Getting a patent

[hartofthethumb]

Is anyone here familiar with the processes involved with gaining a design patent? I assume that a lawyer would be the first step...? Would shopping a new device around be a no no without a patent before hand or would you be protected as long as an application was filed?

I'm working on something and wanting to learn about how to proceed, assuming I end up with a good functional device...

[Maybee-R]

Get an attorney before you show anybody.
pat. pending will only get your Idea stolen and more attorney cost fighting someone who took your idea and run with.

[hartofthethumb]

Wow, no-one here has anything more to say??

How about getting parts machined for an intitial working proto... Would I be safe to hire a machine shop to do the parts having done no footwork yet on a patent??

Would like to make sure it works as I hope before sinking too much time or money into it..

Just for anyone curious, this is an archery product, and quite unlike anything you have seen on the market yet. I have been thinking about it for quite sometime, but it has taken me quite a while to refine the "idea" of what I wanted to create into a concept that I believe will work wonderfully at it's purpose while being simpler than you might think, considering the functions it should perform...(if I'm right on the functionality of certain parts-wish me luck on that one).

[benel3006]

I think L-Train had posted a similar question a month or so ago. Seem to remember that there was a bit of feedback. Maybe try the search here and it will show up. Good Luck

[Maybee-R]

L-trains thread.

http://www.elitearchery.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24674&highlight=patent

[hartofthethumb]

So, I have been trying to gather some info as to what my best course of action might be with this. It seems that a patent app. doesn't necessarily require a working prototype.?. This seems hard to believe. What use would the patent be if it is just a bunch of parts that don't function as planned? Also, I'm finding lots of recommendations toward getting a non-disclosure agreement and asking any shops that I consult to sign it before discussing parts and operation of my "idea".

My biggest question right now is rather that would prevent them from potentially running with the idea w/out me or if it just prevents them from talking about it with a third party... Maybe it isn’t even something I need to do anyway?

I'm also wondering if I might be better to make a working prototype on my own. It obviously wouldn't be as pretty, but I think myself capable to make a working unit with the tools I have, or can access. Would this be a smart path to take?

I want to move forward with this as quickly as I can, at least up to the point that I might find it to be illogical to continue based on operation, cost or some other factor yet to arise. I actually had a similar experience with a "concept" a couple of years back that I didn't try to act on and was shocked to see a product come to market using the same tech. I had considered. (I'm not a fan of the product, and am not trying to claim it was my idea, nothing like that, it just made me realize that it is worth at least looking at the possibilities of something when a "concept" pops up).

[hartofthethumb]

Very close to having a working prototype, possibly tomorrow. Very excited about this...

[Ray Ray]

Glad to hear this, Ben. Then we may finally know what your up to.