Okay, so I've been working on what I think is a revolutionary way to interact with computers using a GUI, and I would like to patent it, and possibly market it. How would I go about doing this?
Okay, so I've been working on what I think is a revolutionary way to interact with computers using a GUI, and I would like to patent it, and possibly market it. How would I go about doing this?
It's not an easy process.
I know a man who gets hired by patent lawyers to disprove patents. I once asked him how I could get a patent (he has over 20 patents issued and pending). He responded saying that it costs a lot of money and and lot of time. And the most important thing is that someone may already have a patent on it.
Pretty much any patent ever in the US is in the patent database...so have funIs there some way I can check existing patents, so I don't end up wasting my time and money?
The major cost is the patent attorney. For a software patent of moderate complexity, anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000. (I've worked for companies that do this)
Here's some info. http://www.ipwatchdog.com/patent_cost.html
Wow.
So, if I sold my idea to a large company, would I have to patent it first?
No you don't have to. But a (good) idea for which you have a patent is more easily valued. My personal feelings on this aside - this whole patent thing is big business. I.P. is valued, it is an asset, and goes on a company balance sheet. Then there's licensing. Companies can make big $ out of it all. But only big companies can really play this game.
It's an old book, but "Rembrandts in the Attic" talks about all this.
Well, I don't really care about making money, I just want my idea out there, for people to use. I'd develop it myself, but I don't have the knowledge or resources.
That's not what a patent is for....a patent gives you the exclusive rights for you and only you to make something for the next 20 years.
First publish it.So, how would you suggest I market this idea?
That's not what a patent is for....a patent gives you the exclusive rights for you and only you to make something for the next 20 years.