Patent info wanted

[Ron_Burgandy]

I am in the process of putting together a utility patent application. While looking through the goverments patent website http://www.uspto.gov/index.html it seems almost straight forward, which scares me a little. I have heard patents costing 3k to submit, but looking at the fee schedule (http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/qs/ope/fee2007september30_2007dec17.htm) it appears it would only cost 155 initially, then maintenance fees after its granted. We have a guy at work dedicated to putting together patents, but would rather not let the cat out of the bag, as this is a personal endevour.

Also, while looking at some other patents, the lanquge used is rediculous, how am I ever going to be able to write all retarded like that? Can I write like a normal person when describing the widget? Do i absolutely need a patent attorney?

Any of you done a patent on your own terms, (that being without your companies help)?

[TyBo1001]

I haven't ever done one, but I would probably at least consult an attorney to make sure I was fully covered. Better to spend a couple hundred bucks now and save thousands later. It would suck to submit for a patent and wording it incorrectly, then have someone else word it correctly and get the patent from underneath you. That's my .02

[movindirt]

RDC member summerinmaine is a patent attorney.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Yes get an attorney... Don't go near those patent services...

[Kritter]

Im in process of a patent with a group and its roughly 15k all said and done the route we went. Investors are nice...

[Ron_Burgandy]

Im in process of a patent with a group and its roughly 15k all said and done the route we went. Investors are nice...


Where is the 15k coming from? What are your actual fees costing you?

[fathead]

Ron,
Check your PM's and give me a call when you get a chance
Thanks
Jamie

[G_Archer]

Having been through the spot you're in, my .02 is to hire a good patent attorney.

Tried to do it myself without help, tried PatentPro software, then ultimately hired a patent attorney. Dropped $7500 for his services (3 items on 1 utility patent), but I believe you get what you pay for. The guy has been a patent attorney for over 40 years and has a 97% success rate. Seemed like a steep cost for some paperwork, but if you believe in the product you are going to patent, the cost is minimal in the long run.

Let the pro's do the patent and just concentrate on the product. A mistake or oversight in the beginning phases can jeopardize the entire project. My attorney has offices in Las Vegas and Scottsdale, AZ. PM me if you want details. Good luck.

GA

[Mark Newhan]

Find a good one... if you hear 3 to 5 K plan on spending the full $15K, as someone said earlier. If I remember right the drawings will run you 1500 - 2500, depending on the number of claims you have. Don't get frustrated, the process takes paitents. Good Luck