Patents and How to Get One: A Practical Handbook

by U.S. Department of Commerce

Book Overview

What is a patent? What do "patent pending" and "patent applied for" mean? How do you go about applying for a patent? This indispensable handbook, originally published by the U.S. Government's Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) not only answers these and many other questions frequently asked of the agency, but provides readers with general information about patents and how the PTO operates. Designed specifically for non-attorneys and written in clear,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486411443
• ISBN13: 9780486411446
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Book Review

An easy read.... this book gives a quick introduction to intellectual property rights and application procedures. Not nearly as helpful as some other, thicker, "How to" books.

A convenient concise OVERVIEW

This is quick 85-page overview of the patent process. It provides the key steps, requirements, and definitions in very plain terms (almost in the same style of language as the IRS's 1040EZ instructions). However, it steers clear from giving ADVICE. If you need advice, try Patent It Yourself, from Nolo Press. Some of the information in this slim volume can be found at http://www.uspto.gov/. But this book brings it together in a very convenient and affordable package. It is worth the modest price!

Just The Facts, M'am

This little book is an invaluable reference to patent facts and law. Although published by a third party, it was originally a government issued publication and is one of those crystal-clear presentations that has obviously been crutinized and clarified to the max. Most of the books on getting a patent and cashing in on your invention are so packed with ancillary information that the really basic (and important) information is buried. This book is very easy to read and addresses all frequently asked questions, as well as anything that would be important to your quest for a patent. I like the bit about how to get a patent if the inventor is insane. Aren't all inventors a bit "like that"?

Great for the Beginner

This book provides a thorough overview of the patent process and the US Patent and Trademark Office. It was wonderful for a beginner. There were ten pages alone dedicated to the specifications and limitations for drawings and photographs to put in a patent application. For someone who knows nothing about the process, this is a great introduction. It also refers to other publications by the government and locations to get samples of some of the forms. I feel comfortable now to move on to reading other books about the patent process.

Designed with the lay reader in mind

This practical handbook is designed with the lay reader in mind and provides a simple handbook for understanding patents and how to apply for one. From general information about the office which controls patents to details on what can be patented and how to register one, Patents And How to Get One is filled with important facts.