Jamie,

My idea that ended up in the Licensing Program only had a provisional patent app. I believe the only way to be entered in the licensing program is to have a patent pending or patented idea that has been entered first in to the Innovation Fund.

Jamie,
I think if you have a provisional you can state that your idea is patent pending.

James thanks. Yes, I was thinking about it for the EN licensing program. Can you submit to EN Licensing program with a provisional patent? Or does it have to be Patent or Patent Pending.

Greg, good thougths. I am considering just incase EN falls through, I feel I have a great product to pitch to a company that somewhat has the market cornered.

Hmm….

Option 1: $20 —> submit to EN —> G8 = Patent pending + License deal
Option 2: $20 —> submit to EN —> +$10,000 patent —> G8 = Patent pending + License deal
Option 3: $20 —> submit to EN —> +$10,000 paent —> Rx = Patent pending
Option 4: $20 —> submit to EN —> +$125 provisional patent app —> G8 = Patent pending + License deal
etc. etc.

I’d only consider applying for a patent in those scenarios if my realistic expectation of an alternative is to bring the product to market myself. The other factor is a successful submission will have layers of engineering and design that may lead to EN identifying additional claims and possibilities for the item that would be better in a new patent application. The patents around the Emery Cat product illustrates the idea pretty well.

Hi Jamie,

I can’t say whether you should or should not apply for a patent. That is a personal choice for you that you will have to discuss with an IP attorney. My personal opinion however is that the idea is yours until G7 and even thereafter but not until G7 will EN have a optioned interest in your product. You can do whatever you want with your idea. Even get it produced, licensed and distributed before it gets to G7. If you do get a patent on your product, you can put it in EN’s licensing program. That is another insider benefit.

Best of success to you, I see you have submitted your first idea. Exciting, eh?

Stay Thirsty, Stay Green

Chappy!