invention for little money and market it yourself? You bet it would! Some people will be happy to just get back the cost of their patent. Others may rather get a small piece of the pie. I am talking about a very small piece. However, there will be those who would rather allow ship sink than let somebody else generate income using their company baby.