Patents and How to Get One: A Practical Handbook (Paperback)

by U.S. Department of Commerce (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Handy official guide explains functions of the Patent and Trademark Office, describes a patent, defines such terms as "patent pending" and "patent applied for," discusses patent law, explains what can be patented and the process of registering patents, describes filing fees, and much else—all in simple, easy-to-understanding language. Designed specifically for non-attorneys, this indispensable handbook will be of value to inventors, patent applicants, students, and other interested parties.


From the Publisher
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 87 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (April 11, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486411443
• ISBN-13: 978-0486411446
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #159,027 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just The Facts, M'am, May 21, 2002

By	Bruce Boatner (Eagle, Idaho USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This little book is an invaluable reference to patent facts and law. Although published by a third party, it was originally a government issued publication and is one of those crystal-clear presentations that has obviously been crutinized and clarified to the max. Most of the books on getting a patent and cashing in on your invention are so packed with ancillary information that the really basic (and important) information is buried.

This book is very easy to read and addresses all frequently asked questions, as well as anything that would be important to your quest for a patent. I like the bit about how to get a patent if the inventor is insane. Aren't all inventors a bit "like that"?

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Reference, July 15, 2002

By	Alex Valentine (Malvern, PA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is nice reference for people who want to learn more about the patent process. For prospective inventors, this book details the steps one needs to take in order to apply for a patent. If you are serious about applying for a patent, I would not recommend using this book as a sole reference, but as a starting point.

48 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Obsolete book, March 12, 2003

By	Bruce E Burdick (Alton, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This book gives a decent description of patents, but it's out of date. For example, it says the head of the patent office is called "Commissioner" when that was changed and the head is called "Director" and the "Commissioner" is actually the third in rank (second is "Deputy Director"). The book says the USPatent Office handles 200,000 patent applications, but the number is actually closer to 300,000. There have been significant changes in the patent laws such as publication of applications, 20 year terms, WTO related provisions, NAFTA related provisions, WIPO and PCT related provisions, etc. that do not appear. So, take this book as background information only and know that in many instances it is obsolete. Recognize that patents are not a "do-it-yourself" activity if you want decent protection. See a patent attorney if you want accurate, up to date advice and worthwhile coverage. Stay away from the invention submission/promotion companies.

Bruce Burdick, Registered Patent Attorney No. 27,422