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From: brosen@pioneer.arc.nasa.gov (Bernie Rosen- zeroone)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics,sci.research,misc.legal
Subject: Re: Patents, How to get them?:-)
Keywords: patents
Message-ID: <7620@amelia.nas.nasa.gov>
Date: 2 Aug 90 01:06:54 GMT
References: <297@alix.UUCP>
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Reply-To: brosen@pioneer.arc.nasa.gov (Bernie Rosen- zeroone)
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In article <297@alix.UUCP> isolated@alix.UUCP (20 James D. Corder) writes:
>
>
>	How do you get a patent on something that you invented?
            You can apply for a patent, as you know.

>	Can I patent something that is made to repair someone elses equipment?
            Yes
 
>	Should I use their drawings of their equipment or create my own?
            You need to provide drawings of your own device and,
            as I recall, it's ok to show parts of other drawings
            (but see notes below)

>	What is a "Small entity" vs an "other than a Small Entity"?
            I've no idea
 
>	Do you need an attorney?  The one that I talked to wanted $6180.00 just
>       to read my paperwork, and do a search.
            Yes (see below)
 
>	How much of the work can I do myself?
            The more the better
 
>	What would it cost to get the patent?
            Several thousand dollars
 

Several years ago I invented a first aid / medical training device
that linked a prosthetic leg with a computer which allowed the
computer to display leg movement.  After talking with a local patent
attorney, I provided him with drawings and a detailed description of
the parts, how they were connected and how the device worked, etc.
He reworked what I gave him and did the correspondance with the
patent office.  Our first attempt was rejected but we made it the
second time around.  The important point is that patent applications
are as much an art form as anything else.  If your application is too
broad (plastic bottle which dispenses liquid) it will be rejected.  If
it is too specific (plastic bottle and trigger assembly which dispenses
a thin stream of liquid) you may lose out when someone patents a similar
device (like with a variable spray adjustment).

The cost was, for me, about $3000, which included patent searches and
the two tries to get the patent.  The more time the attorney has to
spend, the more it will cost (that's why the more you do the better).
If your lawyer charges by the hour (most do), multiple re-writes and
re-applications can drive the cost way up.  Be sure to find out how
yours will charge.

Hope this helps.  And don't waste any time.  Sounds like several
people know what you are up to and time is your worst enemy.  That's
another reason to get a good patent attorney.

Bernie