You have up to one year to file for a U.S. patent after you publicly
disclose the invention. (This isn't generally true in other countries.)
I assume that Art would be aware of this since he's been through the
process several times in the past. It's also easy to find at the USPTO
website.

Roy Lewallen, W7EL

Buck wrote:
On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 04:17:50 GMT, "
wrote:


The gentleman has his patent.
If I disclosed how this could be beat on this forum would I still be able to
get a patent for myself if I so desire? Or would it be best to not disclose
it at all?


I am no lawyer, but from what I have always heard, if you express a
general idea, that isn't a problem. However, if you are specific, or
offer enough information that someone else can reproduce your idea,
you could lose it.

i.e. 'Modifying the antenna so the angle of radiation shifts several
degrees will improve it considerably' wouldn't hurt your patent idea,
but 'Add a coil at the end with three cw turns overlapping twelve ccw
turns to improve the gain' could jeopardize your patent, or at lease
risk someone racing you to the patent office with an application.