Anyone know anything about patents?

[jeffrey]

I've got a really good concept/idea for a piece of drum equipment but I know nothing about patenting ideas or concepts.

I've spoken to a number of drummers and it's something just about every one of them has said they'd purchase if such a thing existed.

If anyone is a patent attorney maybe or has some experience with this (maybe I can bug Wonderdog!) I'd appreciate any help possible.

Maybe even BP can give me some advice if he's got a few minutes out of his busy day!

[phatduckk]

start researching for prior art or someone sitting on a patent

[GHWelles]

http://www.uspto.gov/main/patents.htm

[jeffrey]

File a Design Patent Application

Design patents may be granted to anyone who invents a new, original, and ornamental design for an article of manufacture.

I'm not sure what they mean by 'ornamental'?

I'd like to submit a design for a percussion device, would I have to provide scaled technical drawings, electronics info, etc?

I don't really have the resources for the electronics, but I suppose I could make technical drawings for the rest of it.

[jeffrey]

Oh nevermind. It would be a utility patent.

[Colin]

You want to become rich by designing something for..... drummers?

[jeffrey]

Hahahah.. well.. I dunno about rich.

It's a good idea though!

[heavymetaljames]

If it makes them play in time - I can find you a few customers!

[Kevan]

I know *a little* about the process.