For those thinking of inventing a new product or improving on an old one, I'm giving you a heads up notice! The patent laws just changed Sat. March 16! I like to call it the "Snooze you loose" law!
In keeping up with the majority of nations, the US has adopted (yet another) global way of doing things. Previously, in the US, if you have an idea, and can prove that it was your idea, regardless of who files a patent, you have the right to sue the person who filed the patent and get an injuction against them from producing it. Also, if they are (or were) producing "your idea" you have a right to share in the profits! NO MORE!
Now, in the US it is First Filed, First Served. In other words, George O Maker decides he wants to design a thingamajig doe prospecting (or any other reason), and tells people "I'm going to make a thingamajig" Well good old George O Maker takes his sweet old time about it, trying to figure if he needs an attorney or not, and spends months and months "thinking" about it (Probably an excess of sugar), In the meantime, Bob I Takeit from Georges work builds ore (or at least makes the drawings up), and submits them. George gets the shaft and Bob gets the gold mine! And, UNLESS there is previous drawings to the invention George was going to make, well Tough beans for George!
The moral of the story, if you have an idea do NOT share the details with anyone! Period.
http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2013/03/the-new-law-effective-today-35-usc-102.html
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