Whats that thing where you register inventions without getting a patent?

[xaigi]

I know that there is some kind of federal register that lets you register inventions/ideas without getting a patent. You pay something like $15 and they print your idea/description, make it a matter of public record and officially part of the public domain.

Does anybody know what its called/where to find it/etc?

 

[Sluggo]

You mean you would pay $15 to make your idea public so someone else could patent it? Not such a good deal.

 

[FelixDeCat]

Ive never heard of such a site, but it might be a ripoff...watchout. I did some research on patents/copyrights a long time ago (about 12 years). I determined the best thing to do is research the market, check for existing ideas, and get an attorney after that.

 

[xaigi]

You guys are completely missing the point. Its not a website (though I'm sure it has one). Its something that is provided by the federal gov't and came about at about the same time as patents. Once something is posted there, nobody can patent it.

 

[element]

You don't mean patent pending do you? That just means a patent application has been filed and is under review, obviously. Sorry but sometimes the obvious needs to be stated on these boards.

Anyway there is a method that doesn't cost much in case you don't want to spend anything as patent attorneys aren't exactly cheap.

You can describe in as much detail as possible (drawings, descriptions) what you want to patent. Then put it in a sealed envelope, certified mail, send it to yourself. It will be dated and sealed so it can be used as evidence that you are the first to come up with it. Not sure how it will hold up in court, but its worth a try and is inexpensive.