Ppa

[jajamase]

What is the name of your state? Iowa
I have working prototypes of inventions, gadgets mostly, and want to show them at a new products show to find interested manufacturers.
Would my best protection against idea or product theft be a PPA for each device? I understand the difference between design and utility patents but I do not feel the expense of a utility patent without marketability study would be worth the expense at this time. I also know there is no PPA regarding design patents. Would a "reduction to practice" notebook carry any weight here? How do I best protect myself and these products?
Please don't suggest an invention marketing company.
Thank you in advance for any and all replies.

 

[divgradcurl]

Notebooks and other documentation would help if you filed for a patent and someone who saw your product also filed for a patent -- U.S. is a "first to invent" system, not a "first to file" system. If you have the documentation, you might prevail in an interference.

If you want to show your inventions to others without filing for a patent, then you might consider a nondisclosure agreement. Note that if you do decide to get a patent after seeing a favorable reaction at the show, you only have 1 year to file after the first public disclosure.

I am not a lawyer, and I do not play one on TV.