Info-Authority: Inventors

An inventor is a person who creates new materials, methods, or technical, mechanical, and tactile objects. Many inventors are scientists and engineers, but many are also people from everyday walks of life with great ideas. Inventors generally conceive their inventions by observing pre-existing methods and materials and then improving upon them. This is usually accomplished through testing or experimenting with new components and ideas.

Documenting an Invention

An inventor should always document all details of the invention, including conception, early prototypes, experiments, results, and conclusions drawn from those experiments and results in an inventor's notebook. The entries should be in chronological order, and only one notebook should be utilized for each new concept an inventor has. Sketches, figures, and calculations should be clearly labeled and pages should be numbered and never removed. Upon reaching the end of a series of entries on a particular invention, it may be worthwhile to have a witness sign and date the notebook. The witness should have a basic understanding of the field the inventor is working in and should not be related to the inventor. An inventor's notebook is not a legal document, but can help provide a product timeline and improve the outcome of a patent application or patent dispute.

The Inventor's Rights

A patent is necessary for an inventor to ensure that the inventor is the sole owner of the invention and no other entities are offering or selling the patentee's product. A patent is granted by the United States Patent and Trademark office and gives exclusive rights to the inventor for several years -- provided that, in turn, the inventor will disclose certain details of their invention so that it may be used in a proper industry. No matter who finances the materials for an invention, the inventor should always apply as the sole patentee to ensure a favorable outcome in the event of future disputes regarding ownership of an invention.

A patent may be refused for a variety of reasons, especially if the invention is deemed useless or without technical or legal merit. However, anyone with a new design, device, or process may apply with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent applications are kept secret until patents are issued; but once that occurs, all correspondence and application records will be made available, and can be purchased from the patent office. It should be noted that a patent obtained in the United States only protects the invention in the United States. Foreign patents may be obtained if desired, but should be investigated for cost beforehand.

By Barbara Poelle




	Inventors An inventor is a person who creates new materials, methods, or technical, mechanical, and tactile objects. Many inventors are scientists and engineers, but many are also people from everyday walks of life with great ideas. Inventors generally conceive their inventions by observing pre-existing methods and materials and then improving upon them. This is usually accomplished through testing or experimenting with new components and ideas. Documenting an Invention An inventor should always document all details of the invention, including conception, early prototypes, experiments, results, and conclusions drawn from those experiments and results in an inventor's notebook. The entries should be in chronological order, and only one notebook should be utilized for each new concept an inventor has. Sketches, figures, and calculations should be clearly labeled and pages should be numbered and never removed. Upon reaching the end of a series of entries on a particular invention, it may be worthwhile to have a witness sign and date the notebook. The witness should have a basic understanding of the field the inventor is working in and should not be related to the inventor. An inventor's notebook is not a legal document, but can help provide a product timeline and improve the outcome of a patent application or patent dispute. The Inventor's Rights A patent is necessary for an inventor to ensure that the inventor is the sole owner of the invention and no other entities are offering or selling the patentee's product. A patent is granted by the United States Patent and Trademark office and gives exclusive rights to the inventor for several years -- provided that, in turn, the inventor will disclose certain details of their invention so that it may be used in a proper industry. No matter who finances the materials for an invention, the inventor should always apply as the sole patentee to ensure a favorable outcome in the event of future disputes regarding ownership of an invention. A patent may be refused for a variety of reasons, especially if the invention is deemed useless or without technical or legal merit. However, anyone with a new design, device, or process may apply with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent applications are kept secret until patents are issued; but once that occurs, all correspondence and application records will be made available, and can be purchased from the patent office. It should be noted that a patent obtained in the United States only protects the invention in the United States. Foreign patents may be obtained if desired, but should be investigated for cost beforehand. By Barbara Poelle Related Links: Wikipedia - Inventor Wikipedia definition of inventor as well as origins and opportunities.