Patents

Unless things have changed:

If they have patents that have been issued then to maintain the ability to enforce the patents they must list the patent numbers on the product or if the product is too small (or for some other valid reason the numbers can't be listed) then the patent numbers must be listed on the packaging, manuals, etc.

Patents are available on line.

If a patent has not been issued yet but has been applied for then the patent applications will be posted on line but I'm not sure how quickly.

I don't think products are usually marketed until after any desired patent applications are filed. This statement is not always true but I think it is commonly true.

With the above statements you have a pretty good chance of getting a copy of their patents (100% legally).

Patents should list the "researched" and "related" patents that the patent examiner will read to verify that the application is unique. This seems to be what you are asking for. It will probably be written in broad terms using legal mumbo-jumbo, but it is basically the ammunition that you would use in your defense and the ammunition that others would use against you.

DISCLAIMERS:

1) I am not a lawyer.

2) I do not have any qualifications to give this advise.

3) I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

do a patent "search" its done every day

Ya reckon that's where Google gets all their ideas?

Doesn't anybody know how to search the internet?????

I weep for you, stijnd, and wonder at your lack of knowledge.

How to Search the Internet Effectively | MediaSmarts

Lyn,

Of course they know how to search the Internet.

How do you think they find games like " Candy Crush " ?

Candy Crush! Messy, but fun. Where else do you get to eat the game pieces?

You can't patent something that is already in the public domain. (Prior Art)

You can't. A patent attorney might do it but they want money for their time.

If you insist on wasting your time:

Prior art - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Learn how to use a search engine.

Better yet, learn how to use a search engine to help you invent new stuff.

Billy Joel wrote a song about a similar issue. "The Entertainer" the phrase in question, "Things I didn't know, I learned by doing twice". Patents have changed a bit since Einsteins time. At this point with the new laws, the individual is behind the curve. The big guys can make one change, and you are out of luck.

Another useful quote, "An attorney with a briefcase can steal more money than I ever did" A. Capone.

Prof. Man Singh, is that you?

it would be nice if they handed out 10 million dollars with each patent they issued but that's far from reality. a patent is barely worth the paper it's written on unless you can defend it. if you really have something get it to market and make a few bucks

It also sort of depends on the product. What is it?

_{Jack - 1 Patent (so far)}

If you don't have the where-with-all or the time, do it the old fashioned way, hire a patent attorney. They will, however, only be able to help you if you have your product/idea already developed enough to apply for a patent, so they know what they have to look for. If it is "similar" to something already on the market, be prepared for a long wait, some big invoices and many revisions to your application.

There is a searchable data base at uspto.com. freepatentsonline.com and patenthunter.com are a couple of other free resources.

I thought it was you.

Members, I suggest that you read the professor's biography.

From the internet:

"Dr. Man Singh is a Professor in Chemistry at Central University of Gujarat. Before that he was Reader in Chemistry, Deshbandhu College, Kalkaji, New Delhi - 110019. He has invented many instruments for measuring physical properties of solutions and has also got them patented. He is actively engaged in research and has produced about a dozen PhDs."