The
Basic Idea
This
PATENT PENDING process is designed for the independent inventor,
or the small business inventor, who is interested in investing some
time and effort in order to save fees in the preparation of a patent
application. It enables you to submit, through our secure channels over
the internet, information and descriptions of your invention by following
our simple detailed instructions. By providing your information in this
manner, you are able to save valuable time in the preparation of your
application. In the legal field, time equals money. The more you are
able to include (clear descriptions, alternate embodiments, features,
enhancements, drawings, etc.), the more you will be able to save in
legal fees by saving us time.
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The
Advantages This is a great route
for seeking patent protection. Rather than assume the burden of preparing
and filing a patent application on your own, this process allows you
to become as involved in the process as you wish - saving you legal
fees on portions of the application which can be efficiently prepared
by your direct input. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to work
with an experienced
patent attorney and former patent examiner who will complete and
scrutinize your patent application before filing and navigate through
the complex legal requirements and procedures necessary to properly
seek protection for your invention, without the full-blown expense normally
associated with hiring a patent attorney.
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Addressing
Uncertainties About Us And Working Online
In these modern times of e-commerce, it is prudent to be
cautious when doing business over the internet on an impersonal level.
We understand and expect your hesitations. We would like to make the
following suggestions to help increase your comfort level:
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First
Steps Before proceeding with
the E-Patent Your Inventionsm
process, we request that you read our information in regard to Patents
on this site to learn more about the patenting process.
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Here's
How It Works
- You
will first submit a general description of the field to which your
invention relates (without disclosing any confidential information),
along with some basic information about you/your company. We will
perform a conflict check to ensure that we are able to work with you
on this matter.
- Assuming
no conflict of interest exists, you will hear from us promptly by
e-mail, indicating that your Login and Password have been activated.
You will then be able to enter our site and proceed to the next step.
- You
will follow the detailed instructions which will take you through
the steps of performing a simple search, preparing background and
description information, and preparing drawings. You can leave and
reenter the site using your login and password as many times as you
wish, and your information will be preserved for revising. You can
also work on various portions offline on your word processor, then
copy and paste your information into our system.
- At any
point, you will have the opportunity to submit any questions you may
have through our online secure link.
- Some
of the fields are required, and will be so indicated. Any step which
is not indicated as required is optional. In the optional fields,
you may include as much or as little information as you wish. Much
of the information requested will need to be provided by you eventually
in order to complete the application. Thus, it is most economical
for you to provide this information online to the best of your ability.
- Once
you have submitted your information, we will review it, and provide
you with an estimate. At that point, if you choose to proceed, you
will be asked to respond.
- You
will then be mailed an engagement/retainer letter detailing the estimate
and the terms with which we will work with you. Once you have signed
and returned the letter, along with your check for the full amount,
we will complete and file your patent application. In completing and
filing the application, we will work with you personally off-line.
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What
are the costs? Your initial
use of the E-Patent your Inventionsm
process is completely free and does not obligate you to incur any fees
or to proceed further. If you request a service along the way or after
completing the process, such as a search, analysis, opinion, or preparation
of a complete patent application using your information, you will be
provided an estimate via e-mail. At that point you are free to accept
or decline the estimate. If you accept, a retainer letter will be mailed
or faxed to you, and you will be asked to sign it and return it along
with a check for the estimated amount.
So feel
free to proceed; there are no traps or hidden expenses here. You will
not incur any expenses or obligations until you decide to mail your
check. As substantial time and expertise must be expended in order to
properly draft claims and revise the application to meet legal requirements
and conform to proper form, please expect your cost estimate after savings
to include a minimum of $3,200 in legal fees plus draftsman's fees and
government filing fee.
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Is
This A Gimmick? The fees you will be
able to save by using this process are due to the time you are saving
your patent attorney. Much of the information requested of you can be
efficiently provided by you, rather than conveyed to your patent attorney
by other means. We will make revisions and complete the application
to ensure that all legal requirements are met, however, by following
our detailed instructions, you should be able to provide your information
in a manner which will save us time. Therefore, this is not a gimmick.
We are simply passing on the savings to you which you create by saving
us time.
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Couldn't
I Just Do It All Myself? You are not required to employ a
patent attorney in order to file your patent application. If you are
particularly ambitious, motivated, and have the time, there are resources
available to assist you in filing your own patent application (It is
important to understand that the use of our E-Patent Your Inventionsm
system should not be relied upon to create a legally sound patent application
without engaging patent counsel to review, revise, and complete the
application). However, in order to increase the chances of acquiring
protection of commercially reasonable scope, and obtaining a patent
which will be marketable to a large company or enforceable in court,
it is often best to employ an experienced registered patent attorney.
This process
gives you the best of both worlds - you can do as much of it yourself
as you wish, then turn it over to an experienced patent attorney to
complete the job.
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Merely
Requesting a Search. You can
use the E-Patent your Inventionsm
process solely for the purpose of requesting a patent search. Simply
begin the process and follow all the steps through the "Search Stationsm."
At that point you are given the opportunity to request a search with
your specific instructions. You will be provided an estimate via e-mail
which you are free to accept or decline. If accepted, you will be asked
to sign our retainer letter and prepay the estimate by check. You are
free to stop the E-Patent your Inventionsm
process at any point.
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Confidentiality
and Security Online Please do not transmit any confidential
information to us via e-mail. The sender assumes all risks associated
with interception of e-mail messages. Our E-Patent Your Inventionsm
system is installed on a secure socket layer system, thereby insuring
security and confidentiality of your invention. If you have any concerns
about this issue, please Contact
Us for more information. Also see our further information on Security
and Confidentiality.
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Can
I Do This From Anywhere In The U.S.A? Yes. Our practice is
located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. However, we serve
clients all over the world. In this modern age of e-commerce, fax machines,
e-mail, and telephones, it is not necessary for you to be located near
us. We are able to assist you anywhere in the U.S.A. If you are not
a U.S. resident, see "Can I Do This From Outside
The U.S.A.?"
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Can
I Do This From Outside The U.S.A.? In
most countries, you must file a patent application in your home country
or receive foreign filing permission before filing abroad. Thus, if
you are not a U.S. resident, please contact a local patent attorney
to assist you with this issue. Feel free to tell your local attorney
that you would like to work with us for the purposes of a U.S. patent
application.
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Is
This The Gravy Train? $$$Welcome
to the Gravy $tation$$$ Well, let's be realistic. In
order for your invention to bring you success, you will likely need
to market it aggressively, and you will need a little luck as well.
Whether you plan to manufacture and sell your invention yourself, license
your rights to another, or sell your rights outright, there will likely
be quite a bit of effort required on your part in order to make it work.
There are no guarantees of success.
Acquiring
a patent does not guarantee you will profit from your invention. There
have been numerous incidents of fraudulent marketing firms which purport
to bring you success. Please beware of with whom you choose to deal.
Watch out for any companies which charge large up front fees and promise
you results.
Read our
information regarding What
should I know about Marketing/Invention Promotion Firms?. If
you know of reputable marketing firms, or you have had a positive experience
with a marketing firm, please Contact
Us with your experiences so that we can properly make recommendations.
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If
this process is not for you, we are pleased to assist you
in a traditional manner. Please feel free to Contact
Us.
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