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Mint
May 3rd, 2005, 12:02 AM
The title is a little awkward, but I didn't know to word it.
Basically, I have an idea/invention for some time now and was wondering how the process works for inventing something. Patents, laws, cost, etc.

I dont know much about this stuff, so was wondering if anyone had some insight on how it works.

TIA
NDman
May 3rd, 2005, 12:14 AM
If you want to get a patent, be prepared to fork out at least $10k to get it done. And it will take a long time with the lawyer, and the submission to the patent office. The 2 patents that my supervisor have took just under 1 year from start to finish (i.e. final approval of patent). That's the North American patent I'm talking about

That said, you have to find a patent lawyer, who will eventually do all the dirty work such as looking if there's similiar ideas already patented, the paper work, filing, gazillions patent search, etc
Mint
May 3rd, 2005, 12:33 AM
hm... how about if you approach a company about this idea and they get the patent? Does that work? It seems like it wouldnt work to me, since one you tell them your idea, they can pretty much steal it, since theres no patent.
CSR
May 3rd, 2005, 12:34 AM
hm... how about if you approach a company about this idea and they get the patent? Does that work? It seems like it wouldnt work to me, since one you tell them your idea, they can pretty much steal it, since theres no patent.

Exactly, they will steal it cuz they have the resources.... u should start ur own company or sell ur patent..
Mint
May 3rd, 2005, 12:46 AM
hm.. i dont think i have the finance for the patent. Its too big a risk. I personally think its a great idea, and has the chance of going somewhere, but who knows what other people think and if it goes nowhere, im outta a lotta money.
Didn't think it would be that expensive. How about if you share your idea with someone and you guys work at it. Is there a chance they can take all the credit?
UrbanPoet
May 3rd, 2005, 12:47 AM
hm.. i dont think i have the finance for the patent. Its too big a risk. I personally think its a great idea, and has the chance of going somewhere, but who knows what other people and if it goes nowhere, im outta a lotta money.
Didn't think it would be that expensive. How about if you share your idea with someone and you guys work at it. Is there a chance they can take all the credit?

definately.
Mint
May 3rd, 2005, 12:49 AM
I guess there's no real way to protect yourself/idea without the patent.
CSR
May 3rd, 2005, 12:50 AM
hm.. i dont think i have the finance for the patent. Its too big a risk. I personally think its a great idea, and has the chance of going somewhere, but who knows what other people think and if it goes nowhere, im outta a lotta money.
Didn't think it would be that expensive. How about if you share your idea with someone and you guys work at it. Is there a chance they can take all the credit?


Sign a 50/50 contract,,,
Mint
May 3rd, 2005, 12:55 AM
Like the main thing is that right now its just an idea (still flushing out all the details etc). The actual development of it will come after. So other than the idea i don't have much now.

Edit: I also don't want to seem like an idiot/wacko. Like demand them sign stuff and be all secretive, only to have them say "oh, thats your big idea?". Or is this the lifestyle of an inventor?

Edit 2: Thanks for the quick responses :D
NDman
May 3rd, 2005, 01:00 AM
There are these "invention companies" out there helping people full of ideas. They will basically take a cut (a big cut from what I heard) of what you'll earn from the patent, plus a certain fee. And ultimately, I believe they own the patent too ut that I am not entirely sure.

The following is a it fuzzy but it goes something simliar -- You don't publish any thing about your idea until you've officially filed for it. Once it's been filed (approved or not), it'll be protected for a certain period of time, or until the patent has been officially denied. So during that time, people can publish.

If you want to file a patent, with more than one author/owner to the patent, you must have it sorted out through lawyer about who gets how many %

Also, patents do expire
UrbanPoet
May 3rd, 2005, 01:05 AM
Its not a time machine is it O_o
StarStrike
May 3rd, 2005, 01:08 AM
Does it have anything to do with a flux capacitor, 1.1 Jigawatts of energy, or altering the space-continuum, which would create a time paradox where the universe would cease to exist? :eek:
Ojam
May 3rd, 2005, 01:10 AM
how about you tell us your idea, and we'll let ya know if its good, or already done. :D
UrbanPoet
May 3rd, 2005, 01:32 AM
http://web.mit.edu/user/m/b/mbroman/www/id_hit_it.jpg
Mint
May 3rd, 2005, 04:04 AM
How did you guys guess? I am actually developing a time machine!!!!!
But the thing is, it only takes you into the future, and you can only travel in increments of 1 seconds into the future/second.

:D
Nyte
May 3rd, 2005, 08:38 AM
I think the first thing you should do is make sure that no-one else is already working on your idea. You might be surprized.
synaptech
May 3rd, 2005, 08:57 AM
Your University will be glad to help you develop your idea... for a sizeable chunk of the profit. Then again, if they consider it worth investment, they may front most/all of the patent fees. Of course you don't see a dime until your invention pays all fees back. Be aware though, even if the Uni turns your idea down they may have rights to the idea if you develop it on your own after...