Part 2: The Expert's Patent Strategy by Bob DeMatteis

First of all, we do not rush out and file like many patent attorneys would like you to do. Besides, the first-to-invent laws of the United States protect us. In summary these laws state that the inventor who is first to conceive of an idea, then reduce it to practice (that is, prove that it works the way you say it does) will be acknowledged as the legal inventor. The only other issue that an inventor should keep in mind is that if work on the invention has been abandoned, then he/she will lose those rights. In other words, you have to proceed with due diligence in your development and cannot let large amounts of time elapse. The best way to track your day-to-day activities is by using a legal, bound journal.

Second, smart inventors know that being successful means making money, not getting patents. Thus, expert inventors make sure their products are sellable before filing for patents. In a complete reversal of the traditional method (the 97% failure rate), which puts marketing last, smart inventors qualify the market potential right up front! After protecting their invention, they will work confidentially with marketing experts in the field of their invention that can secure some substantial sales commitments. Then, they will work with manufacturing experts to get their invention made cost effectively.

Think about it, it's only common sense. It is smart business, not wishful thinking. Sales earn money and patents cost money. You want to get sales, and you want to protect them with patents. Besides, your marketing experts will confirm the desirability of your invention/product concept. They will inform you what the best attributes are and will help you mold your invention into a high-volume, sellable product. Your manufacturing expert will work along side you and the marketing expert to make the prototypes and working models for testing. So, get these experts on your team early on, before you file for patents, and develop your inventions/products with all the right attributes and excellent patent coverage! Know you are going to make money before you spend it on patenting!

Perhaps the best outcome of all is that by partnering (or licensing) with marketing and manufacturing experts, most of the cost of development and patenting is absorbed by them, not you! In return for their investment in the initial manufacturing costs and the marketing expense, they will have exclusivity. The exclusivity is, of course, conditioned upon their on-going ability to perform.

When you are thinking of patenting, think of marketing first. Then, just like the experts, you will be guaranteed that your invention/innovation will make you money. If you would like to learn more about the patent strategy of expert inventors, visit our Web site at: http://frompatenttoprofit.com

More Articles by Bob DeMatteis > The Most Important Key to Successful Inventing

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