Help needed from anybody that understands copyright stuff

[blackburn_stevie]

Hi Guys and Guyesses of the Round Table.

I have thought of a doofah, gizmo, thingy ... call it what you will, that will revolutionise the game of snooker. It will alter the game at all levels, from local clubs to The Crucible.

But what do I do with the info that currently only exists as a drawing inside my head?

How do I stop somebody else frrom putting the idea on papr and earnin the fortune that is rightfully mine. 10 bob anyway, lol

Cheers for any info.

Steve.

[lhasa.two]

You need to patent it...

http://www.ipo.gov.uk/

[blackburn_stevie]

Ta very much for the link. I'll go and try to get that done right now.
Once it's secure, I'll tell you what it's all about. At least then, you can all have a good laugh.

[suzieseaside]

I think it costs about £250 to apply for a patent (although I am not sure).  If it does I imagine that you will first need to do a search to make sure your idea/design is unique, practical, and that it fits within the guidelines for patents before you waste any money.

[electric*mayhem*band]

Don't forget to have this  stamped on your doofah/gizmo/thingy.

[5129frederick]

You don't actually have a working model, but you need ro register your gzmo or whatever. Your item will then be looked into to see whether it's practical - you'll just be shown the front door if you come in with an automatic hat riser as you pass a lady.  Once you've approached a patenting agent, you'll then be able to keep you patent foor six years before it has to be renewed.  Not all patented products see it to the production line.  A whole army of people read the list of unrenewed patents just waiting for the right onen to come along where all the hard work's already been done..  There is an interesting booklet that tells you all about it.

[bankhaunter]

you'll just be shown the front door if you come in with an automatic hat riser as you pass a lady.

http://www.google.com/patents/US556248

[lhasa.two]

It's always worth registering, just look at James Dyson who famously created 5,127 prototypes of his first machine in a workshop behind his house... and patented every one!  He has a T/O of over £1billion. 

In the early 70's when work opportunities were pretty dire in some sectors here in the UK, after Uni my cousin and her `oh went to Boston USA, he worked for an engineering company for a while, she taught maths. They quickly got their Green Cards. He was always inventing stuff, eventually left his company and set up on his own by inventing a type of medical container for blood and other things, which he sold to the Pharmaceutical industry. He patented the design, 30 years later his patent still stands and he has no competitors to match him so consequently with the size of the American market he's become very seriously rich. It can be done!