One Simple Idea

You can write your own PPA, but I recommend using the PatentWizard software (http://www.patentwizard.com) from Neustel Law. We use it in my office to write our PPAs, and it works great.

You’ve come up with a simple idea with big market potential. You’ve confirmed it can be manufactured or implemented with existing technologies and processes. You’ve created a drawing, mock-up, or some other kind of visual representation of your idea. And you’ve filed a provisional patent application (PPA) to protect it. Now it’s time to find a lice

Here are some benefit statements that have helped my students and me to license our ideas: This basketball game adds exciting graphics to the backboard and gives you a better return on your money by better utilizing your Michael Jordan license.

I don’t want attorneys to be creative; I need to be the one in control, always.

If you have not been documenting your idea thus far, backtrack as far as you can remember with accuracy. Include when you got the idea, when you began working on it, what you have done to date, and any specifics you can recall. When the ownership of an idea is in dispute, the one with the most detailed and precise records is the most likely to win.

So why in the world would you turn over control of your idea to someone else?

Make a list of the benefits your idea offers that similar products do not. Try to come up with at least three. Describe each benefit in one or two sentences. 2. Rank the value of each benefit on a numeric scale—with the benefit having the highest value being number one. 3. Create a one-line benefit statement for the number one benefit of your idea.

• A reproducible change in the decorative appearance, configuration, ornamental design, or shape of a utilitarian item (design patent). For example, a change in the appearance (not the functionality) of a bottle, chair, eyeglass frame, necklace, computer icon, type font. •

To my mind, that is the most important thing: to develop a product that someone wants to bring to market without spending a lot of your own money.