- whoopycat wrote:
- just wondering what I can do safely while waiting for my patent? I heard it could take years! Once I submitted it am I locked in? can I go forward in dealing with manufactures etc... and does it really take years? thank you
W.C, first off your question should be
What can I do safely while waiting to see if my patent application is granted.. On think the average time line for an application to be examined is between 19 to 24 months. Depending on what the examiner kicks back for prior art and how quick your able to respond back will determine how long it take to get the patent allowance. Anything Ive ever done has taken 2 to 2.5 yrs for allowance. I did have one issue in less than 2 yrs.
I read the USPTO is working to improve there system and get patent apps through much faster,,,,who knows if that will ever happen.
When you ask about being locked in I assume your talking about patending. Your invention is patent pending after your application is accepted by the USPTO.
You can start approaching companys safely with patent pending status. You want to get the company to sign a NDA if you can. Alot of companys wont sign one. Thats your choice if you decide to introduce your idea without it....Ive done it many times in the past, leaving a good paper trail to follow just in case something goes wrong. Keep a good inventors journal also will help, its your best defense.
One thing you need to remember, what if a company decides to license your invention and your patent application get a final rejection ( No patent approval). How will you deal with the license company.
I suggest you spend some time on the USPTO web site in the Q&A section, theres alot of great info to be had....
http://www.uspto.gov/faq/patents.jsphttp://www.gaebler.com/How-Long-Does-It-Take-to-Get-a-Patent.htm
