shop4patents Blog

For those of you that maybe interested in finding a simple and free way to show your new invention or patent idea in 3D, you may want to try Google’s latest release, Google Sketchup 6. They’ve even set up video tutorials to learn how to use the program.

Google SketchUp 6 is a 3D modeling software tool that’s easy to learn, simple to use, and lets you place your models in Google Earth… From simple to complex, from conceptual to realistic, Google SketchUp helps you see your vision before you build it.

Google also offers a Pro version which allows you the ability to export your designs into AutoCad and other industry formats. The Basic program allows you the ability to save your model in various image file formats like .png, .jpg, .bmp and .tiff.

According Google’s blog, there is a big push to add user generated 3D models to its Google Earth program. T”hat’s right, Google is looking for the hottest models on the planet. They can come from any city in the world, and they can be any height, but they must be interesting to look at, well-made and lightweight.”

After trying Google Sketchup 6 myself, it is definitely easy yet powerful enough to use for any design concept you may have or for any building you many want to draw.

Q: Can ideas to improve services be patented? i.e. A new worker is now getting revenues from the idea that fast food can be ordered via text messaging system.

A: If the idea to improve services is novel and not obvious then it may be possible to obtain a patent on it. You should contact the Law Office of Steven B. Leavitt, L.L.P. at 941-331-4343 for a free 4-point patentability analysis to see if your idea is patentable.

Also, you have one year from when you first disclose your idea to the public or offer it for sale to file for patent protection. If you do not, you can potential lose the ability to obtain patent protection on
your idea.

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This was a comment from a previous post about the Patent and Trademark Institute that we thought was important to answer as its own post:

Q: “Patent and Trademark Institute is being investigated by the New York Attorney General’s Office …”
AFTER READING THESE COMPLAINTS, I AM SO GLAD THAT I DIDN’T
FOLLOW THROUGH WITH DAVISONS! DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF ANY LEGIT COMPANYS TO GO THROUGH? I HAVE A GREAT IDEA THAT I AM DYING TO PATENT. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

A: You should look at the web site inventored.org to see if an invention promotion company has any complaints against them. You should also do an Internet search on the company before sending them any money. Also, it is best to have a United States utility patent application on file before talking to anybody interested in either buying or licensing your idea. You should contact the Law Office of Steven B. Leavitt, L.L.P. at 941-331-4343 for a free 4-point patentability analysis to see if your idea is patentable.

This is just a general summary and it would be best if you discussed the issue with a registered patent attorney. Please be advised that I do not know the details of any particular situation you may have,and am just discussing the general state of the law.

Q: I have a patent idea, but not patented yet. What type of
security do I have if buyer contacts me for detail information…. Do I possibly forfeit my idea?

A: You will not forfeit your idea but it is best to have a United States utility patent application on file before talking to anybody interested in either buying or licensing your idea. You should contact the Law Office of Steven B. Leavitt, L.L.P. at 941-331-4343 for a free 4-point patentability analysis to see if your idea is
patentable.

Q: I have been working with Davison to develop my invention.
They did not create a product that solves the problem as I relayed it to them. I asked that they send me the product before they presented it to a manufacturer, but they did not and the manufacturer was not interested (understandably since the prototype they made was a something a first grader could have made. Now they want additional money to make the product that I invented. What should I do? If you think you can help, please call me on: (kept on file) or let me know either way please so I can seek other avenues if you can’t help. Thanks!

A: You should look at the web site inventored.org about Davison in addition to doing an Internet search on complaints against Davison.
Also, you should have had a United States utility patent application on file before you speak to any invention promotion company.

This is just a general summary and it would be best if you discussed the issue with a registered patent attorney. Please be advised that I do not know the details of any particular situation you may have, and am just discussing the general state of the law. Nothing in this response is meant as legal advice and should not be
taken as such and no legal opinions or advice have been expressed.

Unless otherwise noted, no attorney-client relationship exists between any attorney at the Law Office of Steven B. Leavitt and any reader of this information. If you have legal questions specific to your individual needs, then you should consult with an attorney or other qualified legal professional.

Q: If I create a new product by modifying a Post-It note for a new use, can I patent my creation?

A: If the new product is novel and not obvious then it may be possible to
obtain a patent on your idea. You should contact the Law Office of Steven B. Leavitt, L.L.P. at 941-331-4343 for a free 4-point patentability analysis to see if your idea is patentable.

This is just a general summary and it would be best if you discussed the issue with a registered patent attorney. Please be advised that I do not know the details of any particular situation you may have,and am just discussing the general state of the law.

Q: I’m looking for a antique washing machine with the patent no. 2264185. The year would be 1920. It is a montgomery wards 115 volts, stock no. 84-vp5baa 33″tall, 14″ across ringer type. If you have any information on this Iwould appreciate it. Thank you.

A: You can look up United States patent by going to the web site
www.uspto.gov. From there, you can do a search for patents based on
the patent number or use the new google patent search