Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have an invention and have done my own patent and market search and feel it may be unique.

It is a basic mechanical invention that should be quite feasible with existing technology. I know what I want it to do, but I am not sure exactly how it works or what the best design/components could/should be. Therefore, I am looking for the LEAST EXPENSIVE way to get reasonable quality professional assistance with my preliminary design/components/functions, a provisional patent application and a 3-d computerized prototype for presentations to manufacturers.

My main question is if I should go to an engineer and nail down my preliminary design before going to a licensed patent agent/attorney or 3d modeler, or go directly to a patent professional or 3d modeler that is a degreed mechanical engineering for example. I am assuming an engineer might be less expensive for design assistance than an engineer who is also a patent agent/attorney or 3d modeler.

dislosing the idea before filing a patent application can destroy patentability forever.  Hire a patent attorney first.

-------------------------

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 would first recommend filing a provisional patent which will give you patent pending status. I would then recommend working with a prototyping company.

For filing your provisional patent, LegalZoom.com is inexpensive and reliable.

For your design and prototype I would recommend Vallmar. The owner is an engineer and can work with you hands on to design and prototype your invention. http://www.vallmar.com

Good Luck!



-------------------------

IdeaBuyer.com - Sell and License Your Patents      
My Business Blog

My Email - Feel Free to Email me with Questions

Tommy, 

-------------------------

Erica Knight
www.slingshotpdg.com