29Aug 2022 by Pat Geddie
Is Your Invention Patentable?

Is Your Invention Patentable?

Invention
There's a strict legal definition of what is considered patentable. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, you may obtain a patent for any "new and useful process, machine, manufacture or composition of matter.” A patent means that you, and you alone, have the right to use this invention. Not everything can be patented. Otherwise, you would wrongfully get unlimited rights to something that others should have the ability to use. There are four broad categories of inventions that can be patented: A combination of steps or methods Something that is manufactured from materials A machine that is a combination of parts A composition of matter to make a new substance Your patent should be novel work that you have done. There are certain things that may be…
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29Sep 2021 by Pat Geddie
Who Should You Tell About a New Invention?

Who Should You Tell About a New Invention?

Invention
When you are working on a new invention, there are definite risks to loose lips. Until you patent the invention, your intellectual property is at risk. Therefore, you should be very careful about whom you tell. Your rights to your own work are at stake. Many inventors will try to insist on a non-disclosure agreement before they talk to anyone about their invention. This does not always work, as some of the people who you need to speak with (investors, licensees) do not make it a practice to sign an NDA. The balance of power is often in favor of the people who you need to make your invention work, so they do not need to do what they do not want. Patents Are Given to the First to File…
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22Jun 2021 by Pat Geddie
Steps to Monetize Your Invention

Steps to Monetize Your Invention

Invention
When you come up with what you believe is a million-dollar invention, you might begin seeing dollar signs in your imagination right away. Unfortunately, there are several things you need to do before those dollar signs become a reality. The following are some basic steps to monetize your invention whenever possible. You should also never hesitate to discuss the matter with an invention attorney who can provide more detailed and tailored guidance. The following are some steps you can take to monetize your idea. Determine if Your Invention is Patentable - You might think you have an original and novel idea when, in reality, someone already has a patent for the same - or highly similar - design. An attorney can review whether your invention meets the legal standards of…
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10Dec 2020 by Pat Geddie
Do You have a COVID-19-Related Invention?

Do You have a COVID-19-Related Invention?

Invention
While the COVID-19 pandemic has been detrimental to many people and businesses for many reasons, there are some interesting things that have come from 2020. Many people have invented new products or apps that help people navigate the restrictions of the pandemic and keep themselves safe by minimizing possible exposure. Some unique pandemic ideas include: One cafe in Germany has patrons wear social distancing hats made from pool noodles A supermarket released an app so shoppers can determine when are the least crowded times to go to the store Nintendo’s popular game Animal Crossing allows you to go on virtual vacations to see international landmarks and attractions Certain companies launched vending machines for people to buy masks and other PPE on the go Pre-designed floor coverings show people how to…
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05Jul 2020 by Pat Geddie
Machines Cannot be Inventors

Machines Cannot be Inventors

Invention
Last year, a human filed a patent application for an invention, though this application was different because the inventor listed was not the human - it was a machine. The invention was called “Devices and Methods for Attracting Enhanced Attention,” and the inventor was a so-called creativity machine referred to as “DABUS Invention Generated by Artificial Intelligence. The man filing the application claimed he was the legal representative of DABUS, though he did not sign his own oath or declaration as inventors must do as part of the application. So, what happened to this application? Can a machine be an inventor and gain patent rights? As of now, the answer is “no,” since the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) denied the application. The applicant claimed that DABUS was…
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05Mar 2020 by Pat Geddie
Protecting Your Invention

Protecting Your Invention

Invention
Coming up with a new invention is an exciting time. You might know that you have a product that will be successful, but it is imperative that you take certain steps to protect your invention and ensure success. Two important steps include patenting your invention and trademarking your brand. Patents Applying for a patent can be a complex task. You first need to make sure that your invention is patentable before you go through the process. Often, even if your invention is patentable, your application can be denied due to insufficient supporting documents or information. Obtaining a patent takes time and resources, so you want to have proper legal assistance throughout this process. In many cases, inventors might obtain a provisional patent first to shop their product around, and might…
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