US Patent Attorney or Just send it....

[I♥️LCY]

US patent attorney, or just send it? You’ll get knocked off regardless.

Debating whether it’s worth it. Any patent attorneys on here?

After creating something in the past without a patent and watching it go viral, I regret a few things. While I did it for the love of the sport, I was shortsighted, and others got rich. I guess I’m a tad salty, but not really. I’m still blessed. I’m not trying to get rich. I just like to protect what’s mine. I’m from an era where originality meant everything.

Recently, I’ve been working on an armrest console exclusively for the FL5/DE5, and I feel it’s ready. I’ve considered selling not only the printed piece but also the file for the DIY guys.

Given my past experience, I’m really apprehensive about releasing my armrest console without a safeguard.

Is a design patent worth the cost for a small run of 3D-printed parts with unlimited potential?

Sponsored

 

[J_D]

There aren't enough FL5/DE5 owners for a profit unless its ultra high margin

 

[I♥️LCY]

This is just an example, not a factual profit margin. With a $10 profit per unit, 300-700 units alone could cover the low to high patent costs. That’s not really a feat, but I understand.

 

[chopsuey34]

If you need a lawyer, talk to a lawyer.

 

[kuz]

See if the lawyer will take a percentage deal, it worked for us.

 

[I♥️LCY]

If you need a lawyer, talk to a lawyer.

Any patent attorneys on here?

See if the lawyer will take a percentage deal, it worked for us.

That didn't even cross my mind, Thanks.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

I have well over a dozen patents in my name, owned by my employer. The corporation paid north of $20k per patent application (lawyer, application, prior art search, etc.). Remember China doesn't respect USA patents, so anything published might wind up for sale on Temu.

We purposely kept some details vague. This made it harder to copy from the patent description. If they have your product in hand, specific claims are made to protect your work. The patent lawyers I worked with were good at their job and I learned the ropes after a couple submittals.

Patents take about 3 years to formalize and are good for 20 years after the submittal date. Good luck which ever route you go.

 

[360glitch]

This is just an example, not a factual profit margin. With a $10 profit per unit, 300-700 units alone could cover the low to high patent costs. That’s not really a feat, but I understand.

If you want to make something for the FL5/DE5 community and you have to sell ~500 units to covers your initial costs and will only profits $10 per unit afterwards... I'd say it is probably not worth the trouble.

 

[I♥️LCY]

I have well over a dozen patents in my name, owned by my employer. The corporation paid north of $20k per patent application (lawyer, application, prior art search, etc.). Remember China doesn't respect USA patents, so anything published might wind up for sale on Temu.

We purposely kept some details vague. This made it harder to copy from the patent description. If they have your product in hand, specific claims are made to protect your work. The patent lawyers I worked with were good at their job and I learned the ropes after a couple submittals.

Patents take about 3 years to formalize and are good for 20 years after the submittal date. Good luck which ever route you go.

That's awesome! Apparently it was worth it and they believe in your skill and creativity.

If you want to make something for the FL5/DE5 community and you have to sell ~500 units to covers your initial costs and will only profits $10 per unit afterwards... I'd say it is probably not worth the trouble.

As the algorithms would have it, I got to witness first hand an owner compare and contrast his products knockoff.

It reminded me that not once but twice, I've had intellectual property and designs stolen. I "create" from passion. To be ripped off sucks, even if profit margins are nil.

 

[ModJPB]

I agree, the number of potential customers and the profit is so little per customer, it won't be lucrative.

Can you make your idea apply to all civics and integras that are manual trans because they share the same armrest console (ex. civic Si and optional manual sports and tourings)? Can you design an automatic version to so you can file it in the same patent for two pieces, with a note transmission dependant. That'll open your market up to all 11th gen civics. If this this design includes something that has never been used by any other armrests for any other car, then patent the specific "uniquesness" with a note for vehicle specific fitment adapter required, so it's now a universal part.

 

[I♥️LCY]

I mean, I could. I just don't have a desire to do so at this time. If I could easily make it an expansion pack, in the future, I'd look into. I'm currently working on three other designs that I'd prefer to do before an "expansion pack."

Hanging with the wife today and totally forgot to look into some attorneys today. I'll most likely be able to call/email some on Thursday. I appreciate everyone's insight. I'll update this when I get some responses.

 

[TypeRD]

Design patents are hard to protect as there’s some level of subjectivity. Someone could basically take your design, make a slight change to it, and potentially (arguably) not infringe on your patent. If you’re talking about a utility patent, where your method of making something or your product is doing something unique, that’s MUCH more difficult for a copy cat to steal.

 

[NoelPR]

Why limit it to the top trims?


Pretty sure you can make it work in all the other models.

 

[I♥️LCY]

Design patents are hard to protect as there’s some level of subjectivity. Someone could basically take your design, make a slight change to it, and potentially (arguably) not infringe on your patent. If you’re talking about a utility patent, where your method of making something or your product is doing something unique, that’s MUCH more difficult for a copy cat to steal.

I'm aware of the 20 or 30% change or something like that.... Pretty ridiculous. I've been on that side of the fence before. One thing I have learned that it may no longer be safe from china. I might be safe, because I've never shared the full design. Once shared, before filing for an international patent, it cannot be protected.

I have compared it to what's currently available, I believe my idea definitely does something minutely but fundamentally unique.

Why limit it to the top trims?


Pretty sure you can make it work in all the other models.

I, a COG first, a Husband and a Father second, have a boss to answer to, from 9 to 5. This project is something I'm doing for fun. Just like my previous releases, but those were pillaged and used for profit. lol ....I want to safeguard that, whether I make a profit or not.

Sponsored