You cannot patent a mere idea. However, if your idea is at the prototype stage, a patent might be useful to you at least from the perspective of having some chance of preventing the large company from simply taking your idea as their own when you...
Continue ReadingLook in any patent database that supports the IPC (International Patent Classification) as a search criterion and look for classification A23. For sub-classifications, look here: IPC. Espacenet - Advanced search is a database that has IPC as a search field....
Continue ReadingThis was a piece of software that was 90% my ideas and work. Obviously, since I was an employee the company has ownership rights to it, but it is my understanding that they are still obligated to name me as an inventor on the application....
Continue ReadingNiche markets are often created by innovating in spaces outside of the mainstream. It generally involves innovating in intersections of two different disciplines. One of the biggest challenges is that you also have to be able to sell your potential customers on the importance of engaging...
Continue ReadingI'm having trouble mechanically conceptualising my ideas for inventions. Some of us are big picture people, and others are more focused on details. That is perfectly okay, but to succeed you will need to get some help from people more focused on the details...
Continue ReadingI came up with an idea only to find out later that it is already patented by someone else. It's about putting advertisements in e-books. Can I use the idea anyway or do I need to contact him and buy the patent? Patent Attorneys can analyse...
Continue ReadingIn simple terms, a utility patent can protect the way something works or some inherent technical feature of the clothing. A design patent protects the aesthetic features of the clothing. As an example of “the way something works”, I drafted a specification and patented on behalf...
Continue ReadingIn some jurisdictions, if an assignment is not lodged within a given period of time then the assignment may need to be re-executed to get it assigned on the register. In some other jurisdictions, a fine is imposed if an assignment or exclusive license is not...
Continue ReadingIt is an almost daily occurrence in modern life. You sign up to a web service and get confronted with a tick box asking you to agree to terms and conditions. When people do this, though, they often believe that well-known and trusted corporates have...
Continue ReadingThe concept of a profession dictating the subject matter of invention is artificial. Anyone in any profession can invent anything. In fact, most innovation occurs at the boundaries between professions because the space is less crowded. A more useful question to ask is which employers...
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