FROM OUR BOOKSHELF

A look at what we're reading and recommending.

PATENT IT YOURSELF, 10th Edition
By Patent Attorney David Pressman
(NOLO Press, $49.99)

Patent attorney and former patent examiner David Pressman takes you on the journey of the entire patent process and does it in an easy to follow step-by-step format. The book also includes all of the necessary forms and instructions you need to patent your invention. The book contains success stories including the Measuring Stick-a product sold at Wal-Mart

David Pressman has more than 40 years of experience as a patent attorney and a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent Office. He has written extensively on patent issues and this is the bible of them all. This is the 20th anniversary edition.

You’ll learn everything from the three types of patents and how long they last to a breakdown of fees and filing deadlines you’ll have to meet for each step of the process. The book is also of value to inventors, as it will help you get your idea to the next level. There are terrific examples in the book of how to present your ideas and how to make changes. Learn what’s legal and what’s not and check the marketability factor of your invention. You’ll become familiar with terms like “patent pending” and find out what a “trade secret” really is and how it relates to your situation.

The book contains great resources for the Patent and Trademark Office including all addresses and contacts, telephone and faxes and websites. This is the most complete and current book on the topic available. If you’re serious, pick up a copy and follow it like a manual to get your patent or invention rolling.

LICENSE YOUR
INVENTION
By Attorney Richard Stim
(NOLO Press, $39.99)

Now that you’ve completed your invention and have obtained a patent, you might be ready to license it. Licensing is authorizing a company to develop, manufacture, market and sell a finished product from your invention. You’ll need a rock solid contract or you could wind up in a heap of trouble. Don’t let yourself get scammed from receiving those royalties. Without protection you could end up in costly disputes or even lose the ownership rights to your invention.

This book will help you negotiate a fair and comprehensive licensing agreement. You’ll learn how to:

• determine your ownership rights and protect your intellectual property
  
• work effectively with a licensing agent, if you need one
  
• find and solicit potential licensees
  
• use nondisclosure agreements as you show your invention
  
• negotiate a fair licensing deal with a royalty system that works for you
  
• draft your own agreement and make modifications if necessary
  
• protect your interests in the event of lawsuits, infringements, or product injuries, or termination of the license
  

Written in an accessible style, Richard Stim has helped hundreds of successful inventors-including David Silva, inventor of the Vidal Sassoon Twist ‘n’ Clip headband-license their products to major manufacturers and distributors.

This updated 4th edition includes a new section on international licensing, and expanded information on the invention ownership rights of employees-including special rules for government employees and contractors, as well as university employees. The author has written several do-it-yourself law books and is also a legal editor at Nolo.