U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20231
703/557-INFO (automated information line)
703-308-HELP
TTD: 703/305-7785
As expected, the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (PTO)
offers a plethora of resources to the inventing community.
In addition to its automated information phone lines, the
USPTO a number of good written resources (many of
which are also available on-line). Just a few of these
publications are:
An 11-page pamphlet, "Basic Facts About Patents"
is available free by calling or writing the PTO. In
addition to providing a broad overview of the process
of obtaining a United States patent, it includes a full
list of documents available from the PTO, as well
as a list of Patent & Trademark Depository
Libraries.
The more detailed booklet "General Information
about Patents" is available for $4.75 from the
Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing
Office, Washington D.C. 20402, or by calling
202-512-1800.
A list of qualified patent attorneys, "Patent
Attorneys and Agents Registered to Practice
Before the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office," is
available at many libraries or by writing or the
Superintendent of Documents (price is $50.00; see
above address).
Federal Trade Commission
6th & Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20580
202-326-2222
TDD: 202/326-2502
The FTC publishes a useful brochure that can help
inventors protect themselves when working with invention
promotion firms. While many firms are legitimate, others
fraudulently take thousands of dollars from inventors and
offer nothing in return. This brochure helps inventors
identify the legitimate firms and offers advice to victims of
promotional schemes.
Office of Industrial Technologies Inventions & Innovations
Program
Room 6B-052, EE-20
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20585
202-586-4844
The Inventions and Innovation Program provides funding
and commercialization training for the development of
energy-savings inventions. The program generates
credibility and pre-venture capital for independent and
small business inventors in need of assistance. Its web
site includes links to the Energy-Related Inventions
Program, the Innovative Concepts Program, and more.
Better Business Bureau
Call local directory assistance for number, or visit the
BBB's home pageto link to the home page of regional
offices.
Before working with an invention promotion firm, inventors
should check with both their local Better Business Bureau
and one located in the firm's state to find out if any
unresolved complaints about the firm exist. Other sources
for this type of information are the state Attorney General's
office and local consumer protection agency.
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230
703-292-5111
The National Science Foundation is a governmental
agency responsible for promoting science and engineering
through various programs. Its web site offers a plethora of
information on grants and awards of interest to inventors,
as well as news on the latest breakthroughs in the field of
science and research.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
1-800-8-ASK-SBA
TDD: 202-205-7333
(For local offices, look under government listing
in phone book or call the toll-free number above)
The SBA helps entrepreneurs launch their own
businesses. With offices in each state, the SBA offers
special programs publications covering every aspect of
launching and running and small business. In addition,
one-on-one counseling is available through SCORE
(Service Corps of Retired Executives), a volunteer program
than matches small businesses with expert advice.
Other SBA offerings include the Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) Program, which links small businesses
with available federal and state R&D funds. Another
program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Program, which funds projects conducted jointly by a
business and a non-profit research institution.
The SBA also administers the Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) Program. A cooperative effort
by the private sector, the academic community and
government, SBDC branch offices provide management
assistance to small business owners. Services include
assistance with financial, marketing, production,
organization, engineering and technical problems and
feasibility studies.
Other Sources
Different government organizations offer assistance to
inventors focusing a particular topic. For instance, the
U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of
Standards & Technology jointly sponsor the
Energy-Related Inventions Program, which helps inventors
develop innovations that may help conserve energy. In
addition to a free technical evaluation, the ERIP offers
market assessments, workshops and grant funding
support. For more information, write to the U.S.
Department of Energy, Office of Technical and Financial
Assistance, Forrestal Building, EE-50-, 1000
Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20585.
ЭТИ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ ОКАЖУТ ПОМОЩЬ ПРИ ПАТЕНТОВАНИИ В США, ПРОДАЖЕ ЛИЦЕНЗИЙ
,Below is a list of reputable invention marketing companies that can potentially assist you with your invention.
· Anjar Co. - This company is looking strictly for toys and games to market.
· AZtech, Inc. - Specializing in the aging and assistive technology markets. They will charge a $175 evaluation fee and if they like your invention they will market it based solely upon a percentage.