question about patents?
By Yahoo User • Category: Patents How-ToThere is a product that I’ve bought at the store recently in which I’m very dissapointed in the quality/results. I have an idea on how to improve the product. I assume in order to protect this, I would need a patent, however the process of getting a patent seems a lot more complicated than getting a copyright. I’ve copyrighted material before and that’s easy, but never a patent. I’ve done a prelimenary search on the patent web site and so far I can’t tell that there’s anything like what I want to make. After I do have a prototype, what is the best way to be able to sell the product? I think it is something that could easily be available at stores like Wal-mart, Target, Meijers, etc. etc but how do you go about finding someone who will manufacturer it for you? Woudl the manufacturer most likely want to buy it outright, or would you get a profit of every unit sold? Thanks.It sounds all too complicated. I think there would be a lot more great inventions on the market if it wasn’t so darned difficult and expensive for the average Joe to get their products protected and into market.
I assume from your description that the invention you are trying to patent and market performs roughly the same function as the product you recently bought — but does it better.But I can’t figure out whether your product uses a completely different approach or incorporates features of the product you bought. And, if so, whether the features you would incorporate from the old product were themselves covered by one or more patents.If your product includes features invented by someone else you MIGHT be able to patent the improvement, but you could not build and sell the product without a license from the holder(s) of the original patent.This can lead to some very complicated arrangements. Your best bet — if you are serious about this and are prepared to spend some money — would be to consult a patent attorney. This will cost you some money, but is likely to save you money in the long run.