Patents

[silviasol]

I want to get a patent for one of my idea's. 90% of what I sell I am using it to fix the item I sell. Until now no one has copied but now someone is copying it. I don't know if it is possible to get certain things patented or what I have to do. Hoping that someone here has some kind of product they invented and got patented to get some good advice. Or if you have any knowledge please let me know.

 

[Lebowski]

I've always worked in high-tech companies and applied on their behalf for patents etc.
One thing they always look for is detectability, is it easy to detect whether a competitor is infringing on your patent.
But for a private person having a patent in my opinion makes no sense. A patent is only as good as the lawyers you can
afford to sue the infringers. I've worked for a several 100 M$ company who's patents were infringed upon by a certain
100 B$ software company. My company just let it slide as there is no way to win a lawsuit when the infringer has such
deep pockets... Patents have no value anymore.

 

[Punx0r]

See this thread for a good summary of what is, and what is not, patentable: https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=75597

 

[Chalo]

If it's related to e-boards, you don't want to own the patent. That would make you vulnerable to product liability suits when people hurt themselves using a product that is only effective at hurting people.

 

[major]

After you have sold or offered to sell your invention, it is too late to apply for patent protection.

 

[ecycler]

After you have sold or offered to sell your invention, it is too late to apply for patent protection.

^^^This. You have already made it impossible to patent your idea. Patents are only worthwhile for large companies these days or the one in a million lucky shot bastard.

 

[Chalo]

A patent is only worth bragging rights if you're not willing or able to defend it with litigation.

A relevant patent or two can be as good as a college degree in terms of employability.