What Do I Think of the Satellite Patent Office?
I have been asked by many if I am excited about the new satellite Patent Office opening in Denver. Yes, but not for the reason many would expect.
Opening satellite offices in cities around the country won’t really change the process. It will still cost the same and take the same amount of time to get a patent processed.
The fact that you can go to the office may be fun but I am not sure that it really makes a difference to any inventor getting ready to file. You can access the USPTO database from your home computer and not have to fight the traffic or pay for parking.
The Importance of a Patent
Infinitely more important that where you go is that you get it done! Doing your own patent work is like doing your own brain surgery: by the time you realize you have made a mistake, it is too late to fix it. As a licensing agent, I cannot work with an inventor who did his/her own patent.
Why a Satellite Patent Office is a Good Thing
What does is excite me is that I can see the new satellite office raising awareness of the importance of filing for intellectual property by inventors.
It is simple: no patent–no negotiations. An inventor’s ability to license or stop someone from copying or infringing is only as good as the intellectual property.
Some people tell inventors just make the product and be “first to market”. Being “first to market” is important but only once you have decided if you are infringing on prior art or if you know you CAN’T file a patent.
Most inventors want to get to the point where they can have someone else make their product, sell it and send them a check. It is called licensing and you can only do it if you have a patent.
So yes, I am excited for the potential the satellite patent office has in improving understanding of the patent process for would be inventors!
For more information on the satellite, visit the USPTO website. USPTO Satellite Patent Office- Denver
I’ve also written a blog entry on the importance of not filing a patent yourself and that’s worth a read! Filing Your Own Patent (Pro Se)
