Quote:
Originally Posted by jasaunders
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That's for a "quick" search; goes back to 1976. The reason why you can do a search only back to 1976 is because some concepts don't need to go back to the beginning, like a part for a PC; new technology.
An advanced search can be done off the same patent search page. I did my own searches and then had them reviewed by a patent agent for one patent and a patent attorney for the other. I had to search all the way back. Advanced searches go all the way back but many patents in the beginning years were burned and lost forever in a fire at the US Patent and Trademark office.
They do keep changing things lately. The patent drawings might not be available anymore before 1976. You used to be able to do a "paper" search of patents there but all is moving quite quickly to electronic.
A paper search was thought to be more thorough 10 years ago, now electronic is considered the new way.
Learning about patents is not hard but very complex as there is so much to know. It does get complicated at the office action sometimes (patent office's first review of your patent app.)You really can't get accurate information on a forum, you need to read a couple of books and the rules are constantly changing as WIPO (World intellectual property organization) is constantly putting pressure on the U.S. to make the rules the same as all the other countries. We have some extra services here that really help the independent inventor.
Patent attorneys can write patent apps and litigate them. Patent agents get licensed from the USPTO to be able to write patents but they can not litigate.
A design patent can cost half to a third of the cost for a simple utility patent. There are people advertising patent writing services for as little as $2500 but you can get papers filled with hogwash worth nothing. you must be careful and GET references.
I had a TERRIBLE experience with a patent attorney firm out of midtown Manhattan. You would figure they would be good. $25,000 bill for something the patent office completely threw out. Still straightening that mess with USPTO.
READ A COUPLE OF BOOKS AND BE CAREFUL!!! I must have studied 20 books on the matter and still I need much help from attorneys/agents
Patents are NOT easy to obtain. I'm fighting very hard for two right now. The examiners can really bring up some crazy irrelevant patents against you as prior art. Makes you mad too as you see it is completely different than yours but they give you a hard time anyway. In recent years it was easier as they let more apps go through until the courts put more pressure as too many rushed patents got overturned in courts. New changes are up for review at the USPTO right now that will make it much tougher yet for the little guy.
Ron
Inventor of Handi-Straps
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