KevMar's Journal: IP, Ideas, Patents, and Work

So, i have this idea. but what to do about it.

Generalization
I was looking ahead at a future problem that I would have to solve in order to do something the way I want to do it.

The Idea
I am trying to make something work in a way that it was not designed. the solutions offered on the web could work, but dont offer much flexibility or the dynamics that I want. The solution is fundamentaly simple and can be very usefull. I saw the question widespread, but not the solution.

Profit
The question the now comes to mind is how to collect on it. It is almost too simple to patent and the very mentioning of it will reveal its secrets. the solution will become the way to do it. my fear is that the only way i will profit is from sueing those that use it because people won't realize that it is patented. and that is not me. I would compare it to the amazon oneClick checkout suits or the eBay auction suit.

Ownership
The second question results in ownership of the idea. I work at a University in a departments IS department. I was hardware support, but now do internal data oganization tools. This idea is inresponce to a question that I asked myself while looking ahead at possible future needs and accessing my skills against them with the technologies that I like. The only thing that would give work a claim to it is the fact that it was the enviroment I was in to trigger the initial thoughts. The actual solution came in my own time at home.

Cost
The advantage I do have in this situation is that I work for a university. If I patent this myself, the costs would start at $1000 or more. I should pay a lawer to protect it corectly and pay for suits (not that I want to do that). I would also have to market and sell it myself. Working for the University is an advantage because they pay royalties and handle all the legal and patent costs. I would collect 15-30% by surendering my rights to them, rights that could questionable because I work for them.

Final Notes
The cost is a problem for me, excluding my car, computer, and what I owe on Credit Cards, $1000 is more than all my belonging.

I wish I could provide more details, but I am sure you understand.