Wanted: Someone with patent experience

[Bad Finger]

Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I am wondering if there is any of you among us who happens to have done patent work before? I have recently come up with a design for a disc golf product that I feel many people would use if given the opportunity. I'm sure you can understand why I won't be describing it in a public forum, but if any of you do happen to have experience in this I would love to hear from you. IF we can get this off the ground, I can even pay for your services, or make sure we work something out for your efforts. I thought I'd put the call to the DG community first since the product is DG specific, rather than seeking help elsewhere.


Clancy

[Ol' Bob]

Let me guess, an electronic disc locater?

[oneshotleft]

The only thing I would recommend is that you write down everything to do with your invention all the details and seal it in an envelope, take it to the Post Office and have them hand stamp it...and mail it to yourself. Do not open it! This (the postmark) is dated proof of your idea. This is sometimes called a "Poor mans Patent". This will give you some proof should someone try to steal your idea(s).

After that start the regular patent process. Good luck! I hope ya make several million.

G'luck

P.S. if one letter is good two are better.

[Ol' Bob]

If I guessed correctly, it's only because I, and just about a hundred other guys I've talked to have had the same idea. I looked into various kinds of RFIDs and portable RFID interrogators.

If someone does it, and the prices aren't ridiculous, I'd probably buy one.

[Bad Finger]

Nope, and not even close. Sorry Bob.


It is for people who are disabled, the elderly, and people with back problems but I'm sure more and more healthy people will want them as well.


As for the electronic disc locator, a audible beeper would do better than RFID, as you could find it in any weather, lighting conditions, and would be smaller and more able to mold into plastic.

[Bad Finger]

The only thing I would recommend is that you write down everything to do with your invention all the details and seal it in an envelope, take it to the Post Office and have them hand stamp it...and mail it to yourself. Do not open it! This (the postmark) is dated proof of your idea. This is sometimes called a "Poor mans Patent". This will give you some proof should someone try to steal your idea(s).

After that start the regular patent process. Good luck! I hope ya make several million.

G'luck

P.S. if one letter is good two are better.

Thanks bud, will do! I don't need millions, hundreds of thousands will do fine. :D

In all seriousness though, if I were to even make a minimal amount of money selling the patent or actually going to market with it, I will invest 50% of the profits directly back into the disc golf community (new courses, lobby efforts, funding disc golf school programs, ect). You have my word on that.

[The Course Bro]

Usually, a patent is a bad place to start. The cost can be upwards of 20,000 bucks. PM me for more info. Cheers, Bro

[Ol' Bob]

Well, me and my bad back will be waiting to find out what it is.

[WestsoundBT]

Some have already suggested this: the full patent process can add significant cost to an unproven product. Even provisional patents as well. There's a lot to consider in weighing costs, hassle, paperwork, etc vs. the potential "win" of an yet-to-be-marketed idea or product. You'd have to find where you break even and evaluate whether it worth it or not. - Which is hard to do.

Then, you'd have to decide if additional costs in the future for legal aid to defend your patent if you found another product "eerily similar" and weigh those costs,hassles, willingness to litigate, time...etc.

However, the system is there to protect a true breakthrough product. Keep in mind, if the product is specific to disc golf, and a more limited segment of that smallish population at that - it's got to be a great great seller in that very limited market to be a true winner. If it is - then fantastic! - and we'll all win!

Take a look around on the gov patent search sites to see what patents really exist in our sport - there's very few in the accessories arena. The gottago cart, a few extending retreival devices, etc...

Some additional thoughts - the pm me guy sounds like he's had some experience at the process, favorable or not. I have heard and believe that hiring a service to help with the process is a sign of moneypit trouble.

[The Brodys]

legal aid to defend your patent if you found another product "eerily similar" and weigh those costs,hassles, willingness to litigate, time...etc.



My pops always told me "A patent is only as good as your lawyer." Sad but true.

[burtonridr]

file a provisional patent, they are much cheaper and easier to file than a real patent. They give you a year(maybe two) of protection, during that time you can test the idea and see if it has legs. If it is looking promising you can file for a real patent before the provisional expires.

Just google "provisional patent"