July 2, 2010, Newsletter Issue #225: Using an Inventor's Journal to Establish Intellectual Property Rights

Tip of the Week

In the United States, intellectual property rights go to the first to invent, not the first to file. So, in order to protect your invention for potential challenges, put your idea down in writing.

The best way to do this is to begin an inventor's journal. In your journal, describe your invention in words and pictures. Date all entries, and include calculations, observations, formulas, paid receipts and conversations. In addition to acting as a credible defense, your inventor's journal will be an asset to making progress on your invention as well. If two people have the same idea and both have journals, the one with the earliest beginning date will be considered the inventor.

Many people will tell you to mail yourself a registered letter in order establish legal proof of invention, but this will not hold any legal weight in court.

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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.