Patent Express Logo
Contact us
Toll-free: (877)-794-9511
Ask a question
Ask a question
See Questions and Answers
See Questions and Answers
Discover more services
Discover more services
Search for Patent Questions:
 
All Questions in I have an invention … now what? >> Re: Best way to assess my invention?

Re: Best way to assess my invention?

Posted by Anonymous . updated on 2/26/2009
Joonsus asked "Are there any proven cost effective ways to determine if my invention is worth the money spent for a patent?"

No, there are not.

There are certainly some general indicators that can be used to estimate the probability that an invention may be (a) successfully patented and (b) profitably sold.  

A good knowledge of the technology, i.e. familiarity with the industry / technology and actually studying the references found in a prior art search can help you determine if your invention is novel and non-obvious.  Of course, your understanding (or your patent practitioner's) is not determinative; the patent office actually makes the decision.

Tools to estimate market size, your potential share of the market, and potential profitability are available.  Unfortunately, the estimates are frequently inaccurate; especially when the data inputs (such as advertising budget, manufacturing costs, distribution costs, and overhead) are not accurately known.
Answers (2)
 
JSonnab...
Quote
Joonsus asked "Are there any proven cost effective ways to determine if my invention is worth the money spent for a patent?"

No, there are not.

For better or worse, I have to agree with Wiscagent.

I find that some clients think obtaining a patent is the end of the game -- they believe that with a patent in hand everything else will fall in line.

The more realistic clients recognize a patent for what it is: one more business asset.

The best advice I can give is to find an IP attorney who you trust and with whom you can develop a good raport.  He or she will be able to counsel you on how to maximize your competitive advantage economically.  I do it all the time in my practice.

- Jeff
 
 
JimIvey
I'll agree with Wiscagent and Jeff.  And, I'll add a little of my own perspective.

Jeff is right; patents are business assets.  As such, determining their value and extracting that value are very different endeavors from creating the assets in the first place.

To use an analogy that might help those unfamiliar with what patent practitioners do, asking a patent practitioner what your patent/idea is worth is like asking an architect what your house is worth.  They might have a rough guess for you (if they have any idea at all), but that's not their expertice.  And, they could probably tell you things about your house that could have been designed differently that would make it worth more.  That is their expertice.

When you want to build a house, see an architect.  When you want to sell a house, see a real estate broker.

When you want to build property in an idea, see a patent practitioner.  When you want to sell/license that property, see a licensing attorney.

Regards.
 
Related Questions
In I have an invention … now what?    -  posted on 9/29/2008
so i have an idea, but i dont know if it is patentable. so i should talk to an intellectual property lawyer, right? but how can i trust him? like lets say i tell him my idea but i chose not to work with him,...   Read MoreAnswer this question
In I have an invention … now what?    -  posted on 6/19/2008
i developed my own system of self defense years ago and it is in use. I gave it a name. What do I need to do to legally protect myself from others that would try to lay claim to it?   Read MoreAnswer this question
In I have an invention … now what?    -  posted on 3/5/2007
i am a 21 year old who has come up with a world changing invention that can potentially save thousands of lives and i need to know what i have to do to make sure no one steals my idea. i have never invented ...   Read MoreAnswer this question
In I have an invention … now what?    -  posted on 11/25/2004
I developed an innovative bioanalytical methodology using existing instrumentation but customized the instrument configuration and wrote a macro for the automation, while working as an employee of a biotech ...   Read MoreAnswer this question
In I have an invention … now what?    -  posted on 6/25/2001
Ive got a new idea and I don't know where to start! I have contacted a few places e.g Patent & Trademark of America..but people are asking me to send my idea in.my question is who can i trust? and i dont kno...   Read MoreAnswer this question
Why Patent Express?
  • Patent Express is the fastest and easiest way for an individual inventor to file a U.S. Patent or Trademark Application.
  • Patent Express fills the gap for those who cannot afford a U.S. patent attorney or agent, but want to have their patent drafted and issued.
  • Patent Express is backed by a 100% money back guarantee.
Save 95% more in register a trademark
Patent Express Services
 

PatentExpress.com is a website of Raj Abhyanker, a professional U.S. Patent Law firm, see: www.rajpatent.com for more. All non-do-it-yourself related services advertised on this site are supervised and managed by a U.S. patent attorney.

© PatentExpress.com All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided in this site is not legal advice, but general information on legal issues commonly encountered. Please note that your access to and use of PatentExpress.com is subject to additional terms and conditions. 05-22-2012