Learn Patent Fundamentals – and Searching

[Gerald Black]

Most civilized countries award patent rights to inventors.  Yet, technology professionals often have little or no training in patents.

One recommended way to learn about the patent system is by starting at the beginning and learn patent searching skills.  A new workbook, Keyword Patent Searching Techniques, not only introduces the patent system, but also teaches advanced keyword patent searching techniques in a concise, completely original, and highly readable format.  

The workbook presents a new approach to patent searching using keywords only to obtain professional-quality search results.  The workbook makes a compelling case that searching for patents online with keywords and free databases (the USPTO and the EPO) is now the best way to do patentability searches.  

In addition to an overview of the patent system, the workbook features four inventions using basic technologies for practice.  Step-by-step search solutions are provided that show how each patent is located.  For more information, see http://www.keypatent.net/.">www.keypatent.net/.

Gerald R. Black
[email protected]

[MRuthless]

Or you could visit the following webiste:


http://www.uspto.gov/

or type USPTO into any search engine.


The USPTO has information on patents and trademarks and guidelines for such. You can also do patent searches now directly from your computer. They have millions of examples (patents)to look at for free.
It can be a very quick way to find out if your idea has already been taken witout paying several hundred dollars to a patent attorney. Unfortunately, you cannot access or search for patents that are in the process of being approved, so there is a chance that your idea may still be taken.


A few rules to follow when pursuing an invention.


1) Document all drawings or paperwork on such idea and keep accurate records of dates of conception. You may need them if you feel your idea has been stolen.

2) Never disclose your idea to anyone without a Nondisclure agreement, although that will not gurantee confifentiality, so be careful who you run your idea by.

3) In the end legal claim usually falls to the one who filed first.


4) You have 1 year from public dsiclosure to obtain a patent or you lose the rights to it. So if you can somehow start producing it beforehand, be careful.


5) You can write your own patent if you chose, you do not have to be a lawyer, but odds are it won't hold up well in court. Seek an attorney


6) Obtaining a patent is onl part of the process to generating revenue. You still need to manaufacture, market or sell your patent outright. Many patents remain unsold, it is no guarantee. Manufacturing costs can be extremely high for design and tool and die, molds, and other work.