J. Douglas Miller in the "Small Business IP Protection and Management" blog tells us about a new program for small business owners from the US Patent and Trademark Office. The USPTO says that:

"This program is designed to educate small business owners about the increasing problem of intellectual property theft and to inform them about the steps they can take to protect their intellectual property. As part of the program, the USPTO has also launched a Web site dedicated to providing information particularly relevant to small businesses."The new web site is called StopFakes.gov. Its purpose is to "help small businesses consider the benefits of strong IP protection - both in the United States and overseas - and decide whether it is right for them."This site includes important information on whether and when to file for intellectual property protection, what type of protection to file for, where to file, and how to go about it."It looks like a pretty comprehensive site, and well organized.

Business Methods PatentsFor a related article, on the question of whether you can patent "business methods," read attorney Michael Cohen's article from IpFrontline.com, Patentability of Business Methods Updated.Liability for Infringing Acts Before A Patent is GrantedSanford Warren, writing at IRMI.com, tells us about what can go wrong in the 18 months from when an inventor publishes their patent application, to the time the patent actually issues. He explains what recourse you may have as an inventor if someone infringes on these "provisional patent rights."

Watch Out for Fraudulent Invention Promotion Companies

"From Patent to Profit" has a lot of useful and practical information for inventors. In particular, check out the page about "invention promotion" companies. It spells out some of the dangers of doing business with some of these companies, and what to look for so that you don't get ripped off or wind up on the wrong end of a patent infringement lawsuit.

Do You Have an Invention?

A few years ago I looked into patenting something, I guess you'd call it an idea? It was for window coverings that opened from the top down, to let in the light but give you privacy at the same time. Then a few months later I saw MY invention in a catalogue! Have you looked into patenting an invention or a way of doing business? What was your experience? I'd love to hear from you.