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Do I need a patent if my invention is for my own use?

stevesteve subscriber Posts: 14
edited December 2006 in Protecting Your Ideas
I have a question for the patent attorneys. (I hope you guys have
gotten some business from all the free advice you give here. One of
these days I`ll hire one of you, I promise =)

Do I need to be concerned about existing patents if I use something I develop only for my own business?
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Comments

  • Innovator7Innovator7 subscriber Posts: 9
    You need to be concern about infringing existing patents.  If the owners discovered you`re applying their patents, they can go after you for royalty.If you develop a process that is patentable, you can do nothing and risk losing some potential royalty, or can apply for a patent to collect potential royalty, that is, if someone is willing to pay for it to use your invention.
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  • patentandtrademarkpatentandtrademark subscriber Posts: 103
    Yes, patent infringement is expensive and complicated.  It is an act of patent infringement to make or use or sell or import.  A patent attorney can give you an opinion regarding patent infringement  - usually on their standard hourly rate [which means you pay for the amount of time it takes].   Cost?  You pay for the amount of time it takes.  Approximate Cost?  You pay for the amount of time it takes.
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