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  Playing the Waiting Game
Posts: 2304
 
| I came up with a great idea and need information. What is the difference between a patent and a utility patent... I've googled and got more confused... Also I'd like to just sell my idea to proctor and gamble but don't want the to steal from me, do you suppose I need to get the patent pending BEFORE I approach PG?.. |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
 
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | 1502.01 Distinction Between Design and Utility Patents [R-11.2013]
In general terms, a “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works (35 U.S.C. 101), while a “design patent” protects the way an article looks (35 U.S.C. 171). The ornamental appearance for an article includes its shape/configuration or surface ornamentation applied to the article, or both. Both design and utility patents may be obtained on an article if invention resides both in its utility and ornamental appearance.
While utility and design patents afford legally separate protection, the utility and ornamentality of an article may not be easily separable. Articles of manufacture may possess both functional and ornamental characteristics.
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Sounds like you need to hire a patent attorney. |
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Regular
Posts: 54
| Sounds like you need to hire a patent attorney.
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I was thinking the same. It gets complicated and expensive. Do a lot of research on it. I think its kind of a long drawn out process. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| Patents can be a slippery slope. The only person that I personally know that actively pursued a patent ended up bankrupt. He had a great idea, but he got bled dry at every turn. His may have been more expensive, because of safety concerns IDK. It was mostly to do with tanning beds. |
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Playing the Waiting Game
Posts: 2304
| Well not to worry... I found a site on google.com/patent and the idea I have is on it... Now I wonder why they haven't been put into production...
The idea is to have bandaids on strip and rolled up like in a tape dispenser. It would make it so you can get the bandage one handed... I don't know how many times I've had to open up the box, rip the paper, and then try to apply the bandage while trying not to bleed all over the place while doing so. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| You can buy their patent. If they've been holding it a while, they may let it go cheap. It's all about the marketing. If you feel strongly about the product, you may be able to market it better. Edison wasn't the only one working on a light bulb you know. |
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Porta Potty Pants
Posts: 2600
| You need to talk with an attorney who practices patent law … it is a highly specialized area. While we are a diverse group here on BHW … patent law is so specialized, I would hate for you to rely on a group that debates issues like the best saddle pad, saddles, supplements … etc. I will tell you not to discuss you plans, drawings, etc anywhere public before you go to the attorney. You will probably get a diverse set of answers. Wishing you the best! I |
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