In Pennsylvania, i have an idea for a different style of an invention that already exists. let's say it's hair products, barettes, headbands, ponytail holders, etc. this stuff has been around but i want to design my own style. what do I have to do?
*** Consider doing a patent search first at
http://www.delphion.com or
http://www.uspto.gov
do i need a patent or permission of some type?
*** Invention may or may be elligible for a patent for several reasons which could include: it has already been patented; patent has expired therefore it can be freely used although a patent can no longer be filed on it; you may have designed a useful, novel, and unobvious improvement that may be patentable. If the item has been around for awhile, it could you could patent a "new use" for it.
*** You may or may not need permission. It depends.
What you should do is to log onto
http://www.uspto.gov go to the Independent Inventor Resources section and start reading. You could also call a local patent attorney and go over with h/she what you have. YOu could also order a free packet of info about patents, trademarks, and copyrights from the patent office by calling 800-PTO-9199
Hope that helps
PJB