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Should I do business with an
Invention Submission company?
This is perhaps the most frequent question that I receive. The answer
to this question, at least in my opinion and based on what I have
seen in the industry, is a resounding NO! Invention submission
companies are notorious for charging high prices and not living up to
expectations. Anyone who promises to do everything for you at a price
you can actually afford is someone that you should seriously research
and likely stay away from. For more read The
Truth About Invention Submission Companies.
Can I patent or otherwise protect an idea or concept?
The answer to this question is easy. You cannot patent, copyright or
protect an idea or concept. You will undoubtedly see ads online, in
print and even on TV that say that certain companies can and will
help you protect your idea. Usually these companies are invention
submission companies and cannot be trusted. For more read Can
ideas be protected?
What is a provisional patent and why would I want one?
First, there is no such thing as a "provisional patent."
Rather, there is what is called a provisional patent application.
This type of patent application, if done correctly, has no drawbacks,
only benefits. They are easier to put together, cheaper to file with
the US Patent Office and provide you the ability to use the coveted
term - patent pending. For more read Provisional
Patent Applications.
I need to disclose my invention to someone. What do I do?
Many times it will be necessary to tell others about your inventions.
Sometimes you need to tell potential partners or investors, a
manufacturing company or just some friends or relatives who might be
able to provide some helpful insights. In these circumstances what
you need is a Confidentiality Agreement. While the invention itself
will not be protected, those who sign a Confidentiality Agreement are
legally prevented from using the information you disclose without
your permission, so this does at least provide some assurance that
the receiver of the information will not steal it from you. For more
read About
Confidentiality Agreements.
How do I obtain intellectual property protection?
Each of the most common types of intellectual property protection
(i.e., patents, copyrights and trademarks) each have a different
application procedure. For more read Obtaining
Intellectual Property Protection.
Can I copyright a name, title or phrase?
The answer to this question is no, you cannot copyright a name, title
or phrase. You can, however, protect such things by registering a
trademark. For more read Names,
Titles & Phrases.
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