I feel dumb asking, but how do I go about finding out if an idea for a product I have had is already patented?
I feel dumb asking, but how do I go about finding out if an idea for a product I have had is already patented?
I'm no expert, but I'd bet you'd do well to start here: http://www.google.com/patents
The USPTO site is not bad once you get used to the boolean search.
It is, there are no new ideas. You just need to be different enough to get a patent.
pinchvalve wrote: It is, there are no new ideas. You just need to be different enough to get a patent.
That is where I think I am going. The tech exsists. The product itself, doesn't. At least as far as I have researched. Hmmmm.
The key is being novel enough to get the patent, but keeping the claim broad enough so that a competitor can't make a small change (not necessarily even something required for functionality you are targeting) and work around your patent.
Patents have their own language of legalese and little changes in wording can open the door for others to follow right behind.
After doing a preliminary search on your own, if the area looks open, and the market seems to be there then I would recommend getting a pro involved to ensure get get the most protection.
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