Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi!

I have recently developed an idea for a new type of shoe. It was one of those ideas that just come to you out of nowhere while I was doing something totally unrelated to it. Even though it may be hard to believe, I don`t typically think about shoes.

I have done some VERY basic research and can`t seem to find this shoe design anywhere on the web or patented through the USPTO. Obviously I could be totally wrong and this very shoe might indeed exist...

My question is: What is the best and cheapest route to go about conducting further patent research on this idea to be ABSOLUTELY certain the shoe idea isn`t already taken? I don`t want to pay the patent application fees only to find out it`s already patented by someone else. Another issue is I don`t have the time to do thorough research myself. What can I do in this situation?

Thanks for any pointers you may have!

Janet

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If it were easy, everyone would be doing it...

There are numerous IP attys who frequent SUN. Any of them should be able to guide you.

I recently came up with an idea for something I could really use at the bakery. May prototype it to make sure it works as well as I hope then look into patents also.

Good luck and keep us posted.


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Hey Janet!  Steve`s right, there are several atty`s that come around so just hang out for a day or two and you`ll get some great answers.  Hiring an IP atty to do a patent search is a sure fire way.  If that is out of  your price range, maybe check out www.legalzoom.com  Best of luck!  Can`t wait to someday hear about your new shoes!! 

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Leslie
Founder and President
Charmed Life Products LLC
Grill Charms™… The MUST HAVE grilling accessory that is revolutionizing the American Cook-out AND The perfect gift for any occasion!
Grill Charms
                                                                                                    

A good place to search for patents is at the US patent website.   Read the instructions a start searching,   You do have to learn thier method but then it is easy.   Very your search to find the information you are looking for.   From the abstract you can quickly read if the search is bringing you what you want.

 

Go to the following site

www.uspto.gov

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Ken Todd
S U C C E S S i d
T h e   A r t   i n   R e l a t i o n s h i p s

Phone: 248-479-1222        Fax: 248-493-6444
Email: ktodd@successid.com - www.successid.com


CUSTOMERS MAKE THE BRAND

Ken,

Yeah I already did a few searches on the there yesterday and couldn`t find anything the same or even similar. However, I`m not satisfied with that. I need to know for sure that my idea is unique. If it is, I truly think I have a shot at getting the shoes manufactured. I might go back to the USPTO website and check out more search words if I think of any.

 

Leslie,

Thanks for the site. I`ll look into it as well as the IP attorneys.

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If it were easy, everyone would be doing it...

Leslie...

I`ve no idea of your shoe concept of course but thinking farther down the line, you may look into licensing your idea rather than going into manufacturing yourself.  You should contact the guys at Crocs to pick their brains.  (I think they`re in Longmont).  They may be willing to give you some pointers.  Or heck, sell them your idea for millions!  :)

Yeah I wasn`t planning on going into manufacturing myself. That`s a little scary...  I believe I will have this aspect covered when/if the time comes. What I`m worried about is if someone already took the idea......

Women buy shoes about as much as they buy purses, so if I can market these I`ll be in business! I`m definitely not worried about it being one of those flop inventions that no one needs or wants. These would be shoes you both need AND want!

Janet

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If it were easy, everyone would be doing it...

The first notion to throw out in patent law is "absolute certainty."  There is none.  I know that is unsettling to all of us.  It`s true.  If you are serious about this, consider paying somebody who searches for a living to search this.

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

I contacted a company called Davison Inventegration located at www.davison54.com about my shoe idea. They seem to do everything from research, design, and packaging/manufacturing to product sample presentation to major corporations. I submitted my idea via their website and they actually called me back to schedule a time to discuss the shoes in detail. They seemed very interested in speaking with me ASAP, so we are scheduled to speak tomorrow afternoon. We shall see what happens.



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If it were easy, everyone would be doing it...

they have been sued by the gubment for being deceptive.  say nothing.  send nothing.  pay nothing.

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com