tegwin
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| posted on 2/2/12 at 03:38 PM |
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Any knowledge of patents and selling ideas?
Are there any folk here who have experience of developing ideas (products) and approaching companies to sell the product either under license or other
means?
I am getting a bit out of my depth and really need someone with some experience and knowledge to discuss things with. I can not find anyone in the
"real world" to talk to. Even the University department here dedicated to Student Enterprise seem pretty useless. I could employ a
specialist to talk with but im not sure where I would go for such a thing. And I suspect the cost of it would make it a daft idea.
The situation is fairly complex but I can explain by email to anyone who thinks they might be able to offer informed advice. Reluctant to post
specifics in an open forum. You never can tell who might be reading :-s
Sorry for the vaguety of this post.... 
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andyw7de
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| posted on 2/2/12 at 04:02 PM |
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Just completed a global licence deal for our Alphastrut Aluminium system with Murray International, took a long time sorting throught the details but
we got there in the end.
we dont have a patent but do have european design cover and trademarks.
Im by no means an expert but may be able to help
Ill send u my email and feel free to contact me if you wish
cheers
Andy
Speed is just a question of money !
How fast do you want to go ?
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Confused but excited.
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| posted on 2/2/12 at 05:51 PM |
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Firstly Do NOT reveal anything to anyone and if you do disclose any details to anyone, it MUST be under the caveat that anything that you do tell them
is strictly confidential. Make sure they understand that if they do disclose any part of your idea, then they may be subject to legal proceedings to
recover any potential financial losses incurred by their disclosure. Reason; To obtain a UK patent the subject of that patent has to be 'New and
Novel' worldwide. That means if it is 'common knowledge' you can't apply for a patent.
I would firstly make an appointment to see a patent agent. These guys are really clued up and will give you good advice and it will all be
confidential. Bit like talking to a brief.
Don't know what current costs are but about twenty years ago it cost about £2.5K, to do it yourself.
Finally DO NOT approach a company until you have 'Patent Applied For' on it. They will just steal your idea.
Good luck.
[Edited on 2/2/12 by Confused but excited.]
Tell them about the bent treacle edges!
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pewe
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| posted on 2/2/12 at 06:11 PM |
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Teg, as above you should talk to a Chartered Patent Agent. They are professionals bound by a strict ethical code.
Most will give you an initial consultation either free or for not a lot of money in order to establish whether your idea is patentable.
First step however is to lodge a letter dated and sealed with your solicitor detailing your idea.
This establishes Intellectual Property Rights. If it ever came to the crunch you could establish your idea is/was unique and the first in its field
(providing it is/was).
A trip to the Patent Office could prove useful as it will establish if there are similar products in circulation undergoing Patent applications.
You can approach companies but you need to have a fairly watertight "Confidentiality/Non -Disclosure Agreement" for them to sign before
any discussions/revelations take place. If they refuse to sign - walk!
The advantage of discussing with people already in the field is that they will normally be willing to give you an indication on the viability of your
ideas or best case want to buy then from you.
I'm no expert but undertook a similar exercise not long ago for No2 son.
PM me your email and I'll gladly send you a copy of a Conf Agt.
Cheers, Pewe10
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tegwin
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| posted on 2/2/12 at 06:37 PM |
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There is already a sort of patent application submitted for some parts of my idea. Its a pretty complicated situation.
There is only one similar patent application abroad, but their product, although it does the same thing, is clunky and not very refined.
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Would the last person who leaves the country please switch off the lights and close the door!
www.verticalhorizonsmedia.tv
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jimmyjoebob
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| posted on 2/2/12 at 10:37 PM |
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The people above are clearly well informed so do as they suggest!
Another thing to help establish your prior claim to your design would be to send yourself, in a sealed signed-for package, a copy of any drawings,
explanations, layouts, schemes etc which, in the event someone attempts at a later date to claim your work as their own, demonstrates when you came up
witht he design because of the date stamp/signature time. This has helped at work on several occasions.
Best of luck with your design!
If at first you don't succeed, hide all evidence you ever tried!
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