So anyone in this section ever applied or know anything about it? Can I use university resources to do it?

3/28/2006 11:09:17 AM

susie Q knows about this stuff.

3/28/2006 11:14:48 AM

In short, yes you can use university resources. They will approve it if they think it's worthwhile, and apply for a patent on your behalf (which costs $texas).

Only problem is, all your base belong to them if they apply for you. They can and will take any money you make off of it (or at least a large percentage) until they recoup their fees. They will then continue to take a smaller chunk indefnitely.

if it's a really good patent, you're better off forking up the money yourself.

3/28/2006 11:34:06 AM

there are investment companies that you can speak to. they will help you bring your product to market. talk to dr tharp in the csc dept...he knows a lot about this.

3/28/2006 2:41:00 PM

^^Wrong.

If the University has no claim to your patent (which, unless you recieve a stipend for research on said project, or got some university grant to work on it, they won't), they have NO financial claim to your patent.

The office of technology transfer can still help you through the process, but you will have to pay all applicable fees (which will still run you the $2500 bucks or so, which is CHEAP). The university will NOT have any stake in it.

^This is also HORRIBLE advice. Investment / Invention assistance companies are all scams. You are much better off on your own or with personal connections.


There are some steps you can do now, that are free and will save you a lot of time.

1) Remember you cannot patent an IDEA. To recieve a patent it has to be for a new PROCESS, MATERIAL, SUBSTANCE, DESIGN, OR a combination therein.

First step, go to the http://www.uspto.gov website and spend a few days searching. It's almost 100% garaunteed you will find existing relevent patents to what you want to do. This will help you in several ways. It will let you see a basic layout of the documentation and imagery required, it will let you see what's actually already out there and if you have any real claim to a patent.

2) Most people don't realize this, but in the US you have 2 YEARS of time before you have to claim a patent. So there is no immediate legal or business rush to get your idea patented.

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/disdo.html

Fill out and submit the Disclosure Document and you get two years to officially file. It's that easy and can save you thousands and thousands of potentially wasted dollars.

This way you can start your business, sell your product or process and use the money to pay for the patent, versus needing investment up front.

3) Realize patents are only good in their country of origin. If you ever want to sell overseas, you need patents in each country you plan to sell in. Also, if you plan to have your product manufactured overseas, it's a VERY good idea to get a patent in that country to protect yourself.

3/28/2006 3:27:50 PM

i hate you, Noen...always have, always will

that said, ^ is GREAT advice

3/28/2006 6:01:41 PM

loove you baby

3/28/2006 9:44:18 PM

Quote :

"Also, if you plan to have your product manufactured overseas, it's a VERY good idea to get a patent in that country to protect yourself."

in a lot of the countries that people often have things manufactured in, a patent isnt going to help you

3/28/2006 10:46:44 PM

the way I understand it, the office of technology transfer can get you a patent with no money out of pocket. In other words, they will cover all of the fees as an investment of sorts. That would be the case where they take some of your cash if the patent goes through and is marketable. Of course, they won't plop money down if they don't think it's worthwhile.

3/29/2006 9:10:03 AM

^If they offer this, you would have to be a fucking idiot to do it.

3/29/2006 10:38:57 AM

pretty much what I was sayin'

3/29/2006 10:41:31 AM

Gotcha, I know they will help you as a student with the process without that mess

3/29/2006 10:43:10 AM

^^^^^^^^

There is no time limit for claiming a patent for an invention- so long as no one else comes up with the invention.

You must patent the invention within a year after the invention is placed on sale.

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/documents/appxl_35_U_S_C_102.htm#usc35s102

[Edited on March 29, 2006 at 1:06 PM. Reason : ^]

3/29/2006 1:05:06 PM

thanks for all the input, noen you have a PM.

3/29/2006 1:14:44 PM