Authors: Ed Grauel
Date Submitted: August 31, 2002
Article Type: Journal

If you want to protect your new idea for a kite or a kite accessory, should you apply for a patent, trademark, copyright, none of these, or all of them?

A patent protects the basic idea embodied in the new creation, a trademark protects the name of the product, and a copyright protects the words and style used in presenting the idea.

A patent is issued when a proposed idea is new, novel, and not obvious to someone familiar with kiting. It is good for 20 years and is not renewable. About 65 per cent of patent applications are approved and the inventor may assign the patent, sell it, or grant rights on a royalty basis. Cost to obtain a patent is $3,000 to $5,000, including searching and filing fees. After the issuance of a patent, a yearly maintenance fee is charged to keep the patent current. The fee varies with the subject and use of the patent, but for most kite patents would total $2,875 for the life of the patent. Just another way to increase revenue for the Patent Office.

PDF Link: Journal Issue