When to Protect an Innovative Idea
December 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Intellectual Property
“I have thought through and worked out the innovative concept in my mind. Can I patent it at this stage?” The inventor is typically in a dilemma as to when he/she should proceed to start the patenting process. The life cycle of converting an innovative idea into a product typically runs into many years. During which of these stages should one file for patent protection – when the inventive concept is firmed up, at a first level prototype, mature prototype, early product phase or in the maturity stage of the product lifecycle? Surprise of surprises, the timing for patenting is not determined by the stage of the product life cycle. It is dependent on when you plan to publicly disclose the innovative idea, or market the new product. With intense competitive product development occurring in some of the hot and well funded areas like software, electronics, nanotechnology and biotechnology, it is prudent to protect your idea at the earliest stage, possibly at the point when the innovative or inventive idea is conceptualized.
“Hitting is timing, pitching is upsetting timing,” said Warren Spahn, a famous American baseball pitcher. In every country of the world except the United States, the patent is awarded to the first to file. The US is the only country that grants a patent to the person who was the first to invent and this rule is scheduled to be changed shortly to bring the US in line with the first to file rule.
In many countries, the inventor loses the right to file a patent if the invention is publicly disclosed before the patent application is filed. Therefore, prudence dictates that an invention not be disclosed before an application for it has been filed in the patent office. Developed countries are exposed to developing technologies at an early stage of the technology. They can envision new applications of these technologies ahead of their counterparts from developing countries. Hence, it is to their advantage to patent an innovative idea, at the concept level, before their counterparts in developing countries.
“Can a patent application be filed for a prophetic invention, i.e., for an invention based only on an idea that has not been tried, tested, perfected, prototyped or reduced to practice?” The answer is: Yes. “Does the patent office require one to have a fully working or marketed product before filing a patent application?” The answer is: No. A new concept is patentable provided the concept is workable and the inventor discloses in the patent application how to make and use the invention. An invention comprises an inventive concept plus a reduction to practice of the inventive concept. The courts have held that filing a patent application based only on a workable, inventive idea is the equivalent of a reduction to practice. However, if the invention, on its face, is impossible or unworkable, the patent application will be rejected. When Thomas Edison invented and filed a patent application for the light bulb, he was nowhere close to a robust working light bulb!
In the United States a patent application can be filed within 1 year of a public disclosure of the invention. Under US patent laws there is also a provision to protect your idea by filing a provisional application. The provisional application must be followed up by the filing of a non-provisional application within one year from the date of filing the provisional application. Failure to do so will result in the applicant losing the claim to priority date of the earlier filed provisional application. The period of priority is limited to six months in case of industry design and trademarks. If the non-provisional application cannot be filed within 1 year of filing of the provisional application, the applicant may file for another provisional and get another priority span. However, in this case the original priority date no longer holds.
The time tested and safest route for a company that wishes to protect its innovative idea is to withhold commercialization or publishing details of the invention until a provisional or a non-provisional application is filed and a “patent pending” status is obtained for the innovative idea.
By: Ash Tankha
About the Author:
“Hitting is timing, pitching is upsetting timing,” said Warren Spahn, a famous American baseball pitcher. In every country of the world except the United States, the patent is awarded to the first to file. The US is the only country that grants a patent to the person who was the first to invent and this rule is scheduled to be changed shortly to bring the US in line with the first to file rule.
In many countries, the inventor loses the right to file a patent if the invention is publicly disclosed before the patent application is filed. Therefore, prudence dictates that an invention not be disclosed before an application for it has been filed in the patent office. Developed countries are exposed to developing technologies at an early stage of the technology. They can envision new applications of these technologies ahead of their counterparts from developing countries. Hence, it is to their advantage to patent an innovative idea, at the concept level, before their counterparts in developing countries.
“Can a patent application be filed for a prophetic invention, i.e., for an invention based only on an idea that has not been tried, tested, perfected, prototyped or reduced to practice?” The answer is: Yes. “Does the patent office require one to have a fully working or marketed product before filing a patent application?” The answer is: No. A new concept is patentable provided the concept is workable and the inventor discloses in the patent application how to make and use the invention. An invention comprises an inventive concept plus a reduction to practice of the inventive concept. The courts have held that filing a patent application based only on a workable, inventive idea is the equivalent of a reduction to practice. However, if the invention, on its face, is impossible or unworkable, the patent application will be rejected. When Thomas Edison invented and filed a patent application for the light bulb, he was nowhere close to a robust working light bulb!
In the United States a patent application can be filed within 1 year of a public disclosure of the invention. Under US patent laws there is also a provision to protect your idea by filing a provisional application. The provisional application must be followed up by the filing of a non-provisional application within one year from the date of filing the provisional application. Failure to do so will result in the applicant losing the claim to priority date of the earlier filed provisional application. The period of priority is limited to six months in case of industry design and trademarks. If the non-provisional application cannot be filed within 1 year of filing of the provisional application, the applicant may file for another provisional and get another priority span. However, in this case the original priority date no longer holds.
The time tested and safest route for a company that wishes to protect its innovative idea is to withhold commercialization or publishing details of the invention until a provisional or a non-provisional application is filed and a “patent pending” status is obtained for the innovative idea.
By: Ash Tankha
About the Author:
Ash Tankha, US patent attorney, works with inventors to develop their ideas into patent application for worldwide filing and patenting. Contact Ash Tankha atash@ipprocurement.com or visit www.ipprocurement.com.
Las Vegas Promotion Codes – Innovative Ideas for Blissful Shopping
December 29, 2009 by admin
Filed under Destinations
The concept of online commerce is constantly endowed with fresh ideas to lure the interest of millions of online shoppers. The cities like Las Vegas, which is admired for shopping stores and hotels, are always in process of refining the shopping facilities offered by them.
The promotion codes distributed online are amongst tried and trusted strategies to enhance the virtue of online shopping. These tools perform a two-way task by bringing discounted shopping and hotel deals to online surfers and at the same time, promoting business stores and hotels amongst their targeted audiences.
Concept before Internet Existence
The concept of offering discount vouchers and coupons is not a new one. Before the emergence of Internet, the offline stores also used to offer these coupons. The trend was also followed by big hotels and restaurants to attract the prospective customers. Needless to say, the idea of promotion coupons caught popularity and Internet based stores further enhanced their acceptance manifolds.
Misconception Surrounding Promotion Codes
The promotion codes or voucher codes are sometimes considered as illegal ways of promoting one’s business products and services. However, these codes are just another promotion tools for retailers and online store owners. There is no intention of fraudulence or any other illicit activity while offering these codes online. To make sure you make right use of these promo codes, it is advised to read the terms and conditions of their applicability.
Making Best Use of Promo Codes
While utilizing promotion codes, you must follow some general guidelines, as mentioned below:
• First and foremost, read all terms and conditions accompanying promo codes to confirm what is actually offered.
• You must tally the promotion offers with original offers made by the company on various products and services.
• Check the validity of these codes and date of their expiration.
• Also, heck out various branches and affiliated websites, for which the promotion codes offered hold validity.
Online Places to Find Promo Codes
Keeping in mind the fact that Las Vegas promotions are offered in limited amount, it is difficult to access these codes online. However, there are many web portals, which have started accumulating these codes and coupons at one place. These web portals place promotion codes in different categories like clothes, footwear, jewelry, hotels, spas and vacation packages and so on. Thus, using these significant web tools, you can easily access Vegas promo codes and save considerable amount of bucks during each shopping session.
The codes offering Vegas promotions are becoming the preferences of online stores and hotels.
Simultaneously, those accessing these codes are benefited to save bucks on various online deals. So, next time you are ready to make an expensive purchase online, don’t forget to check the associated promotion codes with it. Do not miss this lifetime opportunity of Las Vegas Promotions as good luck never bangs on door all the time. After all, these promotional codes promise you extensive entertainment and that too at pocket-friendly costs. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab those money-saving promotional codes today!
By: Clara Ghomes
About the Author:
The promotion codes distributed online are amongst tried and trusted strategies to enhance the virtue of online shopping. These tools perform a two-way task by bringing discounted shopping and hotel deals to online surfers and at the same time, promoting business stores and hotels amongst their targeted audiences.
Concept before Internet Existence
The concept of offering discount vouchers and coupons is not a new one. Before the emergence of Internet, the offline stores also used to offer these coupons. The trend was also followed by big hotels and restaurants to attract the prospective customers. Needless to say, the idea of promotion coupons caught popularity and Internet based stores further enhanced their acceptance manifolds.
Misconception Surrounding Promotion Codes
The promotion codes or voucher codes are sometimes considered as illegal ways of promoting one’s business products and services. However, these codes are just another promotion tools for retailers and online store owners. There is no intention of fraudulence or any other illicit activity while offering these codes online. To make sure you make right use of these promo codes, it is advised to read the terms and conditions of their applicability.
Making Best Use of Promo Codes
While utilizing promotion codes, you must follow some general guidelines, as mentioned below:
• First and foremost, read all terms and conditions accompanying promo codes to confirm what is actually offered.
• You must tally the promotion offers with original offers made by the company on various products and services.
• Check the validity of these codes and date of their expiration.
• Also, heck out various branches and affiliated websites, for which the promotion codes offered hold validity.
Online Places to Find Promo Codes
Keeping in mind the fact that Las Vegas promotions are offered in limited amount, it is difficult to access these codes online. However, there are many web portals, which have started accumulating these codes and coupons at one place. These web portals place promotion codes in different categories like clothes, footwear, jewelry, hotels, spas and vacation packages and so on. Thus, using these significant web tools, you can easily access Vegas promo codes and save considerable amount of bucks during each shopping session.
The codes offering Vegas promotions are becoming the preferences of online stores and hotels.
Simultaneously, those accessing these codes are benefited to save bucks on various online deals. So, next time you are ready to make an expensive purchase online, don’t forget to check the associated promotion codes with it. Do not miss this lifetime opportunity of Las Vegas Promotions as good luck never bangs on door all the time. After all, these promotional codes promise you extensive entertainment and that too at pocket-friendly costs. Now, what are you waiting for? Grab those money-saving promotional codes today!
By: Clara Ghomes
About the Author:
What are the best resources for finding online Las Vegas promotions? You can search for latest trends in various categories like hotels by referring to our article directory.
Innovative Ideas for Church Fundraisers
November 11, 2009 by admin
Filed under Non Profit Organizations
Most churches rely solely on donations given by their members during mass for financial support. The money that the church collects is used to cover its general expenses and regular upkeep. More often than not, the amount is simply not enough to maintain its existence and operation, such that other sources of funds are sometimes necessary. This is where church fundraisers come into the picture.
Church fundraisers are an excellent way to help the church raise the money that it needs to keep up with the growing costs of running such an institution. It is also a great way to encourage its members to become more involved in its activities and more supportive of its goals. However, in order to get people’s attention, the fundraising concept must be something innovative and exciting, and appeals to the human senses. Below are some themes and ideas that can help you get started with your church fundraising campaign.
A church choir concert would be a great way to raise funds for your church. The church can earn from ticket sales, as well as from sponsorships. Not only will they be able to earn extra income for this, but they will also help promote the local talents of the church and the community. The audience, on the other hand, will be able to socialize with other church members and will have a night of fun and entertainment.
Raffle off an item or a service. Get one of your church members to donate a valuable item or service and hold a raffle draw for it. An example of an item would be a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and an example of a service would be ballroom dancing lessons. The church will earn from the sales of the raffle tickets bought by those who wish to be part of the contest.
A church auction is another unique way to help raise extra funds for your church. Like the church raffle concept, simply ask church members to donate or contribute items and services to the church. Instead of raffling these items off, organize an auction night and sell the donated items and services to the highest bidder. The proceeds of the auction will be collected by the church and will be used for necessary expenditures.
Lastly, write letters to church members who have businesses within the community. Ask them to rebate a small amount or percentage every time someone buys something from their store. For example, ask a church member who owns a candy shop if it is possible to contribute $1 for every $20 purchase that is made in his store. Let the patrons of the store know that a part of the money that they spend there would be donated to the church. Not only will the business be promoted to the local community, but at the same time, people will be encouraged to buy from it because they know that part of the money that they spend will be put to good use.
By: Clark Swihart
About the Author:
Church fundraisers are an excellent way to help the church raise the money that it needs to keep up with the growing costs of running such an institution. It is also a great way to encourage its members to become more involved in its activities and more supportive of its goals. However, in order to get people’s attention, the fundraising concept must be something innovative and exciting, and appeals to the human senses. Below are some themes and ideas that can help you get started with your church fundraising campaign.
A church choir concert would be a great way to raise funds for your church. The church can earn from ticket sales, as well as from sponsorships. Not only will they be able to earn extra income for this, but they will also help promote the local talents of the church and the community. The audience, on the other hand, will be able to socialize with other church members and will have a night of fun and entertainment.
Raffle off an item or a service. Get one of your church members to donate a valuable item or service and hold a raffle draw for it. An example of an item would be a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary and an example of a service would be ballroom dancing lessons. The church will earn from the sales of the raffle tickets bought by those who wish to be part of the contest.
A church auction is another unique way to help raise extra funds for your church. Like the church raffle concept, simply ask church members to donate or contribute items and services to the church. Instead of raffling these items off, organize an auction night and sell the donated items and services to the highest bidder. The proceeds of the auction will be collected by the church and will be used for necessary expenditures.
Lastly, write letters to church members who have businesses within the community. Ask them to rebate a small amount or percentage every time someone buys something from their store. For example, ask a church member who owns a candy shop if it is possible to contribute $1 for every $20 purchase that is made in his store. Let the patrons of the store know that a part of the money that they spend there would be donated to the church. Not only will the business be promoted to the local community, but at the same time, people will be encouraged to buy from it because they know that part of the money that they spend will be put to good use.
By: Clark Swihart
About the Author:
Visit TheAwristocrat.com to design your own custom t-shirts, silicone bracelets and more church fundraising ideas.
Strange and Innovative ideas
July 6, 2009 by admin
Filed under Innovative Ideas
People seem to be coming upwith strange and very innovative ideas to promote their sites and also come up with sites to promote businesses and their brand names. Just a few months back, we had this euphoria where a student got a website up and was selling pixels on his website at the rate of $1 per pixel. Many rip-offs followed this and they too proved quite a bit successful thus making everyone associated with the site very happy. The businesses which put their ads on the site, however invisible they seemed to be in the muddle of ads, also seemed to be happy with the visibility that they got.
Now a slightly different and improved version seems to be doing the rounds on the net. It is called the ‘One in hundred thousand’ website and it can be found at oneinhundredthousand.com.
This site is based on the concept that they get your name on the internet (rather, on this site) for $3. The name can be that of an individual or that of a business. And they also link to your homepage (if you have one) as part of the name. To maintain some exclusivity (after all, they cant get the names of 6 billion people on to the site), they have restricted themselves to only 50,000 names and promises to be up for 5 years.
This site seems to have been started by a young man and though it seems a bit similar to the million dollar home page idea, it has its own uniqueness and its advantages. For businesses, it is like having an ad on the net, that too at a place with high number of visitors and for individuals, its just a chance to get the thrill of seeing their name on a website and to see their name when they do a search on google.
The webmaster asks us to view this as another home, a home on the internet for our name and which would be well maintained by him for the next five years. Its a strange idea but it is indeed something that might catch on in due course of time.
People, especially young ones, seem to be coming up with strange and innvovative ideas to keep themselves and help others keep ahead of the competition. Things are sure getting interesting. So what next? A website on the moon??
By: Dan Fisher
About the Author:
