inventions.

[aguinness]

If you have "invented" something, how here in Finland do you proceed with registering and safeguarding the idea with/without the plan of progressing the idea any further at the moment. In otherwords I have had an idea for a product that as far as I can ascertain does not exist worldwide and I believe there is a valid market for it in certain Countries ( Fin being one of them) what should I do?

[skandagupta]

You might start here http://www.prh.fi/en.html

[Mölkky-Fan]

First do not tell anyone about the idea.

Second, you have to consider if it meets the criteria of a patent, ie. must be a inventive step (ie not obvious) and useful, and new

Third, if it is OK to be patented, then you make an patent application. This costs a couple of thousand euros, so not yet too costly.

Fourth, if the patent searches find that your idea is patentable, and that there is no prior patent already describing your idea, then you are issues a FI patent... here it starts to get costly. Then you should protect your patent internationally with EP (european) and other patents-approx. 3,000€ per year per patent area. Of course, once you have made your patent application you have a legal date of when it was registered' - although at this stage it does not have to be in the public domain - and no-one else worldwide can then patent your idea again... however you only have protection against marketing, sales, manufacture etc in countries where you have a patent.

You can still make a business without a patent (just be sure you are not abusing anyone else's patent)

OK, probably not 100% legal advice but I guess it is quite close from my experience... I have two personal patents, and handle our company's portfolio of about 20.

[aguinness]

So here is the reply I got when I e mailed them.
"Hello,
The short description that you wrote about your idea/invention sounds like it could be protected by a patent or a utility model. I would recommend you to look our english web-sites: http://www.prh.fi/en.html
In both cases (patent/utility model application) the invention shoud be presented (written form) so detailed that a person skilled in the art could be able to carry out the invention on the basis of it. So, the simple idea is not enough if the applicant does not have a way to realize it.

Regards,

XXXXXXXX

Consulting Engineer

National Board of Patents and Registration"

So what to do next, how do you get the written form model, without having the product manufactured or at least a prototype, and how do you get a prototype made if you don´t have a patent, as the idea could be stolen. Any tips how to progress ?

[Mölkky-Fan]

You can find many template forms on the interweb for filling out the description of your patent. Type into Google patent application template, many popped up. Typically you write a description, draw a few simple pictures to describe the invention and then state the claims you make. However without a patent person to write the text it will be a little difficult for you if this is your first try. If you want to do it by yourself, then I suggest you read a few other patents online to get the idea.

The utility model might be a good way for you, it is much simpler although it is not as strong.

You do not need to make a prototype at this stage (but you must have a way to make it in your head), however if you do decide to do this (or need to tell anyone else about the invention) then you need to have them sign an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) before telling them anything. Again many sample forms are available of the interweb. Type into google non disclosure agreement template again many popped up.

An example, you cannot patent anti-gravity boots if you do not have a way of making them, just a good idea is not enough. However if you have come up with a way of making them work, then you should patent it (and you do not need to have a working pair to get the patent). I hope I have not inadvertently stumbled on your patent

If you want to buy me a beer in Helsinki if you are visiting some time I could try and give you a few pointers... I have a couple of patents in my name and a few going through, and I deal with them on a daily basis... although I am not a patent expert...

I will not sign an NDA, so do not tell me the details

A link to my favourite patent (now out of date) is http://totallyabsurd.com/toiletsnorkel.htm

[hackoff]

You might want to go and talk to joonas halfrén from ely-keskus as they might provide valuable advices and also GRANTS that might help you with your patents
They have their office in Pasila its a public organisation so no one will want a piece of your shares.

All the best

[raamv]

At least if you think that it is worthwhile patenting, then go for it.
As for realization, there are now a lot of 3D printers that can realize a prototype and pwebsites that can help you design them.
Also, Go to your nearest prh and make an appointment with someome who you acn talk to.
Also, As per advice above, go to the ELY keskus ( Old TE-Keskus) to see if you can make a business plan for it and get advice for free.

[aguinness]

You have all been fantastically helpful, thank you. I have had this idea for a long time and slowly but surely am deciding to progress with it, it certainly isnt gravity boots , just a simple automotive product I think could be adopted by motor industry or local governments as a safety device in cold weather climates. Thank you all again and will keep you posted as to how I progress.

[chriscross]

also make sure you get all your info writen down and post it to yourself registered ,and dont open it

kinda like making a song, so atleast you got proof they you made it and the date and time you made it etc


good luck bud