The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent: A Step-by-Step Road Map to Protect Your Ideas and Inventions - With Companion CD-ROM
What do all of these famous inventions have in common: air conditioning, airbags, bandages, barbed wire, blow dryers, can openers, cement, chewing gum, computers, credit cards, doughnuts, jeans, microwave ovens, paper towels, Play-Doh, Post-it Notes, potato chips, roller coasters, safety pins, Scotch tape, skateboards, staplers, straws, sunscreen, typewriters, Viagra, zippers? They were all invented in the United States by American inventors, and they all went on to make fortunes for the inventors and those companies licensing the ideas. Do notbe left out, and do not spend thousands in unnecessary legal fees; you can file your own patent with the step-by-step guidance in this new book.
According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the number of patents filed in the U.S. increased from 186,507 in 1992 to 406,302 in 2005. Approximately one out of five patents is filed by the prospective owner/inventor. You will find that only minimal assistance, if any, is needed from an attorney or agent in securing your patent.
This book offers a simple, straightforward introduction to patent law written in layman’s terms. This book is written for inventors not attorneys, and for those that want to save thousands on legal fees protecting their ideas and inventions.
A patent protects an invention and gives an exclusive right to the benefits of an invention. A patent is in essence a contract between the United States government and the holder of an invention. This new book will explain how to secure a patent on your own without expensive attorney fees. If you think you have a great invention, you need this extremely detailed and comprehensive guide to the process of getting a patent.
The book covers everything needed and easily explained, from the initial patent search to filing a successful and hopefully financially lucrative application. Even if you ultimately decide to use the services of a patent attorney, which in some cases is recommended, this book will get the process started and still save you considerable legal fees. The book is, in fact, good reading even for the inventor who plans to hire patent counsel; it helps the inventor be a more knowledgeable client. The companion CD-ROM contains all the necessary forms and checklists you will need to file your patent.
Stuffed with essential information and written in a crisp, clear style, “The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent” is an excellent resource for anyone hoping to patent and develop an invention. The book walks you through the patent process, noting any potential pitfalls along the way, and recommending ways to avoid those stumbling blocks. The explanations of the different types of U.S. patents available and the process an inventor must undergo in order to obtain a patent are detailed and specific. The BizWiz boxes scattered throughout the text highlight areas of particular importance, and serve as an excellent reminder to “do the obvious, even when it isn’t”.
The realm of patent law can seem confusing and arcane, especially to a newcomer, but this book will help you navigate these treacherous waters with ease and confidence. This book is an essential resource for any inventor; even an experienced patent-seeker can find tips to make the patent-seeking process run more smoothly. Though they do not deal strictly with patents, the chapters on copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets are especially relevant in today’s high-tech world. A well-written treatise on the patent process, this book definitely belongs on the reference shelf of any patent-seeker.
Comment by CQ — September 27, 2007 @ 12:16 pm
The Complete Guide To Securing Your Own U.S. Patent
By Jamaine Burrell
5 out of 5 stars
The Complete Guide To Securing Your Own U.S. Patent, really is, in all sense’s of the words, a truly complete guide. Jamaine Burrell touches every topic and tangent that has anything to do with not only patents, but copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks as well. The reader is shown all the in- depth processes and procedures and steps taken to obtain a patent.
I am amazed at how this book covers everything from what a patent is, to the application process, and even goes into marketing and manufacturing a patented invention. Resources in this book such as the list of Depository Libraries and the example application form are a major help to those seeking information on patents and trademarks. After finding out which Depository Library is located closest to me, in the near future, I have planned to make a trip to do a bit of exploring on the patents and trademarks that are recorded there.
The extra wisdom from the Biz Wiz is definitely a plus to this book. Reading all of the extra “in-put” from the Biz Wiz really gives the reader a sense involved understanding. I have to say, that it is very rare to read a book with an appendix that actually serves a meaning purpose. The appendix in this book is amazing. It really gives meaning to the quote, “the book was good all the way to the very end.”
This book is definitely a must read for every person that is looking for any information on anything to do with patents, copyrights, trade secrets, or trademarks. There is more information and detail in this book about patents than I ever thought was possible to explain with such informative details. Jamaine Burrell will surely put any person seeking a patent in the right direction by reading this book.
Comment by Dannielle Pierce — October 1, 2007 @ 1:20 pm
The Complete Guide to Securing Your U.S. Patent
by Jamaine Burrell
We would all be sitting in the dark if not for the invention of the light bulb. Thomas Edison did not invent the incandescent light bulb but he was a truly magnificent inventor. I personally thank George de Mestral the inventor of Velcro. Inventors and patents the backbone of society.
Jamaine Burrell’s book ‘Securing Your Own U.S. Patent is a must read for all inventors. It entails everything that you need to know about patents. It gives specific details on types of patents, marketing, requirements and protection for your ideas. It was suggested to President McKinley in 1899 to close the U.S. patent office. Where would we be today if this had taken place? Jamaine’s book address’s U.S. patents and discusses foreign patents.
A step by step narrative of the specifics of the design application and the length of time to complete the application are easy to understand. The importance of hiring a patent attorney is stressed. The legality of the patent process is intimidating. There are copyright laws, patent laws, copyrights, registering a trademark, licensing, taxes and infringement issues. Jamaine has produced information for any layperson to understand in a sequential format.
Jamaine urges all to take detailed notes on the development of the invention. All photos, original artwork, designs and drawings should be kept with the project. Information on the ‘One year rule’, and whimsical inventions are discussed. What to do if the patent is rejected. Copies of the design patent application transmittal are included.
This book is detailed, intense, and technical and thoroughly covers everything an inventor needs to accomplish to obtain a patent. A fee schedule is in the appendix of the book. The glossary is a great resource.
I rate this book a 5.
Comment by Colleen Braun — October 23, 2007 @ 8:47 am
Anyone involved in any kind of creative or inventive business needs a copy of this book.
The title is actually a little bit deceptive: sure, this is a guide to securing your own patent, but it’s also a guide to what to do with the patented material once you’ve got it. In clear, straightforward language, Jamaine Burrell makes a ridiculously complicated and intimidating subject clear and understandable for the beginner — yet the book has still got a wealth of invaluable tips and info for those of us who’ve been in this business for a while.
You’ll come away not only understanding concepts such as intellectual property and copyright infringement, but also understanding the step-by-step process involved in getting a patent, establishing a copyright, and getting a registered trademark. Literally, this book takes the reader by the hand through the entire application process, leaving no questions unanswered. There’s also a large amount of detail on marketing, manufacturing, and patent protection, so that you’re not left high and dry once you’ve actually got the patent in hand.
Especially helpful here is the layout and design, with highlighted lists and bullet points throughout breaking everything down into easily digestible portions. Additionally, there are helpful, easy-to-read hints from a registered patent attorney highlighted throughout the text, giving the reader another angle on the information, and comprehensive appendices, glossary, and index.
Really, I can’t say enough about this book. As someone who deals with intellectual property day in and day out, I wish I’d had a copy of this a long time ago. If there’s a drawback at all, it’s that the style can sometimes be a bit dry and technical, but overall, this is an indispensable resource.
Comment by Will Curl — November 21, 2007 @ 4:57 pm
This book offers more than the title says. In addition to thorough information on how to get a patent, “How to Get a U.S. Patent” also contains chapters on copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. It is one of the best step-by-step guides to the official patent procedure that I’ve seen.
I have an idea, but I don’t have a lot of legal knowledge. So I was pleased that this book explains the process (from definition, through research, to the actual application) clearly enough that I know it’s something I could do. The book isn’t light reading, but it’s definitely accessible.
I found the tips from the “Biz Wiz” particularly interesting, coming as they do from a patent attorney with an engineering background. I also appreciated the concrete details given (like where the state patent and trademark depositaries can be found in each state—and what web sites can help you in your patent search). The appendixes (with extensive information on the fees involved, and on international patent protection) were especially valuable. More, the book comes with a companion CD that has all the forms that you need to file a patent. This is a great book!
Comment by Sandra Hutchinson — January 17, 2008 @ 9:37 am
There’s a million dollar idea or invention in all of us. Most of us never both to try to develop those ideas or inventions—for a whole host of reasons. There’s no doubt about it; the process IS complex and complicated. That’s why there will always be a demand for patent attorneys. But we do have an option. You can read all about it in Jamaine Burrell’s book. In addition to being a fabulous how-to guide, Jamaine has made VERY interesting a subject that has great potential to be dry, dull, and BORING.
Getting a patent doesn’t have to break the bank! I know, I have one and I followed the process laid out in Jamaine Burrell’s book. Now, no one will ever be able to steal my invention; even if I never get around to putting it into production. Who knows, maybe a manufacture with deep pockets will want to take it off my hands. If so, I owe it all to Jamaine Burrell. If you’ve ever thought you had an idea or invention worth protecting, you owe it to yourself to buy this book—today!
Comment by Doug Jackson — January 21, 2008 @ 1:54 pm
I’ve always had a million ideas for new inventions but never seriously followed through with it. But having found this book while day dreaming I might just actually go through with a Patent application.
The most useful section for me was on IP (Intellectual Property). Most of my ideas are not actually things I’d make with my own hands, or get someone to manufacture, so it really helped me figure out what steps I should take to still secure my rights. I think I’d be confident to go through with an of the processes described in the book now – even chasing someone down for infringing on my patents LOL.
Comment by Jody — January 21, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
Jamaine Burrell’s “The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent: A Step-by-Step Road Map to Protect Your Ideas and Inventions” is exactly that — a clear, linear, easily read map for the serious U.S. inventor.
Given the intricate rules currently regulating patent law, the odds of the independent inventor falling victim to complex legalese and misinterpretations thereof are great; here, however, Burrell has compiled a well-organized breakdown of the data needed to take your invention from idea to execution and beyond. With such resources as fee schedules, government links, and even a state-by-state guide of patent and trademark depository libraries, this accurate (and priceless!) exploration of the business side of inventions will no doubt simplify the daunting, often-arduous, patent process. Indeed, it may even save the savvy inventor thousands of dollars by circumventing the need for attorney interpretation. It is this interpretation and no-nonsense advice, in particular, that are instrumental to this book’s success as a reference for copyright, royalty, and filing criteria; as an added bonus, the companion CD-Rom even includes the checklists and forms required for an individual patent application!
Although the creative process is inarguably the “fun” part of inventions, it is a fact that the legalities of U.S. patent procedure are an integral — if not the most integral — step in the American inventor’s journey. “The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent: A Step-by-Step Road Map to Protect Your Ideas and Inventions” can certainly smooth the path toward turning your invention into a reality.
Comment by Elisa Garcia — January 24, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent by Jamaine Burrell is truly a complete reference source for deciphering the puzzle of securing a U.S. patent. At times, the complexity of the process boggled my mind, but the author cuts to the chase and gives good descriptions of legal requirements, definitions, specific info for certain states plus details on the various types of patents, intellectual property, inventions, copyrights and trademarks and more.
After describing many details, he gives complete instructions that would enable a layperson to do a patent search, fill out the applications and save plenty of money in attorney’s fees. Of course, it is a long and extremely detailed process that could easily be messed up by not paying strict attention to details. The appendix includes a variety of information, including PTO fees and copyright fees, plus info on countries participating in certain conventions for those who may wish to pursue international patents or copyrights.
Overall, the book gives an excellent overview of the patent process, and I would recommend the do-it-yourself method for the most dedicated of souls, of which I am not one. I would either have to hire an attorney, or miss out on my big patent.
5 stars for complete and thorough information.
Comment by D Devereaux — January 29, 2008 @ 10:00 am
For anyone who’s ever held off on really running with a great idea because the process of getting a patent seemed too daunting, this book is the next best thing to having an expert hold your hand and personally take you through all the steps.
The author begins with a straightforward overview of what the book is designed to do and then follows through on all counts, beginning with the basics of what patents are all about and why they’re so important. Also discussed in great detail are the elements of intellectual property, the processes of invention, and the steps to establishing patent ownership, including patent searches, filing a patent application, and protecting your patents. Although the book’s main focus is patents, other intellectual property assets including copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets are also covered. Also included is a CD-ROM with all the forms and checklists necessary for filing a patent.
Patent law is complex, and hiring a patent attorney can be costly. This book will not only help inventors protect their inventions and ideas, it can save them money along the way.
Comment by Sonia Castleberry — January 30, 2008 @ 10:52 am
“The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent” by Jamaine Burrell takes the inventor on a journey from concept to marketplace, and covers everything else in between.
An easy-to-follow guide, the complicated topic of patenting is simplified by Burell. It offers practical advice and instructions, tips and examples. It will undoubtedly help any inventor learn the ropes of filing, protecting and maintaining a U.S. patent.
Imagine life without the cell phone or home computer. Without those technologies, modern-day life would be very different. For those inventors, patenting was an important process.
With this book, patenting doesn’t have to be a mysterious task. Even the lay person can file a patent.
Whether the inventor has created a new medicine, a breed of fruit, machinery, or computer software, they will want to protect their invention and make sure it finds its way to market. This will give them the knowledge to actually do so.
It also discusses copywrites, trade marks and trade secrets. The guide, with companion CD-ROM, could easily help the inventor bring the next big need or necessity into the mainstream.
5 stars
Comment by debsreviews — February 18, 2008 @ 2:21 pm