Really? for one little design? Sounds a bit steep.... Hmmm thats me outta the water then.... Guess i would just have to go for it and just let others copy then :*How deep are your pockets? It's an expensive process likely to cost in excess of 25k for European rights alone..
Yeah that was another thing i was gonna ask.. Thats a good idea T:Get as much proof as you can about the date of your idea with drawings etc.
Then put patent pending on your product, it should put most people off copying and who's to say when you'll apply for the patent ?
It's pending you start the ball rolling on filling in the forms or even get them filled in you don't have to post them off yet.
if all the above makes sense.
Hi NealSome places to find info,
The Patent Office: 01633 814 000 http://www.patent.gov.uk
Institute of Patentees & Inventors: 189 Regent Street, London W1R 7WR. http://www.invent.org.uk
Chartered Institute Of Patent Agents: http://www.cipa.org.uk
Received thanks.. T:Sorry, that apostrophe' (it's) shouldn't be there. Cheers, Tony.
Yes i've done this but as you say it only proves when i had the idea.. Thanks T:i'm not sure if it works the same. but this works with songs, books etc.
Apply for the patent etc.............but also
stick the plans, drawings, doodles etc in an envelope and post it recorded delivery to yourself (but don't open it)
if you ever need to defend it ..........you can take the unopened letter to court and have them open it there
Your right Neal but it will protect me in the first instance from the company/persons i ask to make my prototype for me. There is nothing to stop them changing it slightly and marketing it before i do but i can prove where they got the idea from in the first place wouldnt you think? Im new to all this and its the first realistic idea i've hadI have thought in the past that it seems an odd way to "protect" your invention (the posting it to yourself thing)
What would happen if for example, you had an idea and told nobody about it. Posted a copy of your inventions details to yourself and left it sealed. A year later someone halfway round the world puts on sale the same product.
He didn't steal the idea from you, he just had the same idea and acted on it faster than you did. I would imagine that the sealed envelope would be worth less to you than you paid to post it to yourself, in that situation.
Would mean nothing without a patent application I don't think ?
Basically yes but i think it would cover the Uk to a degree. Its a shame its not easier to protect an idea, products are obviously easier with patents etc but these cost a lot of money to obtain plus it won't stop people changing the design anyway and running with it.Yes that makes sense mate. You can protect yourself with it but very locally.
Well i simply cant afford to patent every possible variation.Your blue prints or drawings need to be on copyright, and you have got to think about other ways your item could be made but slightly different and also get them copyright , it's just like light bulb it started off as a patent but look now everyone's making them.... Because a patent only last about 15 years or so, someone might have already done your idea and got a patent but never made it and that's one thing you have to look for via the patent office .. If not Dragons den lol