patent software idea

patent software idea
One of the first things to do, if you have an idea is, write it down. The documentation is the most important step you can in the future rights to your idea. The documentation must be in a tight or bound engineering notebook. These are as an elementary school that notebook pages can not be added. It is also a good idea to create a notebook that is also difficult, and felt, when all sides are removed.

The notebook should be your diary about your product or idea. Who you talk to, what you do to develop. Rough drawings, etc. The idea behind this is to "" first "or" Primary "" entitled to the idea. The documentation and scribbles out dated and it is much easier to determine when the idea was first once conceived and by whom.

So you have the product and the idea that all written. Now is the time to decide whether the time, cost and effort to get a patent is worth it. There are three basic factors that determine the decision on the application for a patent.

1. Market potential. Your product is the next big thing, literally in the millions if not billions of dollars? If the answer is "Yes" then it's worth the trouble for a patent. Unfortunately, most decisions are clearly defined. Many products with limited or local market potential, the ambitious entrepreneur but not worth the trouble to patent protection . Limited market appeal does not mean that a product is not worth the effort to develop. Somewhere between these two extremes, it becomes increasingly important, patent ownership rights.

2. Selling the idea to another company. When companies buy, ideas, themes, etc., they are really purchasing intellectual property rights. If you are not the property or the rights, however, each and all can use your great product idea and their own. Then it would be up to you to your first claim of the property. A patent is your position as an owner.

3. Dollar value. The higher the value of the product, the more it should be a candidate for a patent.

The patent is not so difficult to navigate, but it may be a good idea to consider, by some support. You may provide additional information on the United States Patent and Trademark Office. They are available online at www.uspto.gov / web / offices / PAC / design / toc.html. A good patent attorney could also be considered for the formalities and registration application on your behalf with the Federal Government.

Once a patent is granted and you have ownership rights in your idea or product. This does not mean that you are protected, however. Once received, it is then up to you to defend your rights through the court should use all your design ideas without your permission. This can be a very expensive proposal and is the reason why the above three points should be considered before applying for a patent.