Have you ever patented something?
 

I know there are a lot of services and patent attorneys out there. There is also the option of doing it all on your own.

I have a mainstream product, several in fact, that I wish to do something with and I'm not sure where to start.

Of course I've googled and poked around a bit but there is too much shit to sort through.

Any helpful suggestions or resources based on personal experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance. :)

Xpays Evan has a couple and knows the process pretty well.
WG

my farts are patented

Ha! I thought you meant patented anything like leather...

id like to find out as well...seems like very good information to have.

yea please post if you find any quick info

Quoted for truth.

AlienQ patented the internet.

Bump for you Aaron, I'm curious also.

Touché :1orglaugh

I'll hit up Evan and see if he's comfortable sharing his experiences on this thread so others can see as well.

muahahahaha!

Dont bother yourself
 

I've gone through the process several times and I can say there is no way in hell you want to do it yourself. If you go with a big ip law firm like McDermott Will & Emery or Fish & Richardson, it will make your life alot easier but also expect to spend at least $50k for the app.

Your best bet is to file a provisional application with the USPTO which allows you 1 year before spending the money to file a full patent application and still gives you the priority date of the origional provisional application in case anyone comes along with anything similar in the mean time.

Also expect a least 3 years frame from application (not provisional) to grant and many "non-final" rejections along the way which will force you to re-write the claims and breadth of the patent to get it through.

Good luck. But my advice is go with a good law firm, you get what you pay for.

You should get a lawyer but you can patent something yourself if you are very motivated and don't mind trial and error.

Even if you get a lawyer I would suggest the book "Patent it Yourself" by David Pressman. It's very easy to read and will teach you the entire process so when you do deal with a lawyer, you will be educated.

Probably the best book on the subject for non-lawyers.

It's going to cost you a shitload and then some fuckers from China will just steal it..

I didn't patent trying to buy content with canadian dollars

Aaron, thepiper has provided you some solid direction. File the provisional yourself, therefore securing the priority date. It gives you time to get your act together, and fund a qualified patent attorney the big bucks to conduct all the necessary research and prepare the application correctly. Outside of the provisional, dont cut any corners.

Thank you for the info on the provisional. We will get that done ASAP.

Exactly what I was going to recommend.