- Thu Apr 10, 2003 7:32 am
#2292
Read the answers to these concerns you have on Money4Ideas.com and on the Inventor's Digest site -- you may change your mind. I have only had one stolen and two attempted patent thefts from me in 35 years. It only cost me $960 to get the stolen one back via the USPTO. If you are a one-shot-wonder with a really great INVENTION (not IDEA or CONCEPT) then, by all means go for a heavily experienced patent attorney who can get as many claims as is possible for you.
One very rich inventor wrote an artcle for Inventor's Digest explaining how he made his fortune by sending his patent, all drawings, and a signed "permission to steal" letter to third world countries on the condition that they can market without license or royalties to everywhere in the world except the USA. All he ask is that they supply him for all US sales. From patent to market is typically 85+% of the time and money involved and because of these deals, he didn't have to spend a dime. The point is, if you can make 2 million dollars without investing anything, why should you care if they make 20 million. How much do you need?
Remember, the guy who invented Velcro went to his grave pennyless for fear someone would steal it from him. Same thing happened to the guy who invented the QuickWrench that's now one of Sears hottest sellers. He wanted so much that Sears simply waited for his patent (#3785226) to expire before marketing it. Sometimes an inventor can truly be his/her own worst enemy.
oops,... got long-winded again. sorry!