how to patent an idea

[luckynucky]

What is the name of your state?tx
I have an idea to modify existing consumer product and give it a new shape with complete different fuctions and features. I don't want to deal with the private patent companies as they are scams as I have heared on radio and in the news. Is there a simple way to fill out some forms and pay the fees and get it patented? Where do I start this process? Thanks

 

[racer72]

Ideas can't be patented. This site will give you more info.

 

[Tomcattwist]

Licensed to a manufacturer

Hey all, this is Tomcattwist. I live in Idaho. I don't know but is it possible to license an idea to a manufacturer and develop a contract with them to recieve a percentage of the profits if the product is used? I have no idea but have several patent ideas and could never be able to manufacture and market them. Any, input? Sorry if I may have posted in the wrong place but this seems related. Thanks, have fun Tomcattwist

 

[divgradcurl]

I have an idea to modify existing consumer product and give it a new shape with complete different fuctions and features.

As racer72 noted, ideas alone can't be patented. If you've actually built the invention, or have developed the idea enough to actually build something, then you might be able to patent it.

I don't want to deal with the private patent companies as they are scams as I have heared on radio and in the news.

Pretty much the truth -- they usually are scams.

Is there a simple way to fill out some forms and pay the fees and get it patented?

A simply way? No.

You can, however, file for a patent yourself, and the patent office will even help you do it. However, it's not a simple process -- and it is even less simple if you want more that just a simple patent.

Go to the site racer72 suggested, poke around, and then see if it looks like something you are comfortable doing.

Or, better yet, contact a patent attorney or patent agent -- an agent will be cheaper. Either one can talk with you about the patenting process, and tell you if your invention is something that is even patentable in the first place. If you do decide to patent, an agent or attorney can do the work for you -- for a fee of course -- but you will almost certainly end up with a stronger patent than if you tried to draft it yourself.

You can look here to find an attorney or agent in your area: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/oed/roster/index.html