hi, I am working with a client who patented an insect trap in his home country. I work with him on electronics, mechanical design, tooling and component sourcing. My question is, does he need to file for any protection if he wishes to attend trade shows in the US? If so, when is the best time to do so? Thank you very much.

Fenoble,
So if I understand your question, you're wondering if your client should file an international patent before presenting it at the trade show?

I don't know the answer to your question, but I have heard that since international patents aren't always worth it because:
1. They can be expensive
2. You have to get one for each country
3. The US market is usually plenty enough for an individual inventor to handle

I emailed a patent attorney your question, so hopefully he'll respond and answer your question.

Hi Fenoble,

35 USC 102 could pose a problem for receiving a U.S. Patent. If your client publicly disclosed (e.g. website, trade show), sold, used or patented their invention more than one year before they file in the United States, then they will most likely not be able to receive a patent on their product.

I hope this helps!

Michael S. Neustel
U.S. Patent Attorney
www.neustel.com

Happy Inventing!

It is not a requirement to have a patent to show your invention to anyone ever in the US. However, it is a good business practice to have a US patent, assuming it is patentable as Mr. Neustel mentions in his post, if you are selling into the US. It could help prevent competitors from knocking it off.

If you can not get a US patent, you can still show it and say it has patent protection without telling anyone where

You could also have a closed booth and only invite buyers in to see it. This is common practice with the large distributors. It is just more difficult to get the buyers in when they don't already know who you are. Try setting appointments with them before the show. Do good marketing and that could be just the ticket!

Hope that helps.

Lisa

hi Michael & David,

The patent is issued less than a year ago, and the product is not launched yet. Guess it's still time to decide.

Anyway, if he wishes to apply US patent, where should we start?

Thanks for your help.

Allen Cheah
www.databitz.com

Thks for an excellent piece of advice, I won't tell no one where is the patent issued