To share or not to share? When you create a new idea or invention, the first thing we ALL like to do is tell someone about it. We want others to react to our new idea (symptoms of social media, perhaps) and give us feedback. The first thing inventors do when they call our office is to start explaining their invention and I immediately stop them in their tracks!
DO NOT share your idea with anyone until you have consulted a patent attorney and have engaged that patent attorney under a non-disclosure agreement or engagement letter.
Here’s why. The Public Use doctrine may be invoked if you share your invention with others (including lawyers) without taking certain preventable measures. Once you have publicly disclosed your invention, you have one (1) year to file a patent application.
Note, there are some exceptions to the rule, however, it is better to not disclose your invention prior to consulting an attorney.
If you have any question regarding whether you have an invention contact our office at 832-446-3337.
