Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have an idea for a feature on a smartphones or cell phones.  I do not know how to approach or protect myself from big companies.  I don`t know if I can create a patent on the idea or not. I simply want to explain the feature, find interest and collect royalties.

I don’t know how much it is worth to companies, and once I show them what how do I stop them from using the idea? Or say they were already working on it?

I also don’t have a ton of money to hire attorney’s/get patents, is their a company I can trust to partner with to run this up the flag pole with?

 

is it an app or something pyhsical?

you will need a patent application filed first based on my experience.

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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

James, what would you charge me to get something like that going? And would you tell someone that you think its a good idea? And from your experince could you judge how much money it could benefit in royalties?

I think you can file for a provisional patent for less that $200. This gives you the protection where your idea can`t be stolen. Once you find a big company who will take on the idea, they will pay for a full patent and pay you the royalties.


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Motivation for Entrepreneurs
Entre-Propel.com

I have never seen a "big company" pay for the patent application of a non-employee.  I admit it COULD happen - it just won`t.

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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 went down this road, spent much time, resources and nothing to show. Either gamble on a full patent, or sell it yourself. Oh and one other thing.. stay away from any patent submission website..if you don`t already know.