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Old 05-21-2009, 08:41 PM  
Redrob
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: In a refrigerator box by the tracks.
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A Hard Choice This Weekend.......What would you do?

Several years ago, we worked on a project and a good idea came out of it. At that time, money was fast and easy so we spent the time and money filing for a patent.

Well, many years later, last winter, the USPTO shit a patent... The technology is relatively new and there is some potential for growth.

I really didn't think a lot about it because I have be working hard to keep my business afloat in these hard times.

So, about two weeks ago, I thought I'd see if the patent was worth anything to somebody else as, at this time, I really don't have the funds, expertise, time, energy, lawyers, etc to persue a licensing scheme myself.

Low and belold, I got an offer: They will take the patent, license it, protect it, and anything left over, we split 50/50 after expenses with nothing out of my pocket.

I know the devil is in the details and these companies are not the most popular people.

What would you do?

Sign the deal with the patent trolls, take the risk they don't screw you, and, maybe get some money.

Try and work a deal with some local lawyers to protect your patent and give them a piece of the action and pay for more of the overhead out of pocket.

or,

Just sit on the patent for a few years, do nothing, hope the business gets better, and set up a licensing program and protect the patent yourself when times get better.

I know some of you guys and girls have already been down this road and I sure could use some life experience advice right now.

It is a hard choice, so any suggestions are appreciated....
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