ZPEnergy.com - The Importance of Getting a "Patent Pending" for Your Invention

Via KeelyNet.com : A patent pending (applied for and waiting for approval), consists of the patenting agent or attorney first doing a "patent search" to see if inventions of the same concept or design have already had patents applied for them. If it is found that patents have already been applied for, an inventor who attempts to market a very similar product would risk legal liability for patent infringement (having a copycat product) should they continue an attempt to market their invention.

It is obvious to see how this first step towards getting a patent pending is valuable. Also, keep in mind that once you have a patent pending, this can be noted in print on your product-invention’s packaging and protects you while the patenting process is being completed. Even if for some reason a patent is later denied, this is not usually determined for many months and gives an inventor a protected jump on any competition that might try to crop up in the mean time. Some companies and also retail outlets, who look at new products for consideration to market them actually require that they have a patent pending status or they will not review them! Keep in mind that patent law states that you cannot disclose your product to the public, more than one year prior to applying for a patent or you may not be allowed to obtain a patent pending for it.

Original link: http://inventorspot.com/articles/patent_advice_inventor_rod_floate_6964