patents??

[leah]

Random q for a grow your own website

I've had an idea for over a year now and I can see it seling well, but the thought of going through the patent process is a bit daunting! Not just the amount of work to be done (which I can't do myself ) but the financing of it too. I was thinking it would be around the £3000 mark I wish I had that kind of money spare!

Has anyone gone through the process and come out the other side again Will it cost as much as I'm imagining?

[Bigmallly]

Would any local companies be interested in sponsoring you?

[Capsid]

It's expensive for an individual to do. Also if someone decides to challenge your patent then you have to defend it through the court system. Much better to sell the idea to a company and try to get a royalty on any profits.

[Sheepish]

I'm not any kind of expert, but you do need to be careful about what information you give anyone else about your idea before applying for the patent, as it can stop you getting one.
Intellectual Property Office - Keeping your invention confidential

[rustylady]

I used to work as secretary for a patent agent, and yes it is expensive. Your idea must be completely new, so you need to be absolutely sure that it is (or very rich) before you go it alone.

[enrich100]

I had a idea a few years ago which I didn't take any further
I found Trevor Baylis (wind-up-radio Inventor) site very useful
Inventors - Protect your Ideas or Inventions with Patents, Designs, Trade Marks and Copyright - Get a Free Inventor Pack

I wish I did take it further but I really don't want to go on The Dragons Den to fund it