pinkhelmets
Inactive User
If you invent something you naturally think of registering it, so that you can protect your idea from being stolen. Safely & securely applying for patent is very expensive, especially worldwide patent, but recently I have discovered the bigger problem with the way patents work.
A great friend of mine invented a new innovation around 1 year ago. He spent a large amount on legal advice because its such a huge idea, and its been really difficult to progress and develop. I feel really privileged to be involved and I have learned loads from the experience though.
Anyway, 20th April the Patent was accepted and granted as 'Patent Pending' status. This means people are now able to get access to view these new ideas, and it also allows you to safely tell people because you have original rights. At this point I cant tell you all though because we have an important business meeting in Germany next week so I cant chance this site showing up with an internet search lol. roud:
Now this is the problem.... On the 20th May, 1 month after a seriously major patent, a USA company using a chinese supplier began advertising a copy product :FRIGHT: It says 'pre-order' and wont be available until the 25th June, but for sure its a copy of the original device! Ferk thats fast turnaround! Even some of the wording used is a copy of our legal descriptive wording from the patent..... Main problem though is that its a rushed bodge-job, seriously under-developed and a bad interpretation of what is written on paper. Shapes have been altered so it looks different, but the patent covers 'the idea' so its irrelevant what it looks like.
They will still sell loads though, but because they are very dumb they dont realise what the big picture is ...yet. Our product is not ready for retail sales and the problem could be that this crappy un-developed version will make people think its rubbish even before they try the original! Although I guess time will fix that.
Big thing to learn is that when you register to protect innovations, be aware that people wait on the doorsteps of patent offices to steal the idea and cash in very quick. You have to register a patent to be protected by law, but it really means you give headstart to rogue dealers. Btw, lawsuits arent an option early on as they often end up £100,000+ investment, which is better spent on advertising & selling your own product.
A great friend of mine invented a new innovation around 1 year ago. He spent a large amount on legal advice because its such a huge idea, and its been really difficult to progress and develop. I feel really privileged to be involved and I have learned loads from the experience though.
Anyway, 20th April the Patent was accepted and granted as 'Patent Pending' status. This means people are now able to get access to view these new ideas, and it also allows you to safely tell people because you have original rights. At this point I cant tell you all though because we have an important business meeting in Germany next week so I cant chance this site showing up with an internet search lol. roud:
Now this is the problem.... On the 20th May, 1 month after a seriously major patent, a USA company using a chinese supplier began advertising a copy product :FRIGHT: It says 'pre-order' and wont be available until the 25th June, but for sure its a copy of the original device! Ferk thats fast turnaround! Even some of the wording used is a copy of our legal descriptive wording from the patent..... Main problem though is that its a rushed bodge-job, seriously under-developed and a bad interpretation of what is written on paper. Shapes have been altered so it looks different, but the patent covers 'the idea' so its irrelevant what it looks like.
They will still sell loads though, but because they are very dumb they dont realise what the big picture is ...yet. Our product is not ready for retail sales and the problem could be that this crappy un-developed version will make people think its rubbish even before they try the original! Although I guess time will fix that.
Big thing to learn is that when you register to protect innovations, be aware that people wait on the doorsteps of patent offices to steal the idea and cash in very quick. You have to register a patent to be protected by law, but it really means you give headstart to rogue dealers. Btw, lawsuits arent an option early on as they often end up £100,000+ investment, which is better spent on advertising & selling your own product.