The Invention Guy www.theinventionguy.net Protecting your idea for an invention is important…but you don’t have to break the bank to get started. You can start with a logbook.
Document your idea in a logbook. This helps to organize the thoughts about your idea and it offers some initial protection for your invention.
Write down the idea, what the invention does, and how it is different from other similar products. Each time you get new information about your idea write it down in your logbook. Date and sign the logbook each time you add a new entry. It also helps to have an unbiased witness or a notary sign each time you do. Use a header for each entry with the following information: date, participant(s), and changes or new information about the idea. Make sure you and any witnesses sign each entry by your printed names.
The more details you have about your idea the better. Make sure others in the industry related to your idea could easily understand your idea from the logbook. Keep records of sketches, tests, photos, computations, etcetera. All these items should be signed and dated.
As you go through the steps in inventing continue to make notes in your logbook about each step. Proper record keeping can be used as proof of the conception date of your invention and to show that you have been continuously working on the idea. Your logbook could be used in court to protect your invention.
Keep the logbook stored in a fireproof or other secure place. Eventually you will need to file for a patent to further protect your idea. Please contact The Invention Guy www.theinventionguy.net or a patent attorney if you have questions.
About the Author: The Invention Guy
Motivational speaker and product coach. The Invention Guy www.theinventionguy.net (Dr. Lee Vine Alderman, Jr.) invented LaunchPad™, the first adjustable-height folding chair being used by the NBA.
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