How do I copyright, trademark, or patent?
By Yahoo User • Category: Trademarks ApplicationI have an idea for a product which would be too expensive for my to produce to have a working model. How should I go about getting this protected? It is an idea right now, although I am working on a write up to detail its operation.This is a safety product which has almost unlimited application.Thank you
You’ll find instructions at http://www.uspto.gov/main/howdoi.htm
This is a good legal service resource to where you can get information on all three. There is also a pricechart available to see how much they cost.
Start with the U.S. Patent Office website at www.uspto.gov. They have sections on the basics of patent law and the requirements for a patent. They also have a nice searchable database where you can see if your idea has been previously patented. This should be your first step because many ideas have been patented even if they are not in commercial use. In other words, just because you don’t see it on the market doesn’t mean it hasn’t been patented. If you decide to proceed with a patent, you need a good written description of your invention, usually with drawings and good “claims”. Claims define the difference between your invention and what has been done before (known as the “prior art”) The process is complicated so get a lawyer if possible.