1. If you want a patent attorney or agent to assist you with the patenting process, a good down the names and address of law offices or patent agents you discover listed on patent document when conducting a patent search. In the event the address isn't given, conduct a Google type search with the information that is listed. Obviously, must be firm may have already handled the patenting of the invention just like yours doesn't always mean they're right for you. Would you like to know a great resource for finding out whether you should consider employing the same law firm or patent agent? Think about conversing with the inventor on the patent document? Yes it's true, call the inventor, introduce yourself and say, "I'm in the process of finding a patent on an invention. I have been looking for a good reputable agent that helped me to which will charge a fair amount. I am aware you used so-and-so. Can you recommend them?" In order to locate the contact details of the inventor use a people search tool. Remember that sometimes the inventors listed on the patent document will work on behalf of a business and was not responsible for hiring the attorney or agent that handled the patent process. In this instance, it wouldn't be appropriate to get hold of the inventor. These types of arrangements and a way possible of identifying choices discussed in depth later.
2. From previous patents you may also compile a summary of assignees that may be interested in licensing your invention. The assignee in patent document is really a company or person who had been not the inventor, but was issued ownership or part owner of the patent. Most patents that list assignees are those the location where the inventor, or inventors work for a company within the company's research and development department. As part of the employment contract, the organization has ownership rights to any invention created by the staff member. Patent documents that could involve this type of arrangement are often an easy task to spot. Some possible signs are when several inventors are listed on the patent and when the invention is highly technical. Unfortunately, sometimes it is hard to determine. If not obvious, you just need to call and ask. Whether or not the assignee can be a company that features a research and development department, that doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in licensing your invention. Simply because they have shown they are in operation with products much like yours, they could be also adding your invention with their product line. In the event the assignee is definitely an individual, it's difficult to find out why there was a project. You will never fully realize before you call and ask. Do a list of assignees and also at the best time, don't be afraid to contact them. Unless you possess 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 can find on the patent document is the address and name from the inventor. (I'm referring to inventors that work inside a private capacity and not as an employee of your company.) An inventor of a product much like yours could be a gold mine of knowledge for you. Most people will be fearful of contacting the inventor thinking of them like a competitor, but I inform you, it really is worth the risk of having the telephone stuck for you. Besides, you'd be surprised as to how friendly many people are really and how willing they shall be to provide you with advice and share their experiences. Take advantage of the knowledge they gained through their experience. You will have many people might not want to talk to you, but I'll say it again, you'll never know before you ask! Should you choose decide to make contact with an inventor remember you're there to gather information, not give information. Should they start asking them questions that you don't feel safe answering simple say something like "I know you'll realise why I can not share that information since i have would not have a patent as yet." A lot of people will understand and not be offended. You will find people that failed at becoming successful using their invention and definately will make an effort to discourage you. This is where you need to have a thick skin. Listen to what they're saying, for they could share information together with you that you will have to consider, try not to let them steal your perfect since they failed. The reason behind their failure may well not apply to you. By the way, you may be able to capitalize off their failure. Read number four below and you may see what I mean.
4. While doing a patent search, when it is discovered that another person has recently received a patent around the idea, the tendency is for people to stop there. However, getting a previous patent with an invention idea does not necessarily mean the game is finished. The patent protection could be alive and well, however the inventor's drive and enthusiasm for their invention is probably not. They may have abandoned attempting to make money off their invention. Allow me to explain. Unfortunately, a lot of people believe that once they obtain a patent on their invention, the cash will virtually start rolling in. They have associated the thought of owning a patent to be similar to winning the lottery. They believe all they have to do is obtain the patent, contact a few big companies, license their patent to 1, then settle-back and wait around the checks. Once this does not happen, they see themselves confronted with having to run the company. This consists of spending money on the manufacturing as well as the costs of marketing to put it mildly. Confronted with this thought, some individuals get discouraged and quit. There is no telling the amount of good inventions already patented are collecting dust in garages throughout America because of this very reason. I'm talking about inventions that have real possibility to make lots of money if handled correctly. To maintain this from happening to you read "Collect Money with Your Invention, Not Dust" by Jack Lander. For inventions in which the inventor has provided up, might it be simple to buy the rights to this kind of invention for little money and sell it off yourself? You bet it would! Some individuals is going to be very happy to just return the price of their patent. Others may rather obtain a small piece of the pie. After all an extremely small piece. However, you will see those that would rather allow the ship sink than let somebody else generate income using their company baby.