NEVADA INVENTORS ASSOCIATION
FAQ
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In order to sell a product invention that invention must be protected by a patent -- or at least a patent application.
I know, you said you have a provisional patent, but Mark it is not a patent it is only a provisional patent application.
It offers no legal protection other than it can be construed as a confidential disclosure, and allows you to legally
put "patent pending" on your literature. A provisional patent application is only used when one is either
on the verge of some legal litigation, or is ready to sign a contract agreement with a manufacturer or distributor.
A full patent application has much more value, because it is then in line to be examined for patent issue.
Yes, I know, you can make an argument for letting someone else do all the work and use their money to make you
rich, but in real life that is pretty rare, and you can waste a lot of time and money learning that fact of life..
Companies are very interested in new products to add to their lines, but unless it is protected by a patent they
are reluctant to even discuss it with an inventor -- too much chance of a lawsuit, and they are doing fine without
the inventor already. Please don't call any 800 number off TV or radio, or in the back of magazines. They are usually
scams. I suggest you become more familiar with invention protection and the patenting process before you get into
marketing. Right now you have an idea. Ideas don't sell, but patents do.
The best way to start your education is to subscribe to Inventors' Digest magazine and learn about how to go about
protecting yourself the right way. Their website is http://www.inventorsdigest.com and you can subscribe there.
Or call them at 1-800-838-8808.
No need to send money, they'll bill you. It's $27.00 a year.
I also have a packet of material I will send you free with no obligation, that gives you some advice and points
you in the right direction. Just send me a mailing address and I'll send it to you. Or, if you prefer you can download
the advice and forms, also free, from our website at http://www.nevadainventors.org When the time comes for you
to start considering marketing your invention the archives of past articles on marketing, found in Inventors' Digest,
will be very valuable.
You can order reprints of those articles.
So slow down,
take a breath,
and do the right thing,
Don Costar, founder,
Nevada Inventors Association
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