[ale] OT: Manufacturing an idea....

[Christopher Bergeron]

Geoffrey wrote:

> Joseph Knapka wrote:
>
>> Marvin Dickens <mpdickens at tlanta.com> writes:
>>
>>
>>> The moment you get an idea, put your idea in writing along with 
>>> anything
>>> else that is pertinate such as the date(s)of conception and who was
>>> present when the idea was conceived. Then make two copies and get them
>>> notarized. One copy goes into a lock box for immediate safe keeping and
>>> then you put the other one in an envelope and mail it to yourself via
>>> the US mail. When you get it, do not open it. The letter will be post
>>> marked with a date and this date is what is important.
>>
>>
>>
>> Just curious: I had read somewhere that the shenanigans with the
>> envelope mailed to oneself were no longer necessary, and that
>> one is automatically the copyright owner of anything one puts
>> down in writing. I'd think that for proof of the date of
>> conception, notarization would be sufficient. Is that not the
>> case?
>

The old envelope trick probably won't do squat for you these days.  You 
can probably prove "first-use" by the date of the Postal Stamp, however, 
the high profile IP attorneys will shoot holes in that arguement.  I 
might offer you some protection, but it won't give you much (if 
anything).  IP law is a very big-money industry, with some high powered 
attorneys.  Your best bet is to document your idea (explicitly), and 
have it signed by 2 people that understand it completely, and have it 
notarized.  You want 2 witnesses instead of just one in the event that 
one of the parties dies (god forbid, but it is a possibility considering 
that humans ship with expiration dates).  By having a patent, you'll 
achieve "offensive rights" - meaning you can go after someone who 
violates your patent.  As I mentioned in my previous email, IP law is 
particularly convoluted; so do your homework (and hire a professional).  
I'm supposed to get my notary stamp pretty soon, so I'll be more than 
happy to be a witness for ya.





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