How can i check if a lock design is patented?

M

madfast

Joined
Oct 17, 2003
Messages
650
i've been trying to design a new locking mechanism for folders and was wondering how i can check if it was already patented? i don't even know where to start. any clues?
 
Maybe search around all of the various locks being used by different companies and then see if any are similar. If so try contacting the company and get a copy of the patent from them. From what I've heard, it's a pain to get info from the patent office. Just a thought, good luck :)
 
Go to this site.http://www.uspto.gov/ On the right hand side you'll see a drop down window that says first "time visitors". Click on the drop down window, then click on "how to search"... You're pretty much on your own after that. :) Good luck.
 
This could be a major undertaking. Here is the website for the US Patent and Trademark Office. It contains a huge amount of info. Good luck.

http://www.uspto.gov/index.html

Edited to add: I see someone posted this info already, so I'll just wish you a happy new year.
 
ok how about anybody with a good experience with a company or person that can help me get a patent (if this design isn't already patented...)???

i think i'm just gonna forget it, i visited that site and i'll never have the time or perseverence to undertake such a task. it looks so daunting. i'm a simple man, no need for all that crap :barf:
 
My understanding is that it costs at least several thousand dollars to research and register a patent. And if you don't have the money for ongoing legal fees you can't defend it, even if you do register one.

If you have an original design for a useful new lock you should talk with some established knife companies about it. Most of them are very decent folks who will respect your intellectual property without a patent. And if someone is interested in using your idea they will work out an arrangement with you.

--Bob Q
 
thanks for all the responses but i definitely won't pursue this any further, too much headache...
 
It doesn't cost several thousand. I only paid $900.00 for everything (paper work,drawings,search, fees).

You need to go to a patent lawyer who will draft up your design on paper, you will be asked if you want to do a search ..say YES ( I messed up on that part before).

He will do a search and they will get a listing and documents of anything that comes close to your stuff.

S/F,
CEYA!
CKDz
 
Top patent attorneys can charge as much as $500 per hour. :eek:

Like most things in life, you get what you pay for.
 
madfast said:
thanks for all the responses but i definitely won't pursue this any further, too much headache...
Click to expand...
.
hang on there, Tex,
IF you would need to sue to protect your patent you wouldn't have to do so right away. I've heare (can't say it's 100% true) that some patent owners have waited (deliberatly or otherwise) a while for their products to make a lot of money, so they could sue for more. (the intermittent windshield wiper guy comes to mind)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top