Should You File a PPA On Every Idea You Have?

Everyone want to know: What do I have to do to protect my invention idea? Stephen Key, licensing expert, is a major proponents of filing provisional patent applications with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Why? Because they're inexpensive tools that allow you to test the marketability of your product idea. Should you file a PPA on every one of your ideas, then?
inventRight is a one-on-one coaching program that has helped people from more than 40 countries license their ideas for new products. It was founded by Andrew Krauss and Stephen Key in 2001. Visit www.inventright... for more information and to become their student.
Call #1-800-701-7993 to set up an appointment with Andrew or another member of the inventRight team to discuss how we can help you license your ideas.
New to licensing? Read inventRight cofounder Stephen Key’s bestselling book “One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams Into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work.” Find it here: amzn.to/1LGotjB.
Want to learn how to license your product ideas without a patent? Stephen's book “Sell Your Ideas With or Without a Patent” explains exactly how. Find it here: amzn.to/1T1dOU2.
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[@inventRight]

Read licensing expert Stephen Key's latest article about intellectual property strategy for Forbes: "Don't File That Patent Yet. File A Provisional Patent Application First." www.forbes.com/sites/stephenkey/2018/01/08/dont-file-that-patent-yet-file-a-provisional-patent-application-first/#78243c6857fe

[@inventRight]

How to write a provisional patent application that has value in the marketplace: www.forbes.com/sites/stephenkey/2018/03/31/how-to-write-a-provisional-patent-application-that-has-value/#918211552700

[@Dapper_Dean]

Is it safe to say, apply only for a PPA ASAP, if you believe you've invented something original, and that many people would want? But if it's just an improvement to an existing product. Then you have some time to file it?

[@inventRight]

It's always a good idea to file a PPA when you are licensing. Gives you time to shop it around. - Andrew Krauss, inventRight Co-Founder

[@jessemgodinesjr]

I know the feeling about having a lot of Idea's Stephen, I'm starting with a simple Idea first to get my feet wet, instead of jumping into the deep water, The sink or swim concept can get VERY EXPENSE. Been their, tried That and Yes I survived, but left Me Gun Shy! Yes I've got All 3 of Your Books, Great Info...

[@TimBrennan]

This is an awesome question and a fascinating answer. One of the best episodes! Thanks for sharing, Stephen!

[@inventRight]

Thank you for watching Tim! We are glad you find our videos useful. All the best!

[@jeremy6384]

you're Awesome Stephen!

[@ImbentongBentongTrimond]

I`ve Been stumped about it as a Toy inventor and been going thru your linkedin lives to get a gasp of it when here it is six years ago, already answered. glad I revisited your older videos!

[@inventRight]

I’m glad they have been helpful. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe if you have an already. See you this week on Q&A on LinkedIn.

[@coxdesigns2509]

I have a partner through upworks for my drawings!

[@inventRight]

Awesome.

[@vgcc9723]

Hello to all. I'm really interested in reaching companies without a PPA, but what does it mean that we have a year to file a PPA? A year after we share the idea with someone, like a licensing company? And what does it mean that if they file a PPA first, we have to prove that we came up with the idea first? If it's "First to File," wouldn't that be impossible?

[@rogergalingganajr4384]

Hi Stephen, How long would it take for the filed PPA to be approved? Does filing PPA via on-line secured for being copied or being lost along the process?

[@sashayakubov6924]

Hm.. Ok, what if I filed PPA 2 years ago and it is expired now - it still proves that I was the first, doesn't it?..

[@inventRight]

Hello Shal! You can read about what to do when your PPA expires: www.inc.com/stephen-key/what-to-do-when-your-provisional-patent-application-is-about-to-expire.html Or you can also hear it straight from Stephen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKiqeXl9bseYjqs Thank you for watching!

[@inventRight]

If you are looking for help filing a new PPA, please consider checking out the easy-to-use software we asked IPWatchDog.com founder Gene Quinn to create for us! www.inventright.com/smartip

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

Due Diligence...

[@pdub2762]

Ty sir

[@1stPrinciples455]

If inventors are not going to proceed further with the PPA is it a better idea that they withdraw the application or let it become public info? I feel that it's win win if the they withdraw

[@inventRight]

Provisional patent applications are never published.

[@1stPrinciples455]

@@inventRight In my country, I am told after one year it becomes public unless I withdraw

[@focalratio456]

Can all ideas be filed for PPA?

[@inventRight]

No. There are different forms of intellectual property for different kids of ideas. Learn more about intellectual property (including PPAs, utility patents, design patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets) on the USPTO's website: www.uspto.gov/

[@wojsam9890]

hello, I currently live in canada and would like to know if there is any equivalent to ppa in canada? If not, is there a possibility to file for the ppa from outside of the us? Thank you in advance!

[@inventRight]

You can file a PPA in the United States from anywhere in the world! And then transform it into an international filing going forward, if you wanted. We recommend filing a PPA in the U.S. to all of our students, many of whom are international. Thanks for watching!

[@wojsam9890]

Thank you so much for the info, It helps me tremendously! Great content, love your videos!

[@JBulsa]

paper protos look like cups?

[@JBulsa]

dopsychology.blogspot.com/2013/11/elon-musk-worlds-greatest-living.html inventor's secrets.

[@jonathantoro4318]

I have design a novelty item I wood like to show you.

[@emogilner9]

excellent video!

[@inventRight]

Thank you Eylon!

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

Thanks Stephen!

[@StephenMattison66]

Great info,video, TY!

[@GrowMesh]

Thanks for all the great information! I have read your books and watched many of your videos, they have guided me through the PPA process. I currently have a rough draft PPA written; however, I am stuck when it comes to writing the claim to make the PPA compatible for International filing. Could you expand on writing a claim and why it is necessary for international filing?

[@inventRight]

Interesting question. We will ask patent attorney Damon Kali to comment.

[@hatemdeif8121]

I filed a PPA for my software invention, then I came up with enhancements and other uses for it. If I file another PPA, shall it carry the same name as the first PPA? and should it have all the content of the original PPA plus the enhancements and additions, or shall I only include the additions and enhancements in the new PPA? Last question: Shall I refer to the original PPA from within the new PPA or not? Thanks a lot

[@inventRight]

Hi Hatem. We'd be happy to help you with your provisional patent application. Reach us here: www.inventright.com/contact

[@kinistonjames91]

Can you point me in the right direction? I understand that most ideas aren't successful but I'd rather let it get denied by a company and laughed in my face rather than my idea being taken from me.

[@inventRight]

If you're too fearful about your ideas getting stolen... it's difficult to move forward.

[@jonathantoro4318]

I made a prototype out of paper also and now I think my idea stupid, and did a 360 . A better use contact me!

[@inventRight]

Hey Jonathan! Don't be so hard on yourself . Maybe there is value in your idea! Here is some advice you might find useful: www.inc.com/stephen-key/how-to-come-up-with-new-product-ideas-whenever-you-want.html All the best!

[@kinistonjames91]

I live here in CA, here it cost around 1800 to file a ppa. I believe I have a creative Idea with a semi working prototype with excellent sketches and blueprints all done by myself. I don't have that kind of money laying around, what do you suggest I do?

[@stephenkey3137]

You must be working with an patent attorney. You can learn to file it yourself.

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

PPA is Federal....65 every state...Maybe California because it is the most fucked stated in the world and if you have one ball then they charge you twice for the other one!

[@Anonymous-ip8td]

Hi Steve is following up every week with a company by email is being a pest.They haven't told me they're interested but if they weren't they would of told me the next week as they said.So I'm worried that every week is going to annoy them.

[@stephenkey3137]

Please be patient. Follow up after two weeks.

[@inventRight]

Hi Anonymous. David just tackled this question in a new video for Ask David Fedewa: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIuWl3VvmLeHnpI.

[@youraveragedoughnut8584]

I have an idea to pitch! But I'm scared companies might steal my idea and use it as their own and gain money, what to do?

[@stephenkey3137]

Companies don't steal ideas.

[@youraveragedoughnut8584]

Stephen Key now I feel stupid 😂 but thanks for replying and letting me know.

[@joeb2860]

Why wouldnt they?

[@mmroofs]

Modesto ...I think remember you. lol

[@stephenkey3137]

I lived in Modesto for 25 years!

[@mmroofs]

Stephen Key iid like to talk...any number to call?

[@mmroofs]

I'l call your shop, Thank you!

[@mmroofs]

Called your shop and talked with John to set appointment, Great Guy! Looking forward to speaking with Sylvia next.

[@stephenkey3137]

Very good. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@williambissell5943]

I protect every way I know how, write it all out, send it to myself thru the mail. sent in a Patent App like you said. Got an NDA from the Co. G.I.Sports who said they have NEVER ripped off an idea from an inventor. YET had my idea stolen from me after they were so Shocked they Didn't think of it 1st? I don't have $$$ to hire a Patent Lawyer to stop them, Now what??

[@inventRight]

Hi William. Maybe we can help. Get in touch: www.inventright.com/contact

[@coxdesigns2509]

As always great information! Thank you and I love the games you wrote about in one simple idea I use them all the time daily it's fun.

[@stephenkey3137]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@coxdesigns2509]

Stephen Key could you do a video on how to get into contact with companies. I get lots of voice mail or told to email customer service. I haven't actually talked directly to a person who says yes here my email send me your sell sheet. Thanks

[@inventRight]

Have you tried LinkedIn? www.entrepreneur.com/article/283810 Consider signing up for our newsletter so you don't miss any new articles.