While we think it is invaluable to include a great list of resources for inventors and potential "patentees", we don't feel it necessary to reinvent the wheel and duplicate all of the information readily available on the web on the Brainstorm Patents site. Below is a list of resources and references that you can use to help you along your path to glory. Of course, we hope that you'll reference us here at Brainstorm Patents, as we really aren't mean, scary or smelly (especially over the phone), but in the event we don't answer the phone at 3 A.M., use the great resources detailed below. DREAM BIG, THEN BRAINSTORM!
USPTO REFERENCES
· USPTO Fee Schedule - this doesn't really need an explanation does it? For the current USPTO pricing structure, reference this guide. We should have up-to-the-minute pricing on our Rates page, but just to be safe, we like to let you know where we get our information.
· USPTO Patent Descriptions - No matter how much you think you know, you'll have a memory short at some point and it never hurts to be able to reference the authority on patents. This link provides information on everything from provisional patents to utility patents to plant patents to design patents. Not the most enjoyable reading, but it does cover all of the bases. Memory short crisis averted!
· USPTO General Patent Information - This is a pretty good starting point for standard run-of-the-mill patent questions. The information gathered on this page runs the full spectrum of "patentology" so you're almost guaranteed to learn something if you visit this page!
USEFUL AND CURRENT PATENT TRADE BLOGS
· Patently-O - This site is the nation's leading patent law blog. It may not be a super resource for inventors, but the information on this site is indispensible for intellectual property law professionals. There is still a large amount of useful reference material for inventors on this site - you just have to look for it.
· IP WatchDog - Again, another intellectual property blog. Probably of no use to inventors, but it is a useful gauge to see what is going on in the world of patent litigation (if you were REALLY bored!).
USEFUL AND CURRENT INVENTOR BLOGS AND SITES
· United Inventors Association -This is one of the strongest inventors associations in the nation. It has some great information and good reference material that can be quite helpful at times. Not to mention, listing them as one of your affiliations adds strong credibility to you and your idea.
· Instructables - Whenever your brain starts to cramp, take a break and surf Instructables.com. Guaranteed you will leave the site renewed and reinvigorated. This site is busting at the seams with DIY projects that you'll want to try on your own. All of the submissions are from other users and viewers, so there's never a shortage of content on the site. Even if you're stuck on how to tackle some aspect of your concept or idea, browsing the creative concepts at Instructables.com may help you solve your issue. Great site for motivation.
· Make Magazine - Along the same lines as Instructables.com, Make Magazine is both in digital and print form. Although the magazine is a bit expensive, it always has cool projects that you can read about when an internet connection is not readily available. Anyone who is responsible for something as cool as MakerFaire has to be mentioned!
· Idea Buyer - Idea Buyer sends out regular email newsletters that provide some useful entry-level information concerning patenting and licensing your idea. The website itself aims to serve as a marketplace for you to introduce your idea to buyers from well-known corporations. No one at Brainstorm Patents can personally attest to the functionality of the site, but the concept appears to be sound. If anyone has used their services, we'd love to hear your thoughts...
· InventBay - Similar to Idea Buyer, InventBay creates a marketplace for you to try and sell/license your idea. The site does have some useful articles and information as well as a bookstore with relevant reading material available.
· Edison Nation - Edison Nation has received some great PR with the success of their inventor reality show - Everyday Edisons, which airs on PBS. They have some great success stories and are very helpful and knowledgeable concerning product submissions for various companies. A wealth of knowledge on this site and a bit of encouragement for the down-and-out inventor, showing that it pays to stick with your idea. Great site.
· Inventor's Digest - This is what happens when a successful magazine expands to the web. This site has a good daily article and some good resources for inventors as well. The print edition is a great resource. Money well spent to get a subscription to Inventor's Digest.
LOCAL INVENTOR GROUPS, CLUBS, AND RESOURCES FOR CENTRAL FLORIDA (ORLANDO)
· Inventors Council of Central Florida - This group is spearheaded by Dr. David Flinchbaugh. You can reach him by phone -(407) 760-7200. Meetings are held regularly.
· Central Florida Inventors Club, 4849 Victory Drive, Orlando, FL 32808 - we have no additional information on this club, but they do appear to be active.
· Tampa Bay Inventor's Council - This Central Florida group appears to be the most active. Not a bad website.
· Beusse Wolter Sanks Mora and Maire, P.A. - Local IP firm that does a lot of corporate patent work. Nice people with reasonable rates and a reputable background.
· For local prototyping work, use Mydea Technologies!
DREAM BIG, THEN BRAINSTORM!