One of the Greatest Fears an inventor has, is the FEAR that
someone will steal their idea. Unfortunately there are no guarantees
that this will never happen, but as a rule it doesn't.
For years rumors of a Poorman's patent was circulating about writing
a description of your idea and mailing it to yourself with the
cancelled postmark serving as a verification date. However this DOES
NOT WORK and should not be relied upon. The patent office has a
certain process that does work.
One economical tool the Patent Office provides is The Document
Disclosure program. This program allows the inventor to REGISTER his
or her idea with the patent office for a period of two years, for a
minimum investment of only $10.00.
However, this is not to be confused with a
Patent , it does not take the place of, or
offer protection like a patent . What it does, is
simply register that your idea was received by the patent office on a
certain date. The patent office does not review or research your
idea, all it does is apply a registration number to your submission
and returns a copy back to you.
However, you may mention that your idea is registered with the patent
office when discussing your idea with potential investors,
manufacturers, or distributors. This may give you important
perceived protection in your
discussions.
To utilize this terrific program all you have to do is:
1. Write up a brief description of your idea on a single 81/2 by 11 sheet of paper. State something such as I (your name, address) feel I am the inventor of the following invention, describe your invention, clearly explaining improvements or unique features. Mention you wish for it to be maintained under the document disclosure program for two years. You may include drawings or a photograph. Sign it and date it.
2. Make 2 Photo copies of your written description. Keep the original for your records and send two copies to the U.S. Patent office, with a check for $10.00 made payable to The Commissioner of U.S. Patents, The U.S. Patent Office, Washington D.C. 20231. Also be sure to include a self addressed stamped envelope.
After the Patent Office receives your materials they will stamp
your two descriptions and the envelope with a registration number.
One copy is filed and the other is returned to you via your self
addressed stamped envelope.
The patent office will maintain your idea on file for two years, at
that time it will be deleted.
The purpose of this program is to encourage you to be diligent in
pursuing your idea. The patent office does not want you to just
record your idea then do nothing with it. Diligence is the KEY
word.
You should be maintaining an inventors notebook in
congruent with this program.
If you should decide to continue with your idea and apply for a
patent, you may be able to use this registration date as a date of
conception..
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This information is provided by Dream Merchant Magazine a bi-monthly publication dedicated to the creation, protection, promotion and marketing of new ideas, products and services, a full year subscription is $15.95. Send check or money order to Dream Merchant Magazine, PO Box 4342, Carson, CA 90745. (310) 328-1925  |
