[Harp-L] Re: patents

[Bill Rossoll <billrossoll@xxxxxxxxx>]

Here is a link to the USPTO.
(United States Patent and Trademark Office)
http://www.uspto.gov/#
It explains the various types of patents and how they may be obtained.
One type of "patent" that can be gotten is called a Provisional Patent.
Think of it as sort of a learner's permit.
It allows you to safely test the waters , so to speak, to see if there 
is actually a market for your idea.
You can use the term Patent Pending with a Provisional Patent.
They are only good for 12 months and cannot be renewed.
You must file for a regular patent before this expires or you could lose 
your right to patent it in the future. Therefore, you should give 
serious thought as to whether this is the best option for your 
particular situation or if you want to skip to the chase and file a full 
blown patent.
This is not intended to substitute for legal advise.
It's merely an observation from my own experience.