Beware - InventNow.org banner on SF

[L00b]

Just seen this ad banner on the site, and I followed it up out of professional interest.

 

I see that it encourages inventors to post details of their ideas and inventions on that site, for inclusion in a 'gallery' of sorts.

 

This is a word of caution for UK readers tempted to follow it up and/or interact with it. The post will no doubt seem highbrow to most, but I can't not say something.

 

Bear in mind that the US patent system is very different from the UK/European (and most other places) patent system, in that it is based on a first-to-invent premise: you can still obtain a valid patent within 12 months of a first public disclosure. UK/European (and most other places) patent systems are quite on the contrary based on a first-to-file premise.

 

In the UK/Europe/anywhere else, once you upload details of your ideas and/or inventions to that site (or any publicly-accessible site), this will in all likelihood constitue a public disclosure and you will not be able to obtain valid patent protection (or another type, depending on the facts). Ever.

 

In summary: that link and that site are relevant for US inventors/innovators only, DO NOT post/upload anything there if you're thinking of applying for IP protection in the UK or elsewhere at some stage.

[RIZRAT]

nice one Loob , I did spot it some time ago and had a nosey as yer do.. I thought that if anyone has a bright idea or new invention that the first thing you would do is seek legal advice, so covering your derrier ....