Got a Bright Idea?

Got a Bright Thought? 

Give yourself a pat on the back.  Go ahead…right now…that’s it.  You know you’ve had a outstanding thought before…your adrenaline is pumping, you are excited, your mind is racing on where to start…but what do you do next?  Properly, one thing’s for sure…if you want to the globe to know that bright notion was yours one day, then you improved think about applying for a patent.

A patent is your set of rights for your notion, given to you by the state.  When I say state, I am referring to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals.  It sounds fancy but as you can guess, this group decides whether your concept should certainly be allowed protection or not.  Although the expiration date on your protected idea may possibly vary (14-20 years), a patent gives you the assurance that no one can steal or sell your bright concept.  It’s the strongest type of protection that exists for your thought.  Sounds scary, huh?  Properly, it is not.  Applying for a patent is not only simple but you can do it all oneself, with out an attorney is you wish.  The hard part of it?  Coming up with an thought that will pass the patent pending procedure to begin with!

There are four fundamental requirements for a patent.  So when you have your brilliant idea, look at these concerns to test the value of it to the public…

Is your notion a approach or a technique, a machine, a manufacture, a composition or is it an entirely new use? 

Infeed Tables For the Table Saw

What specifically is an infeed table for the table saw, and why would you have to have one?

I was faced with a project that had more than 90 sheets of furniture grade plywood. Really high priced, and also really heavy. What made it worse was the reality I was working alone, given that my employee's were busy at the job web page. Clearly a especially significant project. The persons that would be most beneficial in the shop had been also the critical at the web site. Just not an selection. I could have asked my wife to help, but I couldn't afford a divorce or a lengthy murder trial, so that was out.

I began out whit a fine attitude about the job of cutting these sheets up. It didn't last long though. Following about the fourth sheet, I had knocked over my roller stand as several occasions. What actually didn't help was the reality I have a trouble with my proper hip, which would become irritated by the movement involved in placing the sheet on the saw. Soon after that fourth sheet, I was in a awesome deal of discomfort. So, I did what any sensible person would do. I gave up.

I began thinking, there need to be a resolution to this. I got on the world wide web and started searching. Zero, zilch, nada. Unless I wanted to devote a significant amount of money on a sliding table saw, which I had no room for anyway, I was out of luck. So, I went back to the shop, and attempted once again with the time verified roller stand. I managed to get two even more sheets cut, prior to the discomfort forced me to stop. I decided if I am going to get this accomplished, I required to come up with some thing to make it simpler. I began thinking about the process and the complications encountered. I came up with the notion of an infeed table.

As the name implies, an infeed table is 1 that would be employed on the front of your table saw, facilitating the feeding of supplies into the cutting device. A fancy way of saying it supports the material as you cut it.

If you have ever attempted to rip a sheet of plywood, or other sheet material, you know how complicated it can be. Just obtaining the sheet onto your table saw can be a challenge. This is specifically how a large number of wood shop related back injuries occur. Holding up a 40 pound sheet, and walking to the saw, is not very easy. Then attempting to bend over to lay the sheet onto the saw table is a terrible strain on the back. Lots of wood workers basically do this even though the saw is operating, as the switch isn't effortlessly reached when the sheet is there.

Once the sheet is on the table, properly truly, partially on the table is additional accurate, due to the fact the end of the sheet is in all probability on the floor, you walk to the back of the sheet, lift it up, and then attempt to walk forward, feeding the sheet into the blade, even though trying to keep it tight to the fence. If you aren't able to preserve the sheet tight to the fence, you end up with a crooked cut. Or in extreme circumstances, move just enough to trigger a kick back. Kick backs happen when a piece binds the blade, causing the piece to be thrown back at the operator with amazing force.

An solution to this is to use a roller stand. Following all, it is what they were developed for. Most individuals will give up attempting to place the sheet on the saw table and the roller stand in 1 shot. That's since far more likely than not the roller stand gets knocked more than in the process. At the particularly least, it gets bumped, which means it is no longer square to the fence. As soon as that happens, it is in fact fighting you through the entire cut. It tries to feed the sheet on an angle, once more generating the excellent condition for a kick back. One more approach is to location the sheet on the table, then lift the end of the sheet, and slide the roller stand under it. Incredibly challenging to get it square to the fence in the manner. As it tries to pull the sheet away from the fence, you try to force it tight to the fence. At greatest you end up with a less than prefect cut, which has burn marks on it.

So, having deemed the difficulties faced with cutting these sheets, I produced a list of should haves. First, it had to attach to the saw, so it could never be knocked more than, or be out of alignment to the fence. It also needed to be able to go on or off the saw quickly, so it was not in the way, when not needed. It should certainly fold, so storing it would be easy. And in a perfect globe, it should make it easier to get the sheet onto the unit, eliminating the risk of back strain.

The very first unit was created from wood, and worked incredibly nicely. We made use of it for over a year, just before I decided to replace it with a metal one. The metal 1 was far better, as I changed the design around a bit, based on the use of the original unit. We also realized not only it would cut our time by 60 percent ripping plywood, it was even faster for jointing lumber, given that instead of several passes by way of the jointer, it was one pass by way of the table saw, using a rip sled. The roller on the side of them, produced loading the sheets onto the unit especially effortless.

Following a few years, the owner of a couple of Woodcraft shops came to my shop. He was there to see a huge veneer project we had been performing, with the concept of getting me teach some courses on veneering. He spent a couple hours with us, and on the way out, happened to notice the unit hanging on the wall. He asked what it was. Following explaining what is was, and the story behind it, he wanted to see how it worked. He was very impressed with it, and wanted to know why we weren't selling them.

Properly, right after finding a provisional patent, we did start off selling them. They are now in quite a few wood shops, both property shops and specialist shops, all across the country, and in Canada. They are utilised in High School Shops, College Wood Shops, Municipalities, Tech Schools, and lots of firms that have a require to cut sheet goods.

Invention 101 - Teaser Guide To Having The Top Companies Pay For Your Idea!

I 1st heard the name Stephen Key just a year ago reading one of my preferred books, The four-hour Function Week by Timothy Ferriss. What intrigues me the most about this specific person is how he consistently earns millions in royalty rights by means of best providers top Fortune 500 Firms. And what's even extra intriguing is what he does to produce such massive amount of earnings.

Here is a small snippet of the issues I learned from an interview with Tim Ferriss and Stephen Important about how he executes to lease his ideas and make a enormous income from Fortune 500 Organizations.

So how does he do it? LICENSING

You might be scratching your head already by just thinking of that word but do not worry, I'll give you the brief definition for this potential magical "word" (hint*---goes in the income generating concept box)

- Licensing is giving best manufacturers or tiny ones the chance to lease your thought. They will do the marketing and advertising, distribution, and all the other complicated and stressful stuff (at least for me) in exchange for the rights to sell your notion. Now of course they will compensate you for delivering them such a terrific item to marketplace!

Producers usually pay you a royalty for every single unit they finish up selling. Frequently they break it down into quarterly payments. This is absolutely way safer and a low risk alternative compared to you dealing with manufacturing and promoting your self.

Tip for you future "idea Licensers" out there!

Absolutely MAKE Positive TO Include A MINIMUM GUARANTEE CLAUSE IN THE CONTRACT.

It fundamentally states that the manufacturer demands to sell a certain number of units each and every year or just about every quarter, depends on what the agreement was set on. If performance was not up to par then you get your precious idea back and of course present it to other promising producers out in the market place!

One other critical factor to consider when licensing an idea that you have is to devote AS Small TIME AND Capital on the project (development and promoting) until you get viable feedback from a great manufacturer. You most likely believed the reason for this already. Yes, it will price you an arm and a leg if you did the exact opposite. You can effortlessly devote thousands of dollars with the combination of patenting and developing your very first prototype. So be smart about it!

Don't take your time either. Do not be sitting about hoping and contemplating for years on operating on your concepts. It will be your downfall! It must only take you 3 weeks to three months to draw a conclusion if you have a million dollar notion or a dud. Make certain to not just stick with a couple of producers when pitching the notion. Call as numerous manufacturers as doable. This is very important for it is your only window for viable early development feedback!

PPA or provisional patent application---- your answer to save your self going broke prior to in fact getting an offer you from a manufacturer to license your thought.

Why? Nicely it will only cost you about $100 to set up a "patent pending" label on your notion for a year. Adequate time for you to ideal any irregularities you could have with your thought. Keep in mind, as significantly as you may feel you are knowledgeable about that specific business you thought lands in a manufacturer will usually have 20,30 or much more years more than you so listen to there opinion. If they tell you that your idea requires some improvements tell them no difficulty and go back to your perform station and fix the area where the manufacturer brought up. If you finish up with a new version of your idea then go file a further PPA and include the new characteristics. Remember to also put a five month window for negotiations as well. Even with that, you still have a number of months remaining in your year PPA. To top every little thing off, when you get your concept license, make confident to put in the contract that they (manufacturer) are responsible for attorney fees in regards to PPA upgrade to full patents in your name. Let them pay for that as nicely. I mean why not ideal?

To go additional in depth with this topic I extremely suggest you checking out Stephen Key's web-site: . He covers all this and extra! And surely pick up The 4-hour workweek by Timothy Ferriss. It is an absolute jewel for anybody, not just entrepreneurs!

Your Idea - Should You Share it With Others?

It came out of nowhere: the fantastic thought for a custom made bobble head with the possible to develop into a profit-generating enterprise. You are inspired and excited you naturally want to share your idea with absolutely everyone you meet. Is this wise?

Reasons to Preserve Your Idea Secret

You are quite possibly worried that a person could steal your concept, and it is probable. You can not copyright, trademark, patent, or exclusively own an concept. That is why, for example, there are so countless killer shark movies the notion is absolutely free to every person. Its expression, still, is not, and can be protected via copyright, trademark, or patent, based on the nature of the material. However, if you share your idea with the wrong individual, he can implement it and claim it as his own. You should thus be careful about with whom you share your concept.

You should certainly also maintain in mind that not every person will think your flash of brilliance is all that bright. Some men and women excel at dispelling others' enthusiasm. At this point in the creation method, you have to have assistance. A nicely-timed important remark could discourage you to that point that you lose all interest. So if you know your friend won't share your excitement, wait till you are further along in the approach to tell him.

Reasons to Share Your Concept

There are, but, good factors to share your bobble head idea. First, of course, is the support and enthusiasm others supply. A supportive spouse, friend, or family members member can present encouragement when you meet the inevitable challenges of creation and entrepreneurship. You can also learn from others with expertise, good or bad. When the time is ideal, you'll need to share your idea with the design team and manufacturer you use, and with businesses who will license your creation, or help you marketplace it.

How to Protect Your Notion

The next question, then, is how can you protect your intellectual property? Initially, "fix" your notion, by acquiring it down on paper in as considerably detail as attainable. This provides you copyright to this material. To further insure your claim, sign and date your information and facts and have it notarized. If you strategy to apply for a patent, right away start an inventor's logbook utilizing a bound notebook. Record, sign, and date just about every modify, sketch, or idea you have for your project in this logbook it's invaluable for proving that you came up with your thought 1st. Apply for a provisional patent, to stake your claim. Consult a patent lawyer for suggestions.

Next, prepare a nondisclosure agreement, to be signed by any individual with whom you share data. Search for examples on the internet, or consult an attorney to make positive it is complete. Do not be embarrassed to ask people today to sign specialists expect it, and buddies and loved ones will humor you. You're not becoming paranoid-you are getting qualified.

When you select a reputable toy manufacturer to generate your bobble head, they will sign a non-disclosure agreement, present signed documentation that this project is a perform made for hire, and supply documentation for copyright purposes. Your large idea is just that-your major notion. Share it, but shield it.

How Do You Get a Trademark?

When some people choose to hire attorneys to walk them through the approach of applying for a trademark, others opt for to use a trademark analysis firm, which can price thousands of dollars much less. It is significant to remember when hiring an individual to do your analysis that they not only search via Federal and State trademark records for name similarities, but also Normal-Law listings.

Countless consumers are under the impression that they can perform their own comprehensive search utilizing the help of search engines, in addition to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (herein referred to as the USPTO). Whilst it is a superior notion to grow to be familiar with the USPTO web site, individuals often believe that the information they collect from this web page is really representative of the trademarked names which are currently becoming utilised. The USPTO's website is never a thorough way to search the name you are hoping to trademark! The site is not updated frequently, and in addition to this, you can ONLY search Federal trademark records on the USPTO, NOT State trademark records OR Standard-Law records!

It is imperative to search Federal and State trademark records AND Prevalent-Law records since it is the only way to assure that your search was performed in a comprehensive manner. Federal and State trademarks records are looking at organizations that have either a federally registered trademark, or those who have registered a state trademark. When these records are searched, any federal or state trademarks that are either pending or registered will be visible to the researcher. Widespread-Law records examine those organizations who are in enterprise but not have necessarily filed for a Federal or a State trademark. When Popular-Law records are searched, thousands upon thousands of newspaper articles, city company listings, periodicals, incorporation listings, DBAs, LLCs, and so on. are examined for any name similarities. While such corporations do not have a trademark, they could possibly have "1st-use rights" to the name. This could mean that they still have ownership over the name within their trade region AND the capacity to take legal recourse if they identify that your name and home business is the similar, or comparable.

If the study proves clear, the subsequent step is to prepare and file the application. This can be performed by everyone then again, the USPTO is incredibly particular about how the application is ready, so it is finest to leave it to specialists.

3 Actions -- Federal & State trademark search, US National Common-Law search and Application Preparation & Filing - and the Trademark could be YOURS!

How To Patent Your Inventive Idea Using the Provisional Patent Application Process

Do you have an inventive notion and want to get a patent?

I want to introduce the "Provisional Patent Application" to you so that you can see how you can have a path to protect your inventive idea with out spending a ton of income!

Did you know that the Patent Laws are altering as you read this from "1st to Invent" to a "First to File" which means that the initial individual to "File" a patent application will be the person to be awarded the patent, NOT the very first individual to "INVENT" the idea. Gone will be the require to maintain "Inventor's Notebooks" to prove YOU invented the concept.

This puts the USA suitable in line with the rest of the planet. Some say this is poor and some say it is fine. In the finish the "remedy" for you, the inventor, is to take benefit of the Provisional Patent Application approach and file your application Nowadays to guard your inventive thought.

Personally, I like the concept of a "1st to File" since the Provisional Patent Application makes it Straightforward for individual inventors to level the playing field with the "Large Buys" for a measly $110. This signifies you may possibly have an concept for one thing a big provider like Ford Motor Organization would use and YOU could own the patent rights to that inventive concept because you filed your PPA for a measly $110.

Of course, the PPA is just an application that enables you to claim priority to your PPA with a filing of a Non-Provisional Patent application, NPPA, within 1 year of your PPA filing date. The cause the USPTO needs that you file a NPPA inside 1 year is so that you have time to secure funding so that filing of the NPPA will not be of concern expense wise.

Moreover, the PPA is an extraordinary "defensive" tool that can actually cover a great deal more than 1 inventive notion in a SINGLE PPA filing. What this means to you is

Did you know that the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO, was mandated by Congress to make filing a Provisional Patent Application exceptionally Quick for independent inventors just like you?

The difficulty is when the US Government tries to make something "straightforward" it is essentially "harder" to do it unless somebody shows you how to do whatever. In the end, no matter how you choose to file your PPA it is generally a good concept to recognize the procedure Just before you employ a lawyer or attempt to file one oneself. The USPTO has a fairly nice website for patent

Following all, aren't you the inventor who knows Every little thing about your invention?

US Patent Law Reform Vs European Patent Law

This is Portion 1 of a multi-portion series exploring the modifications to US Patent law in light of the 'America Invents Act', along with an overview comparison among US Patent law and European Patent law.

During September 2011, US President Obama signed the so-called 'America Invents Act', bringing about important adjustments to US patent law. In some respects, the new Act harmonises US patent law with the patent laws of the other main countries around the globe, and in other instances it just aims to address perceived deficiencies.

1st Alter

One of the important adjustments in US patent law is that the technique will move to 'first to file', rather of 'first to invent'. Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Japan, Korea and a large number of other patent law systems are 'first to file', and this change brings the US in line with practically all significant industrialised nations of the globe.

This may well be observed as being somewhat detrimental to the individual inventor or smaller small business with restricted funds. An individual inventor filing a Provisional patent application in the USA will presently be charged US$125 by the USPTO, whereas filing an initial 'provisional' patent application in Europe or the UK to merely stake a claim will not incur any official fees. It is also worth noting that an international patent application ('PCT') can also be filed without having payment of the official charges. If the fees are not paid to the UK Patent Office, European Patent Workplace or Receiving Workplace in the case of a PCT, then the respective applications will lapse. On the other hand, and importantly, the priority selection remains, permitting a follow up application to be filed within the first 12 months claiming the date of the earlier application for the original matter.

Consequently, by becoming a 'first to file' country but by not allowing 'free' filings to take location in order to establish priority, it can be argued that the USPTO is making some hardships for those in a much less nicely-off position.

Second Alter

Another major alter to US Patent law is the abolishing of the well-established 12 month grace period to file following very first disclosure in the form of printed publication, public use, sale or availability. The grace period is nonetheless on the market in the US in a restricted form, relating now only to a precise disclosure directly or indirectly by the inventor.

In Europe, and similarly in the UK, it has long been established that absolute novelty is needed. As such, any prior disclosure in any form of the claimed invention can impact the validity of the subsequently filed patent application.

Europe and the UK do have some exceptions to this rule, and a six month grace period for filing a 1st patent application is supplied in the event of an evident abuse of confidential facts or the invention was displayed at an officially recognised exhibition.

Even so, as a general rule of thumb, it is better to keep your invention secret until such time as your patent application is filed.

Portion two of this series will explore Post-Grant Proceedings and Prior Use.