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Safety & Ethics,Accuracy, Velocity, Energy
Joe M

Patents are extremely difficult to obtain. Essentially, a wildcat in and itself would (probably or more than likely) not command a patent. However, if you create a specialized die in which you can prove intellectual property rights or the uniqueness or usefulness which would warrant such a patent, then you would be good to go. The mumbo jumbo discusses the aspect of an individual who: invents or discovers any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof, may obtain a patent,�...

It is an involved process and can add significant cash drain in legal fees (for searches etc).

To obtain more information, you can visit the site at: http://www.uspto.gov/.

Good luck to you on this!
Alex

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Safety & Ethics,Accuracy, Velocity, Energy
Joe M

It would be difficult to patent a wildcat cartridge, but not impossible. As most wildcats are based upon some other cartridge there would be a difficult burden to prove uniqueness or novelty. If you could prove it and get your patent it is then your responsiblitiy to defend it. Another individual could, and you could pretty much count on this, make a few changes in dimensions and state that his was totally different than yours. You then have the burden, legally and financially, of proving that it is basically the same as yours. It can, and most often will, come down to who has deeper pockets.

The practicalities of obtaining and defending a patent are what deter most folks who could otherwise get one. Having been involved with the process and having read some really "hairbrained" ideas that have been patented that do not have a snowball's chance of ever being made the process is more about determination than usefullness.

If you have a good idea and you think you can make it happen then I would encourage you to try to get a patent. Do not expect the process to be easy or cheap and do not expect someone with deep pockets to rush to your side to buy your patent. If you do not have the will or means to develop it, it is unlikely anyone else will. It is seldom that someone else will believe in your idea as strongly as you do.

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Warren Jensen

Warren@lostriverballistic.com
lostriverballistic.com

[This message has been edited by Warren Jensen (edited 05-21-2001).]

quote:

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Originally posted by JoeM:
Hello,
I was just wondering about this because I read, <snip>..

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Hello Joe,

In any state of devices & inventions, a preminnat degree of uniqueness must be demonstrated in a specified language.

If you think your idea is unique (often time referred to as Intellectual Property of IP), it is most difficult to patent (take computer software for example). If on the other you have created a die which creates the wildcat and you couple your IP and you are able to clearly define its usefulness, uniqueness and benefits, then you are on track.

It would not hurt to the a preemptive search and see what's out there - especially since all patents have a life cycle and a previous version may have expired.

Best regards,
Alex

quote:

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Originally posted by zasgar:
Disney has the copyright -- they will sue. How does that work ??

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Zas, that works because they (Disney) can afford the lawyers. Joe Average has about the chance of a snow ball in Hell...

-- Mats

quote:

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Originally posted by David E:
Now, just copyrighting the NAME of a cartridge is a whole notehr story. And from what I understand, a whole lot easier to do.

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Gentleman,

Copyright denotes a specific work relating to art, engineering etc. Works may be copyrighted such as a white paper outlining the fundamental processes surrounding the building a XYZ Wildcat. It simply acknowledges unique works created by a specific author. One would simply fill out a TX-9 form and provide a few copies of the work to begin the lifecycle.

I think what you are referring to is a Registered Trademark. There are two types, unregistered & registered.

In the initial version, one would simply define and use the superscripted encircling the TM symbol anytime Brand X Wildcat Cartridges(tm) by Wild Man JoeM (just an example there Joe!) is referenced in sales or technical collateral. However, it is easy to use that same name & inevitably register it and use it.

Conversely, if it were registered with the PTO agency, then that same reference would change to a superscripted encircling the R symbol anytime Brand X Wildcat Cartridges(r) by Wild Man JoeM. It says, HEY! That name belongs to me, and you will have to pay ME if you want to use it in your line of trade. It is a unique identifier to my line of business and trade defining my uniqueness.

Hope that clarifies it. If not, please refer to the URL link I provided to Joe & cross reference copyright works.

Best regards,
Alex