| ??? 03/03/10 14:43 Read: times |
#173774 - That's not an *Invention* Responding to: ???'s previous message |
Ralph Sac said:
Some inventor build a 555 timer and 4017 counter to sequence 8 leds. That's not an Invention; in Patent terms, that is something that would be "obvious to someone skilled in the art" - ie, any competent electronics engineer could read the 555 and 4017 datasheets and come up with a design (not an "invention") that uses them to sequence some LEDs. And, of course, very many people have already done exactly that! I build similar circuit using 89c2051 core part that uses that and 8 leds which uses less power and less current but does the same function. If you have found some truly novel way to achieve that, then it could be patentable - but not just if you've carefully read the 89C2051 datasheet, and applied all the tricks that it tells you. Of course, if you really have found something truly novel, it's likely to be a general technique - rather than anything specific to the 89C2051. Which is why Patents wouldn't generally state specific microcontroller part numbers, etc... 2-10K for patent right. Each patent office has its own fees; you pay a fee whether your application succeeds or fails - that's why you might also want to pay an agent (or lawyer, or whatever) to advise you on your chances, and ensure that you present your claim in the best possble way for the highest chances of success. Just like you can represent yourself in court, but it's generally better to have a professional who knows what (s)he's doing and how the system works... |
