Cost of patents is greater than the revenue they generate. “About 97 percent of patents generate less revenue than the patent costs.”  (Andy Gibbs, CEO of PatentCafe.com Inc., quoted in Celia Lamb, “New program at Sierra College aims to help would-be Pre Plastics,” Sacramento Business Journal, February 7, 2003)  How much do patents cost? You can find patent cost information at Patent-Cost-Information.com.

The patent process is expensive and confusing.  “The patent process especially, which can protect an invention, is expensive and confusing. A patent does not give you the right to do anything, it gives you the right to stop someone else from doing something. You are free to market any of your inventions as long as someone else with a patent doesn’t stop you.”  (Michael Dunn, Cambria patent attorney quoted in Michele Deluca, “Bright Ideas: Local inventors explore ways to market their ideas,” Niagara Gazette, November 1, 2007)

Because patenting is expensive inventors should do as much as they can themselves.  "Patenting is invariably an expensive exercise.  The more the inventor educates himself about it, and the more they can do themselves, the better it's going to be." How much does it cost to get inventions patented?  How long do patents last?  (Cyndia Zwahlen, “Long Road to a Patent Can Pay Off in Profits,” Los Angeles Times, April 19, 2006) Find the best books, CDs and DVDs about patents that you can to help educate yourself about the patent process.

Get professional patent help.  “Get a professional to help with the patent application. One word can make a difference.”  (Thuy-Doan Le, “Entrepreneurial spirit starts to pay off for Sacramento, Calif.-area inventor,” The Sacramento Bee, December 12, 2004)

Do you have questions about patenting an invention?  Are you looking for professional help to assist you in the patent process?  Contact the nonprofit orgranization Inventors Workshop with your questions.

Meet with the patent officer handling your patent application.  “Visit the patent officer in charge of your case. Patents take up to 18 months to be issued, and the U.S. Patent Office rejects about 90% of applications.  ‘If you visit in person, you can help the patent office understand your application. That can give you an edge and can speed things up.’” (Tomima Edmark, Dallas inventor of the "The TopsyTail, Patent No. 5,036,870.” quoted in Rusty Cawley, “Patent Protection,” Dallas Business Journal, June 12, 1998)

How long does it take to get a patent approved?  Where can you find out how to license your invention?  Where can you find an invention licensing company? Where can you find information about invention licensing royalty rates?  What factors should I consider when selecting a trademark patent attorney?  How much are patent attorney fees?  How do your patent lawyers fees compare to prices for patent lawyers charged by other intellectual property law firms?