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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.