Patent

[Prometheus]

Dont forget that you might have get your device past SEMI as well.

[MyraTrue]

*eyes get HUGE *

B...b...b... Blue Falcon? *blinks*

Actually, now I'm curious as to what this mysterious epee related patent would be. See, unlike TheOne, I know a real weapon when I see one *gives a slow wink over this quip*.

I've seen some amazingly simple ideas that have made good money for people. I've also heard the stories everyone else hears about "but I had it first, you gutter-dwelling swine!"

Good luck!

[blue_falcon]

I agree -- you can establish a clear time of creation to establish that you invented it first. However, if you are thinking of possibly patenting the invention in countries other than the US, most of the world is now on a first to file and not a first to invent basis. While you may have invented it first, if you're not the first one to the patent office (not the USPTO!), then you may not get the patent. The US is fairly clear on this but the rest of the world has moved to a first to file system.

As for patent lawyer fees, I agree generally with that figure. OF course if you go to some of the bigger firms that number can skyrocket!

Originally posted by CvilleFencer
Should you ever decide to patent a device, publishing the concept or drawings on the internet counts as a published idea giving you a clear time of creation, and then you May or may not reduce it to practice as you wish. Also if you can get it filed by SUBJECT MATTER in any library that is open to the public, that will also establish your date of invention. As a general rule as mentioned above most minor fencing gadgets are not worth the effort to patent due to their potential commercial success.

Also a patent will only protect you for the US market, and if someone outside the states sells the item in the US you must pursue the matter in a foreign court or attempt to get an injunction on the use/sale/import here in the states. However the MPEP is very clear that the more you can do to establish the invention as being you proprietary intellectual property the easier it will be for the patent examiner to verify your claim and allow you to proceed with the patent process.

As to whether or not to get a patent lawyer, it depends on your business plan, but figure 200 and hour on the east coast, along with 800-3000 (depending upon invention claims, etc.) in USPTO fees you are looking at around 3-8000 dollars for a very simple patent.

PM me if you would like more info.

[blue_falcon]

Yes, it's me. I couldn't resist jumping in with both feet on this one. Then again, you know why

Actually, I did find a patent for a fencing related invention a few months ago. It was issued (I think it was issued -- I'm not sure) to a guy named (and I kid thee not) Ramjam Funkyboogaloo Smythe. It was for a foam sabre. This guy is REAL and he's actually listed in a few fencing tournaments in Great Britain.

Originally posted by MyraTrue
*eyes get HUGE *

B...b...b... Blue Falcon? *blinks*

Actually, now I'm curious as to what this mysterious epee related patent would be. See, unlike TheOne, I know a real weapon when I see one *gives a slow wink over this quip*.

I've seen some amazingly simple ideas that have made good money for people. I've also heard the stories everyone else hears about "but I had it first, you gutter-dwelling swine!"

Good luck!

[MyraTrue]

My word... thats a name that gets one tared and feathered on the playground, isn't it? Well, hello. And yes, I DO know why you couldn't resist this post. (Not, not mine, the Patent post )

And I thought the foam sabre was a pretty well worked over piece of fencing equipment? I, and several other fencers, regularly beat on eachother with a pair that we keep in the armory for randomized attacks on others.

I myself am too boring a person to contemplate invention of anything novel. Besides "My God, what was that?" when people talk about my footwork... and bladework... and enguard... and fleche.... and... wait, everything!

Off to wire epees...