Does anyone have experience with obtaining patents and is there a differnt approach if this invention is base upon the military?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 15:07:40 -0500

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Feb 9 at 2014 3:18 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 15:18:54 -0500

I myself never have... but my thought process would be: put together your idea in such a way as to be granted a patent. I do not know the requirements or the paperwork, so that would have to be addressed. Now, after you get the patent, if it is something that would benefit the military, I would suggest that you try to find a company that is willing to produce some of it for you for testing, then go through the appropriate channels to try getting it approved as issue or authorized.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jul 29 at 2014 10:37 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:37:10 -0400

I think the only thing to be on the lookout for is if it was invented during the course of duty or using government resources, it might be considered a work for hire, or otherwise the property of your employer, the government.

This is an area where I think MAJ Private RallyPoint Member might have insight? I think he does "sciency" stuff.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jul 29 at 2014 10:50 AM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 10:50:06 -0400

I've seen service members apply for patents for improvements in gear and equipment, and then sell those in the private sector when they leave active duty (or serve in the reserve component). Two scenarios which I think will help clarify:

Example 1: Your job in the military is to evaluate and improve equipment on behalf of a formal evaluation process. In the course of trying to improve the military equipment, you come up with an idea. This idea is owned by the military because it was done in the course of your duties. Probably cannot be patented.

Example 2: Your job in the military is a Ranger instructor (going off from your current position), and while thinking about widget X on your own free time, you realize that it would be more high speed if you change its design. This idea is yours, and can probably be patented.