Quote:
|
Originally Posted by PraiseCaster
This was about ten years ago, so I guess the 10 year time line is about up on the patent (if it hasnt expired already).
|
7 years more to go.... The expiration date is either 20 years from the filing date or 17 years from the issue date, whichever results in a longer term.
Saddly, these situations are quite common and it's quite frustrating. I understand your feelings because your friend and you worked hard to develop the concept and fairness state the you deserve to profit from it. However, life isn't fair and it seldom works out that way. A story.
Few years ago an uncle designed and patented a portable steam room (not sure if this is the right translation…) and no one cared about it. The only company interested wanted to split the profits like 90 - 10 and get the rights for future applications outside the field. In top of that, the company offered him a high level job in their R&D department to develop other ideas. My uncle didn't accept the deal, even though I told him that probably that was the way to go since he didn't have any money to develop the product and the banks didn't want to hear about it. Well, when the patent expired, this company finished the development and started selling the product very well. Big companies can be very patient because they've got plenty of $$$$. My uncle?… he went broke and had to take a cubicle job to support his family and his invention days were over. Had he taken the deal he would've made some money….
Praisecaster, I don't mean to say that you and your friend should've given your invention away or something like that. You guys know what's best for you. My unlce's story isn't probably the standard… Look at Leo….