Contents:

Table of Contents Your Legal Companion Introduction How The Inventor’s Notebook Is Organized How to Use The Inventor’s Notebook Explanation of Inventor’s Decision Chart 1. Using the Notebook How to Make Entries Record Your Conception Record the Building and Testing of Your Invention File a Provisional Patent Application Other Possible Applications of Your Invention Record Your Trademark Conception Record Your Distinctive Design Conception 2. Legal Protection Prior Art Search Patentability Checklist Provisional Patent Application Checklist Patent Application Checklist Design Patent Application Checklist Trademark Use and Registration Record of Contacts Legal Protection Summary 3. Marketing Evaluation of Positive and Negative Factors of Invention Potential User Survey Relevant Market Trends How to Record Relevant Marketing Trend Data From These Types of Sources Manufacturer/Distributor Evaluation Choosing the Right Company and Reaching the Decision Maker Using the Internet to Develop and Promote Your Invention 4. Financing Determination of Funds Needed Checklist for Selling Invention/Seeking Capital Funding Sources and Results 5. Help Beyond This Book Inventor Resources Patent and Intellectual Property Resources Appendix I: Notebook Record of Conception of Invention Record of Building and Testing of Invention Other Possible Applications of Invention Trademark Conception and Protection Distinctive Design Conception Appendix II: Worksheets Prior Art Search Patentability Checklist Provisional Patent Application Checklist Patent Application Checklist Design Patent Application Checklist Trademark Use and Registration Record of Contacts Legal Protection Summary Positive and Negative Factors Evaluation Potential User Survey Regional Buying Patterns of Related Products Predictions for Targeted Buying Groups Conclusions Regarding Marketing Trends Manufacturer/Distributor Evaluation Choosing the Right Company Budget Checklist for Selling Invention/Seeking Capital Funding Sources and Results Appendix III: Glossary Glossary of Useful Technical Terms Glossary of Patent Terms Appendix IV: Fee Schedule Appendix V: Tear-Out Forms

Reviews

"Offers an organized way to document an invention’s progress from first glimmer to the marketplace." NASA Tech Briefs "Can help you organize and document your development activities -- something you’ll be glad you did when it comes time to patent your invention." IEEE MICRO "Forces the inventor to go beyond the creative act and addresses issues such as costs, the market, and competition." Donald L. Sexton, Former Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, Baylor University "Handy to speed up any legal help you might need." The Washington Post "An excellent tool to assist the private inventor in assembling the necessary records and documentation required for the successful award of a patent." Jack A. Kinzler, Chief of Technical Services (Retired), NASA "Describes the invention process and how to keep records of it for legal protection, marketing, and financing." Book News