| Does a blog count as "public disclosure?" | |
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 sarahgupta |
HI there! I am considering starting a blog to chronicle my journeys as an inventor, and to also start looking for feedback on my invention. Just wondering—does blogging about your invention count as “public disclosure?” In other words, does that 12-month clock start ticking for your to file your patent? I’m figuring it probably does, and that having a blog these days is the same as being in the newspaper/on TV/etc. but am just wondering if anyone has any actual knowledge about this. Thanks! |
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 shopkins |
I would say yes. |
  inventusinterruptis
131,500
Insider Points
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I also would say that’s a definite Public Disclosure. |
 sleepyhead |
Sarah, An inventor’s journal on a blog would be okay; however, why would you want to put your idea out there? Asking for feedback is very dangerous unless you are doing a market test – having many people test your product which is pretty much developed and protected. With the 12 months you mention, I think you must be referring to a Provisional Patent: hit the little search button on the top of this Forum and type in Provisional Patent and you will learn a lot. In fact, use that button to learn something about a lot of inventor subjects. |
 mger80
215,500
Insider Points
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Sarah, you can blog about your experience inventing without disclosing your product/idea. I have a blog (www.light-bulb-moments.blogspot.com) and I talk about general things regarding my ideas and about the inventing process, but nothing specific that would count as disclosure. You can also get feedback on your idea, but it would have to be in a general way. For instance, you could do a poll about it asking questions like “do you prefer coffee or tea?”. If you get specific, you would be disclosing. |
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sarahgupta |
Thanks for your input! I actually had coffee with a lawyer on Wednesday, and he agreed: YES, definitely public disclosure. Margaret is right though too—seems like if you keep it general you are okay. |