To Patent or Not to Patent – After 20+ years of mechanical design in a high-tech industry, I look back and wonder why my name is not found on a patent somewhere. I’ve worked with many others who have had various designs patented, but every one of them I can recall just didn’t seem patentable. They appeared to be simple solutions to design tasks that were not overly creative or revolutionary. They were typically just a variation of an existing latch, hinge, or cable routing bar. Something so simple can’t possibly be patent worthy, but somehow they did it. The common thread in all of these instances is the patent process was pursued by the company and not by the individual. As you know there are many companies who get ‘patent happy’ and try to augment revenue by defending their patents.
I’ve considered pursuing patents as an individual on a few occassions but, as I’ve noted before, my hesitation usually results in watching my idea come to market without me. This has been a little disheartening. Now, having read ‘the ugly truth’, I am re-energized and optomistic about that idea I’ve been sitting on. Why not just move forward with the design and manufacturing? Why not make a few bucks now before the big guys come in and monopolize the market. It may not turn into that ‘million dollar’ idea, but as long as it’s cash flow positive, what harm is there?
Reference: A Better Mousetrap
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