Whether skimming through the pages of magazines or searching online for invention services, you'll find lots of companies ready to promise inventors success in obtaining a patent or licensing their ideas.

Proceed with caution. While there are many excellent legitimate companies out there, there are also a growing number of companies and consultants whose main interest is in emptying your wallet. Taking advantage of the fact that many inventors are insecure about the legal ins and outs of obtaining a patent, they charge high fees for less than ethical practices. Here are some rules to follow:
- Check with the USPTO Web site for published complaints
- Don't pay large up front fees. Legitimate companies earn their money as commissions on successful sales.
- Check references carefully.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Exclusive Sponsor

This weekly Invention Tips newsletter is brought to you by InventHelp, "The Invent Help People," America's leading inventor service firm. InventHelp can assist you in trying to submit your invention or new product idea to companies, as well as help you obtain affordable patent services. To request more information, visit www.inventhelp.com or call toll-free 1-800-INVENTION.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Invention Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

George Sayour

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!