Post: Patent ownership question

Posted by Ken on 4/07/07

I have a virtual prototype in the works.

I sent a nondisclosure and a drawing of my invention to a
patent and marketing group. "By Fax."

I paid for the patent search and it came back with all clear
and ready to go.

I paid for the provisional patent and for the virtual prototype.

According to them, they won't pay my application fee to the
patent office until the virtual website is complete. (( 4 to
8 weeks. )) Because of the 12 month clock they want all
possible time to find an interested party.

I don't have a problem with their approach, let's just say I
am paranoid:}

(1.) My question is...........

Let's say while I am waiting for the marketing company to
complete the prototype that somehow someone comes up with
the same or similar idea and files the patent application
right away, yet my faxes and emails and patent search prove
that I was involved with this idea /invention prior to their
filing date.

Do I have any legal recourse to prove I am the true inventor
or will I lose all my money and my invention.

Thank you very much.

Posts on this thread, including this one

Patent ownership question, 4/07/07, by Ken.

Re: Patent ownership question, 4/12/08, by Victor Gregurick.