Product patents
Discussion
Mulling over an idea for a product which I could see someone like Apple/Samsung wanting to produce one day once the tech evolves - is there a way or even any point in thinking about somehow protecting this as ‘mine’ for future use?
I realise everyone thinks their ideas are golden and the best thing ever, but just bear with me! It’s more about the end product that’s achieved by using current (nascent) tech which will soon be more than viable.
Does anyone do this/know more than I (obviously that’s not difficult)? Or how I find out if they’ve already got a patent in place? I can’t imagine going to Apple with an NDA would do it?
I realise everyone thinks their ideas are golden and the best thing ever, but just bear with me! It’s more about the end product that’s achieved by using current (nascent) tech which will soon be more than viable.
Does anyone do this/know more than I (obviously that’s not difficult)? Or how I find out if they’ve already got a patent in place? I can’t imagine going to Apple with an NDA would do it?
I don’t think it’s as easy as patenting the idea. You have to show how you are going to do it and prove why it’s not just an obvious step forward that anybody with knowledge of the “area” could simply come up with. It’s also expensive, and you have to pay annually to keep it going and in every country you want it patent protecting. But if you’ve got all of that, go for your life and claw some back from the big boys 
It can be and regularly is done!
For example I got my first Patent Granted last week, however it was for a very simple and physical product and was a process that took about 2 years.
First step I would say is to check for yourself that your idea doesn't exist by doing more than just a patent search.
Then if you don't find it I'd recommend approaching the IPO and applying for an IP Audit. This will cost you £500 but you will receive £2k as a grant paid directly to the patent firm you nominate to undertake the Audit. The Audit will include a comprehensive Patent Search and will advise you on how best to continue your IP journey if you can at all.
Things that jump out from what you have already posted, it's tech based so could either be a physical piece of equipment or it could be software based.
In either case it is likely to be complex and this will increase the cost of your application due to the time taken to draft the application and dealing with objections. So go in with your eyes open on this.
Then there is the issue of if you get your patent granted and a big boy with deep pockets infringes, what are you going to do about it? IP insurance isn't cheap!
2 final thoughts, how sure are you that your idea will become a reality and how do you know that one of the big boys isn't currently developing something the same as your idea and already has priority as this wouldn't show during the Patent search unless the application has already been published.
OP - please don't think this post is to deter you, it's not and I'd be more than happy to help you on your journey but do go in with your eyes open.
For example I got my first Patent Granted last week, however it was for a very simple and physical product and was a process that took about 2 years.
First step I would say is to check for yourself that your idea doesn't exist by doing more than just a patent search.
Then if you don't find it I'd recommend approaching the IPO and applying for an IP Audit. This will cost you £500 but you will receive £2k as a grant paid directly to the patent firm you nominate to undertake the Audit. The Audit will include a comprehensive Patent Search and will advise you on how best to continue your IP journey if you can at all.
Things that jump out from what you have already posted, it's tech based so could either be a physical piece of equipment or it could be software based.
In either case it is likely to be complex and this will increase the cost of your application due to the time taken to draft the application and dealing with objections. So go in with your eyes open on this.
Then there is the issue of if you get your patent granted and a big boy with deep pockets infringes, what are you going to do about it? IP insurance isn't cheap!
2 final thoughts, how sure are you that your idea will become a reality and how do you know that one of the big boys isn't currently developing something the same as your idea and already has priority as this wouldn't show during the Patent search unless the application has already been published.
OP - please don't think this post is to deter you, it's not and I'd be more than happy to help you on your journey but do go in with your eyes open.
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