Posted: 11/14/2013 12:50:44 PM EDT
I have an idea for something firearms related... Not a BeowulfX  I have the idea mapped out and I'm creating the solidworks models at the moment.
I'm currently in college and I don't have the resources to file a patent or hire a lawyer but is there a way where I could protect my idea if I were to pitch it to companies? Should I wait until I get the resources to file the patent? Thanks. 
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US Patent Law has now gone to "first to file" meaning having it all written down beforehand doesn't really count.
So collaborate or wait til you can afford to file. It used to cost about $10,000 but is probably more now. You can attempt to get people to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which will state that they won't use any of the info or ideas you provide without your permission and compensation. Depends on how honest the company is though mostly. |
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Quoted:
US Patent Law has now gone to "first to file" meaning having it all written down beforehand doesn't really count. So collaborate or wait til you can afford to file. It used to cost about $10,000 but is probably more now. You can attempt to get people to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which will state that they won't use any of the info or ideas you provide without your permission and compensation. Depends on how honest the company is though mostly. NDAs are pretty common. Unfortunately, if a company violates an NDA your only recourse is to sue them. Then you're back to the initial problem: lack of funds... |
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Quoted:
US Patent Law has now gone to "first to file" meaning having it all written down beforehand doesn't really count. So collaborate or wait til you can afford to file. It used to cost about $10,000 but is probably more now. You can attempt to get people to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) which will state that they won't use any of the info or ideas you provide without your permission and compensation. Depends on how honest the company is though mostly. $10,000 is on the high side for a mechanical patent (I assume your idea is mechanical). I have done a lot of patent work in the shootings sports area and the last couple patent applications I have written have been around $5,000. The fact that you'll be able to provide the drawing will save you money. |