Anyone familiar with the patent process?
 

I believe I have a marketable and patentable idea for which I need to start my research into the patent process. This is for a consumer product, not a process. I will need to build a prototype (are there outfits that specialize in helping out with this?). Anyone here gone through this before? If so, could you share any tips? I'm having a hard time deciding just where to start. I'm sure I will go through a patent attorney etc...

Thanks

What?! You are serious about marketing and patenting that sex toy?;pervert; Kudos to you!:thumbup:

If it can solve your issues, then it can work for anyone :D

SuperGreg, you can file for what is called a "provisional Patent"- you can file yourself without an attorney for little $$$. What this does is protect you while you discuss with potential suppliers, engineers, etc. and gives you a hard date that establishes you chronologically versus someone else with your idea later.

Yeah, I did read about that. I think it was $100, and you have up to one year to file the patent. That is the way I will go, but I think it may be prudent to get an early prototype first, so that the final product isn't so far removed from the one in the provisional patent that it won't apply. Make sense? Do I need a prototype for the provisional patent? Won't I need drawings/specs etc...?

Provisional does not require a prototype, and as far as I know, the actual patent does not require one either. You need well developed ideas, drawings, descriptions, etc. for the actual. Can take a while as well. You will need a patent attorney for the actual patent app. I am listed on one for my former employer, and the process took almost 3 years for the approval. The provisional does allow you to say "patent pending"

Ha ha! :rofl: Kewl, I saw that one coming as I read your post. You set yourself up big time.

Remember Brian H? Did you ever know what his wife did for a living? She worked for a sex toy company.

Yeah, I knew that. SG was her biggest customer.;)