LegalEase Solutions

Guest · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:44 am Post subject:

You may consider filing a provisional application. It has reduced costs and requirements. Also, because usually no search is performed and a generic or omnibus claim is the only claim included, having a firm draft one is pretty inexpensive (as far as patent drafting goes). A basic application that you're describing would probably run between $1k and 2k including filing fees.

You could also draft and file it yourself pro se.

Either way, you will establish your priority date and then you can discuss the idea with that as a trading card in your pocket.

Guest · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:46 am Post subject:

I'm just curious what negatives are associated with PPAs? Most of my clients prefer not to file them, but mostly due to strategic considerations (inventors may not be around in the next 12 months to file the NPA; costs may be higher filing both apps; etc)

Thanks in advance

Guest · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:47 am Post subject:

I did note that it's a "trivial" modification. A patent application, provisional or non, would be pointless, since the basic tool is already well-known in the field. It's just a question of suggesting that one company make a minor change to their injection molds for future runs.

Picture trying to patent a set of measuring cups with holes in the handles so that they can go on a hook, just to pitch it to one manufacturer which forgot (or chose not) to put the holes in.

Guest · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:48 am Post subject:

Well, it is a good thought though.