Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am hoping someone can provide me with some quick rule of thumb or any thoughts.   I have an idea for a product that is currently not out on the market place.  When I performed a patent search I found the same idea, but it was designed differently from my design.  How similar do the designs have to be for it to be patent infringement, or for me to even create another patent?  I appreciate the help!

Have you looked into who owns the patent?  When was the patent filed?  When did it issue?

If it hasn`t gone anywhere for the inventor, it might be available for licensing.  if so, you`ve just saved yourself big $$ in patent and lawyer fees.