The patent system in the United States rewards the "first
person" that invents a new product. An inventor's log book helps you prove you
were first.
Difficulty Level:
Medium Time Required:
NA
Here's How:
Detailed records of the concepts, test results and other information related
to making an invention should be kept. You can start from the very first moment
you think of an idea.
Proper record keeping can be used as proof of the conception date of an
invention and to show continuous activity or due diligence. Both are issues
that arise during the patent process.
You can buy a specially printed inventor's log book or make one yourself.
Use a bound notebook, the reason being that pages cannot be added or subtracted
without that being evident.
Number all your pages consecutively. On any blank pages or portion of a
page left, you should draw a line across. Start a new notebook when yours
is full. Each notebook should be assigned a consecutive number.
Keep your notebooks in a secure location and make records of when you take
or return your notebooks from that spot.
Every entry should be signed and dated by the participants and if possible,
the entry should be signed and dated by an unbiased witness or Notary Public.
Use a header for each entry with the following information - date, project
no., subject, participant(s), signature(s) and witness(es).
The more details the better, make sure that any person with regular knowledge
of your invention field could understand what you did.
Make records of everything (i.e. all your tests not just just the successful
ones). Add all your sketches and computations.
All participants and their roles for every entry need to noted. This proves who
can be named as inventor(s) on a patent application. If you omit any inventor's
name from your patent application it is considered fraud.
All loose material, such as drawings, printouts, photographs, etc., should
be signed, dated and cross referenced to a particular notebook entry.
If you can, tape or staple the loose material into the body of the appropriate
notebook entry.
Anything else such as samples, models, prototypes, etc., should be carefully
labeled with a date and cross referenced to notebook entries. Keep all of
it.
Tips:
Record your date of original conception then keep a detailed record of your
invention activities as you develop your ideas into reality. This is called
"reduction to practice" in legalese.
Each invention should be witnessed and dated by at least two witnesses upon
completion.
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