Recent Feedback
I have created a "Eye Relax Mask" to help in medical settings. I would like to market it and need to know if I "must" secure a patent prior to sharing information for the purpose of marketing the product to an interested party prior to investing in the cost of patents. PLUS, I have been told that patents "pending" will limit WHO and IF a company will be willing to review and consider paying for a product that is intended to be a marketing tool. Can you recommend the right steps to take to make money and protect IP?
Already Tried: No ONe
Is there something unique about the "Eye Relax Mask" you created as compared to the 2,000,000+ similar masks shown athttp://www.google.com/search?q=eye+relax+mask&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=dqH6T9_FDubc2QXi4YHpBg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ
Yes - Please see attachments with description. The eye mask I created is specifically intended to be used in medical settings for patient care. A pix with description is attached - please feel free to comment upon reviewing these materials. Thank you very much! Monica
Attachment: 2012-07-09_215411_arizant_garymaharaj_final.pdf
Attachment: 2012-07-09_215838_eye_mask_sample_pictures_1_2011.pdf
Attachment: 2012-07-09_215938_notarized_eye_mask_description.pdf
You are going to need a patent agent or patent attorney to assist you. May I ask in which State you are located?
I reside in Hawaii. Is it necessary to file a patent before sending the same info to 3M Corporation? They are the perfect company for me to pitch and I have proof that I designed this product - they may not accept outside proposals so it would be a waste of money to pay for a patent when they may not be willing to review something produced from outside the company. As I stated earlier, there are instances when having a patent filed makes it MORE DIFFICULT to approach companies. Please Advise and thank you.
You are not required to have a patent, but inventors who have no patent are usually careful to make the company being pitched agree in writing not to use or disclose the invention without permission of the inventor.http://www.ipwatchdog.com/tradesecret/sample-confidentiality-agreements/links to several sample nondisclosure/confidentiality agreements that you can use as models in drafting an appropriate agreement.I hope this information is helpful.
Experience: Since 1983
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