AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS SOCIETY
THE EXPERIENCED ASSOCIATION OF INVENTORS HELPING NEW INVENTORS SUCCEED
' inventoz ' - The OFFICIAL website of Australia's Inventors and their National Organisation
(copyright)
'MENTORS FOR INVENTORS' - we want to help inventors succeed - 02 9389 4905 & 0425 211 862
We are an independent organisation of experienced inventors with technical, IP/Patents & business backgrounds who want to help new inventors succeed with their ideas + grants info - previously also known as Inventors Association Of Aust (in NSW)- originating 1893 & re-organised in 1958 & later.
The Inventors Society cooperates withThe Inventors Association of Australia (IAA) which is planning to re-commence meetings in NSW. If you would like to attend meetings with other inventors please go to the IAA website - http://www.inventors.asn.au/nsw/index.php - please contact and advise if you are interested in attending meetings. Meeting information will be published on the IAA website when finalised - in the mean time for direct personal information re commercialisation, inventing, patenting, and technical advice etc please use the contacts below - we want to help inventors.
For mentoring information regarding inventions available for licensing or sale and free listing - ask for Chris Baker or Sara Huang.
For help with Industrial Design, drawings and prototypes - ask for Tim Philips.
For info re GRANTS, Inventing, electrical, mechanical, plastics engineering, patenting, technical and commercialisation - including doing it yourself etc - Stuart Fox
TV SHOW SEEKING INVENTIVE OR SCIENTIFIC YOUNG MAN - $100,000 PRIZE
A major television production company is seeking young male applicants for a forthcoming " life changing " series which will begin recording shortly and has requested our help in locating suitable intelligent applicants with expertise in invention, innovation, science, technology, mathematics, computers, games etc. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years. If this sounds like you or you know someone suitable, contact Stuart Fox who will provide further information - E-mail - sffox@ihug.com.au or telephone - 0425 211 862.
PATENT APPLICATIONS, SEARCHING, GRANTS, TECHNICAL & PLASTICS ADVICE ETC
WHILST IT IS EASIER TO RETAIN A PATENT ATTORNEY TO SEARCH PRIOR PRODUCTS AND PATENTS + PREPARE YOUR PATENT APPLICATION, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO IT YOURSELF WE ARE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU HOW (PROVS)+ INFORMATION RE GRANTS TECHNICAL, LICENSING, LOW COST PLASTIC TECNIQUES AND MARKETING ADVISE.
INTERNATIONAL INVENTION EXPO OPPORTUNITY - TAIWAN
The Annual Taipei International Invention Show and Technomart will be held from September 30th to October 3rd 2010
Going by previous years events there will be over 1000 exhibition booths, showcasing 2000+ new inventions to 80,000+ local and overseas business visitors - a wonderful opportunity to promote your invention to potential manufacturers / licensees and consumers from all over the world as well as viewing other international inventors creations from all over the world and of course visiting fascinating Taiwan.
The Inventors Society is considering participation in this Expo with the possible involvement of another group - if you would like ISA to represent you in showing your innovation or you would like to join us, contact Stuart Fox - 0425 211 862 - as soon as possible - applications closing date is 14th July.
NEWSFLASH: TRITON FOUNDATION IN QUEENSLAND IS CLOSING DUE TO CESATION OF GOVT FUNDING
Triton was started in Victoria - also closed - by the inventor of the triton saw bench, George Lewin. We are sorry to see Triton close after 6 years of Q Govt funding.
ISA wishes the Triton manager and staff all the best for the future
Info re GRANT$, Commercialisation, Royalties, Rates, Patents, Searching, Technical, Plastics, Prototypes, Business & one-to-one mentoring- details below
We are always trying to develop innovative new ways and provide the latest news to help inventors succeed - suggestions welcomed - Seasons Greetings
Contacts for personal help: NSW - Stuart Fox - 02 9389 4905 & 0425 211 862, Western Australia - Glen Heslop - 08 9309 4848; South Australia - Eric Rodda - 08 8277 6004; Victoria - Debbie Dash - 03 9725 3489; Queensland - David Tong - 0430 058 740 ; 489; NT - John Waldman - 08 8927 9034
This website actually has information useful and helpful for inventors - we don't have endless meetings to decide & debate how to help - we just do it.
" A committee met to design a horse and ended up with a camel. Interested in IP / Patent Insurance ? - Information from AIS !
"A special thanks for all your help - your input was crucial - enabling me to take the best course in licensing other manufacturers," Kevin Macintire, K-Mac Suspension P/L, Rockdale, NSW. www.k-mac.com.au
INVENTION - MANUFACTURERS MATCHING SERVICE
If you are an inventor with a new product or idea and are seeking a manufacturer or the latter seeking new products, register with AIS and we will endevour to match parties - then it is up to you - no charge or membership required.
Inno Design Tech Expo
This world class innovation and invention exhibition will be held again from 10 to 13 December
At The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Last year 309 Exhibitors from 24 countries including Australia participated + 35,803 visitors from 68 countries - up 17%
Further details on www.hktdc.com/innodesigntechexpo
CHINA IP NEWS: The Chinese Government is becoming increasingly interested in the upholding of Intellectual Property Rights of Innovators - it is good business sense which is earning the respect of International Business. In Shenzhen many manufacturers have signed an agreement, in essence a contract, for businesses to 'Self-Consciously Protect Intellectual Property and abide by all laws as well as promote independant creation and social influence.'
NEWS
THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL INVENTORS DAY - 2nd February - Bangkock
Convention 3rd February & EXPO 2 - 5 February
organisers : - National Research Council of Thailand and IFIA - AIS will participate if we have sufficient interest
The King of Thailand is an inventor with several water related patents. Possibly the only Monarch patentee in the world ?
Great News for inventors in ALL states of Australia - the 6 year Petty Patent has been and gone ! - It was introduced 1 7 1979 & replaced by the 8 year Innovation Patent on 24 5 01 - Uniform for all states ! Granted automatically w/o exam - usually within 1 month - max 5 claims - (No it is not April 1 - this is a correction for misinformation on another website for inventors - Basic information is in IPA booklets & this website but no one reads them do they ? - real facts only @ INVENTOZ - If one enters Petty Patent on Google - their credited source - all is revealed - Petty Patents were finished in Australia years ago ! - Meetings were held around Australia to explain it - patent attorneys explained it at Inventors meetings + Newsletters explained it. IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT YOUR INVENTION & WANT REAL FACTS + personal EXPERIENCED HELP, CONTACT AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS SOCIETY. Facts re Innovation & former Petty Patents at 'Paper' at foot of this page - many other facts throughout this page - if you can not find the answer contact - AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS SOCIETY. Since the misinformation is still there many others who dont know must have read it and dont realise it is incorrect .
'FASTTHINKING' is a high quality quarterly Australian journal that presents reports on innovative activity from all walks of life & assists in driving innovation in the 21st century. Every edition includes numerous articles of value for every innovator - all complemented with superb illustrations & graphics - contributions welcomed. Publisher Grant Crossley visited the AIS stand in Taiwan & he produces the journal on behalf of the Innovation Exchange Network (IXC), Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Fastthinking is currently running a competition with an accommodation prize at the Westin Hotel in Sydney + other product prizes. www.FastThinking.com.au & www.IXC.com.au
University of Western Sydney design students are displaying 22 inventions at Customs House Syd, Nov 27-29
This evening (Friday 23 November) AIS Chairman Stuart Fox was honored to be a guest of the ABC and Austrade at a pre-recording celebration for the ABC TV New Inventors Grand Final. Other Guests included the finalists (sorry- secret until Wed 28th) and Toni Wade of HKTDC. Host was Peter O'Byrne, Austrade CEO.
Watch THE ABC TV NEW INVENTORS GRAND FINAL at 8.00pm WEDNESDAY 28th November-1 hour special
Stuart Fox of AIS instigated the ABC TV Peoples Choice Prize - flight to HK - Expo Stand, Hotel + Cash & introduced the sponsor, HKDC to the ABC- details below- YOU TOO CAN EXHIBIT YOUR IDEA AT THE EXPO Commercialise your idea at IDTExpo-Hong Kong 12-14 Dec- share our stand- details below & from Stuart Fox
INNOVIC HAVE LAUNCHED THEIR ' NEXT BIG THING AWARD ' $ 50,000 in PRIZES
For Information ; www.nextbigthingaward.com 03 9650 4733 - contact; Anita van Rooyen
Innovic is a very helpful group particularly for Victorian Inventors - They exhibited inventions from several states next to our AIS display in Taiwan in September 07- we were the only two Australian exhibitors.
Queensland inventors - the best help is from the Triton Foundation - the only organisation sponsored by the Queensland Government to help inventors - www.triton foundation.org.au 07 3853 5360 - Becci Watson.
Becci and several inventors appeared on The Channel 7 Today Tonight Program 3 12 07 - congratulations !
Queensland University of Technology is researching what works and doesn't when developing new businesses, specifically those with high growth and success potential - in start-up phase & not yet trading.
$5000 draw prize for qualified participants + other benefits for all. Contact: Julienne Senyard 07 3138 7547
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On Monday the 12th of November The Australian Inventors Society, representing Australian Inventors, had the honour of hosting the official delegation of 19 officers of the Chinese Patent Bureau ( SIPO) at a meeting at the NSW Government Department of State and Regional Development Offices (DSRD), 47th floor, MLC Centre, Martin Place Sydney.
Speakers were Jane Randall, Manager of the NSW Government Trade & Investment Centre who gave a very interesting and professional talk about NSW & Australia/China trade & economy & Stuart Fox from our Society who spoke about 'History of the Australian Patent System & related matters.'
Our sincere thanks to DSRD and Jane Randall for her very professionally delivered talk and for making the venue available to AIS. (Stuart Fox delivered the NSW Government, DSRD Innovation Advisory Service in Sydney until last year - his address has been appended to the foot of this page)
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Stuart will be addressing a seminar on the History and Development of The Australian Patent System and Its Role In The Economy, on the 27th November at The University Of Technology in Sydney.
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" The Inventors Society does a wonderful job to help us inventors - greatly appreciated - thanks again."
- Peter Hutchison ( Western Australia ) Inventor of ' Smartburn '
'Smartburn' reduces wood smoke emissions from domestic wood heaters by up to 50% - it has been featured twice on The New Inventors and has received 18 other awards - hearty congratulations Peter !
FOR THE BEST PROMOTION OF YOUR INVENTION IN AUSTRALIA - APPLY TO BE FEATURED ON THE ABC TV NEW INVENTORS
you should firstly protect your idea with a patent application - we will explain how to do it - via a patent attorney - easier - or do it yourself (prov)
"I have found you to be a rich source of information for the small inventor - helping me more (in the last few months) than everyone else put together, over the many years I've been involved in inventing - dedicating more time than everybody else put together and deserving the thanks of inventors."
(Originals of all communications on this website + names and contact details may be seen upon request)
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INVENTIONS CREATE JOBS AND IMPROVE LIFE FOR PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD
WELCOME - Our association is THE non profit association of inventors who are very experienced & want to help new inventors succeed with their ideas in Australia and overseas, mainly on a personal one-to-one mentoring basis - alongside you rather than you trying alone, so that you are recognised & rewarded for your ideas & efforts & Australia benefits economically. With our advice you have far a better chance of success & less wasted efforts. We have assisted with ideas varying from machines & clothes to games & electronics etc.
Our organisation, now known as the Australian Inventors Society - AIS, was reorganised / founded by Stanley Edward Schrivell of Sans Souci, a suburb of Sydney, NSW in 1958 as the successor to the Inventors Association Of NSW, founded in George St Redfern in 1893, prior to the Federation of Australia, the Australasian Institute of Patentees and Inventors and the Australian Society of Inventors.
Our modern mentoring approach to helping new inventors learn the ropes is much quicker than just attending meetings -
HOURS - NOT YEARS - FREE TELEPHONE INFORMATION.
We invite you to meet with an AIS mentor for an intense one-to-one session - generally around two hours - in which we explain and teach everything you initially need to know to get your invention project "on the road" - including prior product and patent searching, technical, commercialisation issues, licensing and marketing . Patenting focuses on the person who first has an invention AND lodges a patent specification although some countries have grace periods during which patent rights may be retained without lodging but rights in other countries may be lost ! While it is easier to get a patent attorney to prepare your patent application, we are happy to show you how to prepare your own patent application - prov - we can show you how to instantly obtain, on any government working day, the vital Australian government and internationally recognised patent priority date rights receipt document.
We can help with information regarding grants, prototypes, manufacturing techniques & technical advice in most areas including. plastics, our speciality, esp low cost moulds & other little known small scale production methods. We have an extensive specialist Intellectual Property & technical library available, ranging in many industries & inventors interests, catalogues, biographies + humor. Business aspects covered include tax concessions for inventors, valuations & royalties.
AIS advises regarding Australian, US & International (PCT) Patent applications, Designs & other rights + we explain the qualifications & importance of Patent Attorneys & selecting one best suited to your needs & technology or if costs are critical, how to prepare your own valid, effective Patent application (prov) at low cost to establish international PATENT priority rights. Information also on realistic manufacture & sourcing components in Australia & overseas.
Everyone that I have met that knows you appreciates what you are doing for Australian inventors -
- Chris Baxter - Patent attorney.
SEE OUR TESTIMONIALS PAGE
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AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS SOCIETY NATIONAL
CHAIRMAN NSW Stuart Fox 02 9389 4905 or mobile 0425 211 862 E-MAIL- sffox@ihug.com.au
Northern Territory John Waldman 08 8927 9034 E-MAIL jwaldman@bigpond.net.au
WE CAN PROVIDE INVENTORS WITH FREE CONFIDENTIALITY FORMS AND / OR WE ARE HAPPY TO SIGN YOUR CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT, THOUGH A PATENT APPLICATION IS BETTER - WE EXPLAIN WHY
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N E W S & E V E N T S
A U S T R A L I A N A N T H I L L L M A G A Z I N E
is a quality bi-monthly journal focusing on
Innovation - Commercialisation - Business - Venture Capital
ANTHILL has launched their
' C O O L A W A R D S '
Further information on - www.australiananthill.com/cool
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TAIPEI INTERNATIONAL INVENTION SHOW & TECHNOMART
AIS Chairman Stuart Fox has previously been invited by the Taiwan government to be a JUDGE at this EXPO
THE EXPO IS ANOTHER WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR AUSTRALIAN
INVENTORS TO PROMOTE THEIR INNOVATIONS TO A WORLD MARKET.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT EXHIBITING IN TAIPEI AT VERY LOW
COST CONTACT : STUART FOX - 0425 211 862 or e-mail sffox@ihug.com.au
(6 Australians from several states traveled to Taipei to participate in this Invention EXPO)
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ABC TV NEW INVENTORS WILL BE HOLDING AN
'INVENTORS SHOWCASE'
OF GARDENING, SUSTAINABLE LIVING & ENVIRONMENT INVENTIONS
AT THE 'GARDENING AUSTRALIA EXPO - AUGUST 24 - 26
SYDNEY SHOWGROUND , OLYMPIC PARK, HOMEBUSH BAY.
MANY INVENTORS FROM ALL OVER AUSTRALIA WILL BE SHOWING THEIR
PRODUCTS - MEET THE CREATORS AND SEE THE INVENTIONS SHOWN
ON THE THE VERY SUCCESSFUL ABC TV PROGRAM .
IAA CONGRATULATES THE ABC AND ALL THE INVENTORS .
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AIS INVITES ALL INVENTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN
' IDTExpo ' 12 - 14 December - Hong Kong
More details on - www.innodesigntechexpo.com
AIS CHAIRMAN Stuart Fox HAS AGAIN BEEN
INVITED TO BE A GUEST SPEAKER AT THE
ASSOCIATED SEMINAR
SUBJECT: " COMMERCIALISATION OF INNOVATIONS "
THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WILL AGAIN BE SPONSORING THE ABC TV NEW INVENTORS - PEOPLES CHOICE PRIZE
FLIGHT TO HONG KONG, ACCOMODATION, CASH AND BOOTH AT IDTExpo
AS INSTIGATED BY AIS CHAIRMAN Stuart Fox
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Below is a previous announcement for
Further information from AIS
AIS WILL HAVE A STAND AT
THE INTERNATIONAL INNOVATION & DESIGN EXHIBITION -
' IDTXPO '
TO BE HELD THIS YEAR IN HONG KONG, 29 November-2 December - Great export & commercialisation opportunity
BOOK YOUR OWN STAND - WE WILL EXPLAIN HOW
or if you only need a small space, share our stand
+ see fascinating and exiting Hong Kong.
AIS CHAIRMAN, Stuart Fox has been invited to give a talk on
' C O M M E R C I A L I S I N G I N V E N T I O N S '
at a seminar on December 1 which is being
held in conjunction with IDexpo
We gratefully acknowledge the cooperation & help of Toni Wade
and Bonnie Shek of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
& their Head Office, who have been wonderful to work with.
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ABC TELEVISION - NEW INVENTORS PROGRAM
VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD - SPECIAL PRIZE
IDExpo DISPLAY BOOTH
IDExpo DISPLAY BOOTH
+ FLIGHT TO HONG KONG, ACCOMODATION & $2000.00
( The following is an extract of an announcement received from
The HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
and we congratulate and thank the Council (and the ABC) for cooperating with The Inventors Society in making this additional opportunity available for Australian Inventors.
Don't miss the NEW INVENTORS GRAND FINAL - ON WEDNESDAY
The ABC TV New Inventors Program, hosted by James O’Loghlin, attracts innovators, inventors and designers who have developed a new product, an invention or innovation.
Innovations in all fields, from domestic appliances and workplace products to building, leisure, rural, and urban based ideas are accepted.
The New Inventors People's Choice Awards is presented to the invention receiving the greatest number of votes as nominated by viewers.
(The Winner was Colin Johanson of Victoria for his 'Kangan Roo' wheelchair)
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council as sponsor of the People's Choice winner 2006, will offer the inventor an opportunity to showcase their invention to a global audience by sponsoring their visit to
(The Winner was Colin Johanson of Victoria for his 'Kangan Roo' wheelchair)
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council as sponsor of the People's Choice winner 2006, will offer the inventor an opportunity to showcase their invention to a global audience by sponsoring their visit to
The Hong Kong Innovation and Design Expo
held from 29 November–1 December
The Prize includes
Return Airfare
Accommodation in Hong Kong from 28 November – 2 December,
An allowance of HK$2,000.
Exhibition Booth: One 9 Sq metre ( 3 X 3 m ) standard booth, no 2HO9, to
showcase The People's Choice Invention - located within ;
HALL 2 of THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE
Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Innovation & Design Expo (ID Expo) is a world-class exposition of innovations, presenting the latest practical technologies and design solutions to help trading, manufacturing and service sectors enhance their capacity to supply world markets.
"Recognition and much appreciation is offered to the Inventors Society of Australia, and its Chairman Stuart Fox, for conceiving the prize idea and instigating proceedings with The ABC New Inventors program."
- Toni Wade, HKTDC
The ABC VIEWERS CHOICE WINNER STAND AND THE IAA STAND WILL BE TOGETHER
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I N V E N T I O N S I M P R O V E L I F E A N D C R E A T E J O B S
INVENTORS SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS
INCORPORATING THE AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS, SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND DESIGNERS
HALL OF HONOUR, MUSEUM, LIBRARY AND SHOWCASE PROJECT
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E S S E N T I A L S O F I N V E N T I N G
F R O M T H E M E N T O R S F O R I N V E N T O R S
" If you can do something or dream you can, then begin it,
for boldness has magic and genius in it " - Goethe
If you have an idea or invention & are considering developing it (or investing in / purchasing rights for another persons idea),the Inventors Society of Australia (AIS) would like to help & encourage you to succeed. We explain all the facets of innovation you need to know about for your particular project, including assessing, control, patenting (including USA), development, funding, selling, royalties & grants so that you are rewarded & recognised for your ideas & efforts.
WITH AN AIS MENTOR ALONGSIDE - YOU ARE NOT WORKING ALONE.
We explain all the facts & options, many you may not hear or read about elsewhere-
FACTS SOME OTHERS CAN’T, DON’T OR WON’T TELL.
OUR EMPHASIS IS ON SHOWING YOU STEP - BY - STEP
HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF
The Society is run by experienced innovators with technical & business backgrounds who are keen & happy to share their knowledge to help guide new inventors in the assessment, development & promotion of their innovations -primarily on a mentoring basis through help & encouragement by telephone, personal contact counseling, meetings &/or seminars, rather than the tedious go-it-alone approach.
This brief introduction’s purpose is to summarise the range of innovation issues you need to be aware about, independently of or complimentary to professionals you may consult, + our wide range of education & advice from which you may benefit greatly. We will be happy to provide in depth details of all aspects involved.
Our advice is based on many years of doing-it-ourselves + meeting with & studying the experiences of numerous inventors in Australia & overseas – successful & sadly, otherwise – listening to them, answering their questions - researching, networking, & RELATING to recent inventors the skills of what works & doesn’t, in the broad field often referred to as Intellectual Property or IP. We also promote the history & appreciation of Australian & international inventions & inventors for general interest & to inspire others to develop ideas.
We want to help you achieve success & recognition while bringing your idea/s from the concept stage to commercialisation, PREFERABLY IN AUSTRALIA, (& overseas) so that you & others may benefit from use of your innovation & Australia benefits economically.
You don't have to reveal your idea to obtain our help in understanding inventing steps & the patent system.
THE KEY POINTS FOR PROGRESS in this field include good innovations, tenacity, knowledge & ultimately, strategy for success. You provide the first two ingredients – we guide you with the rest & show you how to do it yourself ! We are positive that with our input you have a far greater likelihood of advancing your innovations whilst avoiding the numerous frustrations & misunderstandings incurred by many inventors – unfruitful expenditure of time, effort & finance in less feasible directions.
Our mentors have been there & done that!
AIS assures you of unbiased advice, confidentiality & integrity at all times. We always endeavor to provide realistic & constructive opinions of innovations + the reasons why, to help YOU determine project strategy including licensing or self manufacturing options & contacts in Australia & overseas, for optimum project viability & export potential in this era of globalisation. We help you level the playing field.
TECHNICAL: Inventors are provided with comprehensive technical advice & guided in assessing the practicalities & necessity of their ideas, patentability, making prototypes & low cost tooling, self manufacturing, including unique techniques & processes involving metals, plastics & fabrics etc, as well as home workshop or even 'kitchen table' casting & forming, for trial runs & test marketing.
BUSINESS: AIS can inform you about GRANTS, taxation breaks for small manufacturing businesses & minimisation of tax for inventors who license their innovations. Also discussed are issues such as costing, royalty agreements, contracts, rates & audits, business planning, financing, venture capital, & free publicity. We tell you about Australian & international competitions, prizes & exhibitions (including occasional shared economical displays arranged by our society). Information on company incorporation, partnerships, sole trading, business name registration, patent infringement & product liability insurance is also provided. We help you locate & identify statistics, business, & other issues relevant to your innovation / project .
MARKETING YOUR INVENTION - WE SHOW YOU HOW PROFESSIONAL
INVENTORS DO IT AND HOW YOU CAN TOO - ALL THE OPTIONS
NO TRICKS - JUST SMART STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS
Facts indicate that with guidance you are more likely to succeed in promoting your
idea yourself rather than expecting others to do it for a fee – ask ISA why & how.
BEWARE Despite invention promoters / brokers huge fees over many years, success is unheard of. Promoters claim “confidentiality” - they would - contrary information is invited - we will publicise. We are not aware of any successes ever achieved by large up-front brokers and we are aware of success achieved by inventors themselves, so it stands to reason that inventors making their own efforts with guidance, have a better success rate.
ALWAYS REQUEST LARGE UP-FRONT FEE BROKERS TO PROVIDE SUCCESS
REFERENCES AND CHECK THOSE OR ONLY AGREE TO A SUCCEE FEE .
IP ‘PROTECTION’: Information about patent criteria, applications & forms can be provided concerning appropriate types of ‘protection’ available to safeguard inventors’ interests in Australia (& overseas particularly USA), as well as statutory rights & obligations under government regulations such as safety standards & product descriptions – all the advice you need to promote project viability.
PATENTS + OTHER IP Two types of Patents, having important differences, exist now - Standard Patents ( lasting 20 years – Question – extendable? Answer – sometimes / rarely ) & Innovation Patents ( 8 years) + Registered Designs, Trademarks, Trade Secrets & Copyright. Ideas involving business schemes, games, electronics, circuit layouts, computer software, plants, drugs, mixtures, recipes, improvements & combinations ( including existing products / inventions ) etc require special consideration. We can also explain many specialised aspects of IP including divisional patents, infringement, non-disclosure / confidentiality & non-confidentiality / company agreements etc.
PATENTS – briefly – concern function, a method or a process while Registered Designs concern appearance. Not all ideas are patentable yet they may be protectable to extents in other ways & / or still be the basis for a good business - strategy helps! American terminology has important differences you must understand.
Independent & unbiased advice is essential prior to expenditure.
It is also essential to understand your rights under the various forms of IP & to appreciate the difference between applying to patent the objective of an invention (limited) & means of achieving that objective.
SEARCHING: To help you avoid ‘re-inventing the wheel’ or infringing a current patent, advice on prior products / patent records searching (by a patent attorney, professional searcher or yourself) & Internet information, is also available. In some countries (especially USA) there are important & evolving variations in what may be patented, procedure & / or terms (words) used. Patents may be an excellent database of product source & technical information.
The staff of IP AUSTRALIA are amongst the most helpful of any government department & are not permitted to comment on INDIVIDUAL matters - The AIS can!
IP Australia is the Federal Government Intellectual Property, ie Patents, Trade Marks & Designs Office. Unlike Canberra based Patent Examiners, IP A receptionists & counter staff are generally non technical. IP A & AIS do not provide legal advice.
AN AUSTRALIAN PATENT APPLICATION accompanied by (preferably) a Provisional (‘temporary’) or Standard / Innovation patent specification may establish an internationally recognised & critical priority date / (offensive ) right ‘protection’ & should be lodged before publicly disclosing an idea or you may lose your monopoly rights to your idea in many countries. TAKE GREAT CARE WITH DISCLOSURES!
PATENT APPLICATIONS may best be prepared by a patent attorney or ('Provisional' only) if necessary, at low cost if the inventor, following easy guidelines, can draw a simple un-dimensioned sketch & provide a written description of the idea including certain criteria.
It is VITAL to understand the requirements for a valid & effective patent application + optimum timing!
THE INTERNATIONAL PATENT APPLICATION KIT is now available whilst despite increasing harmonisation of global patent laws there isn't an ‘ international ’ or ‘ world patent ’ yet! However, applications may still be advantageously initiated in groups of countries (over 100) by lodging a single application in Australia. You need to appreciate this situation + cost minimisation – we explain .
AMERICA: Relatively recent legislation in USA enhances Australians' rights there, generally considered the most attractive market (population over 300 million people v. over 20 million Australians) even if you have inadvertently lost the rights to a valid patent in Australia & / or elsewhere. The US Patent Office has granted over 7 million patents, approximately 50% of applications being received from outside USA.
If the necessity arises, you must understand how to utilise the various unique aspects of US patent laws, including their cost free priority date establishment procedure, Inventors Record Notebook, First to Invent System, Interference Proceedings (The Document Disclosure Scheme has been discontinued ) & indeed evolving IP laws of Australia as well as other countries, including limited Grace Periods. (US patent laws may change soon to further harmonise with others countries).
MISCONCEPTIONS: Apart from the ' World Patent ' myth mentioned previously, numerous other misunderstandings abound in the inventing / patenting field.
Some examples: (a) It is very important to appreciate that there is no such thing as a ' PROVISIONAL PATENT ' - The Patent Office (division of IP Aust) doesn't accept or grant you a 'provisional patent' & doesn't even advise if your ‘Patent Application Accompanied By A Provisional Specification’ is valid or correctly prepared (so what is it ?). (b) Any limits with a ‘provisional specification.’ ? & (c) Is it extendable? Can an idea be; (d) Protected by a registered & sealed, self-addressed letter (the so-called ' post office / poor persons patent ' )? - definitely NOT ! (e) Circumvented by altering by say 10%? (f) How much help is a confidentiality agreement – we provide & explain ( warnings! ) ??? (g) Can a patent application include several inventions ? (h) Are there any $ economies in patenting, especially if you have several ideas ? (j) What are claims - why are claims so critical ?
Unfortunately, numerous authors, journalists & lecturers occasionally give imprecise information which may be fatal for your invention! See also 'well meaning advisors' below.
BENEFITS: Governments may grant control / monopoly rights by way of patents or other IP to innovators in order to encourage & reward developments that create jobs whilst improving life & the economy. Ideas that assist the disabled & improve the environment are two particularly worthwhile areas of interest for which we can provide advice plus contacts, - e.g. ' The Independent Living Centre ' & ‘ Technical Aid To The Disabled ' are always interested in meeting innovative / skilled people.
THE ASSN exists to help bring the benefits of innovations to the community as well as guide innovators in safeguarding their rights whilst avoiding the pitfalls of ‘rip-offs’, infringers & some so-called invention promoters / brokers. We show you how to easily confirm credentials & bona fides of promoters as well as the experience / expertise of ‘well meaning advisors’ too.
EXPERTS: While AIS provides a wide range of help from within the organisation, there may be occasions where it is advisable to seek additional input. We explain the importance & qualifications of patent attorneys - how to locate, select & maximise benefits from professionals including industrial designers & prototype makers etc & optimise fees. We always invite feedback of your experiences & success stories, including from & regarding promoters.
YOUNG INVENTORS are especially encouraged- we have available many well illustrated books on inventors, inventing, inventions, scientists, aboriginal & women inventors, biographies, mechanisms, technology & humour for younger readers & students + advanced inventors.
Whilst it is preferable to consult an expert, if you have already prepared your own provisional patent specification, as many do, a ‘correctness’ check with our simplified guidelines for younger inventors (which older inventors find useful too) may be a great help on the way to having a complete (Standard or Innovation) patent application professionally prepared later.
INQUIRIES are welcomed from inventors, the media, manufacturers & investors seeking advice or new products as well as people interested in helping our organisation, sponsoring competitions (stimulating innovation), loaning or donating product samples or prototypes & literature (including catalogues & press cuttings) for our museum, library & showcase project.
AIS has a range of display equipment available for loan to inventors and other non profit / charity groups – especially suitable for art shows etc – just ask.
THE AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS HALL OF HONOUR PROJECT is a vision of the Inventors Society which has the objectives of highlighting the important contribution our innovators have made to the nation and the world, as well as recognising them individually. It will also help inspire others to be innovative whilst providing enhanced facilities to assist and guide. We welcome nominations for this project together with suggestions and contributions to make it a reality sooner rather than later.
AUSTRALIA has a strong history of important innovations ranging from domestic & commercial aids, Prepaid Postage, Refrigeration & many agricultural inventions to Variable Ratio Steering,The Black Box Flight Recorder, Bionic Ear & Frozen Embryo Babies -
YOURS MAY BE NEXT
FUTURE While we have successfully 'grown or dug up & shipped' our resources & ideas for many years, but poorly commercialised our innovations, often we may benefit even more by reversing trends & transforming those resources ourselves-
adding value nationally rather than merely exporting material, employment & ideas & importing goods, services & IP.
COMMERCIALISING INNOVATIONS While inventors often initially preferentially consider manufacturing in Australia, we need to be realistic if we find that with some products local production leads to a cost structure which commercial or domestic consumers will not support - sadly, even with the best ideas and intentions, that situation doesn't benefit anyone - consumers are deprived of useful products and the Australian and international export potential of innovations may be lost. We help you understand costing and commercialisation issues, including local and overseas sourcing of products and components - ' partnering ' with suppliers and licensees in Australia & globally - as an integral aspect of maximising innovation success strategy. Perhaps more than ever before, profit lies in the marketing of innovations rather than just production.
AIS MENTORS who have 'been there & done that' would like to help you join the ranks of successful inventors & avoid the disappointments & expenses of those unable to launch / commercialise their ideas - sad losses.
NEXT STEP We hope you have found this summary of invention issues informative & helpful - you are welcome to contact us with queries concerning any aspects so that we may help you succeed with YOUR idea, bringing its benefits to others + recognition & rewards for yourself and your country.
CONTACT: For further information – Stuart Fox on 0425 211 862 or (02) 9389 4905. We look forward to explaining all (& to conserve your time [only]) the things you need to know about for your particular project & circumstances while helping you form " A Strategy For Invention Success. "
WE SINCERELY WANT TO HELP YOU SUCCEED SO
THAT YOU, AUSTRALIA & THE WORLD BENEFIT
None of the above is represented as legal advice. Entire document including titles + phrases "Mentors for Inventors" & "Strategy for Invention Success"- TM & ©
AIS – PLEDGED TO SERVE INVENTORS & THE NATION BY INCREASING THE SUCCESS RATE OF AUSTRALIAN IDEAS. NON - PROFIT
M I S S I O N S T A T E M E N T
HELPING EMPLOYMENT, EXPORTS, THE DISABLED & THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH EDUCATION & BY NETWORKING INVENTIONS & INNOVATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY, INDUSTRY & COMMERCE FOR THE WELFARE OF A BETTER COUNTRY AND WORLD.
P.O. BOX 7108, BONDI BEACH, NSW AUSTRALIA, 2026.
Telephone : 0425 211 862, (02) 9389 4905
E-MAIL sffox@ihug.com.au
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ADDRESS TO
THE OFFICIAL DELEGATION OF
THE CHINESE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE
HOSTED BY
THE AUSTRALIAN INVENTORS SOCIETY - 12 NOVEMBER
Firstly I should like to wish The Official Delegation of the Chinese Patent Bureau a very warm welcome to Australia on behalf of Australian Inventors and trust that you will have a most enjoyable and informative stay.
I have been asked to talk about the History of The Patent System In Australia, the inventors organisation and transforming patents into productivity.
These are good subjects since it is interesting how Australia developed – how so much was achieved over such a relatively short period and because the evolvement of our Intellectual Property System is intertwined with the development of our nation itself.
We should remember that ;
INVENTIONS IMPROVE LIFE AND CREATE JOBS
To set the scene I need to commence with a brief outline of the birth of our nation, then I will follow with an outline of some of the features of the separate patent systems of the former individual colonies that eventually combined to form our country and how the patent systems were united.
The land we now call Australia was first populated by Europeans in 1788, when the British established a colony approximately two kilometers from where we are meeting today.
Approximately half of the land mass was called New South Wales and the western part of the continent was called New Holland, later becoming the area we now call Western Australia .
By 1821 the population was still only 36,000 people, though it grew rapidly thereafter.
By 1863 New South Wales had been divided and the continent was by then comprised of six individual colonies of Britain.
During the first half of the 19th century Australia was primarily agricultural although by 1848 there were 479 manufacturers, 220 being flower mills.
By 1861 the population was 1.1 5 million Europeans, whilst the number of factories grew from 3500 in 1871 to 8500 factories by 1889.
In 1852 New South Wales passed our first Patents Act, engrossing elements of a new Patents Act passed the same year in Great Britain and by 1872 all of our six colonies had autonomous Patent Systems which meant that inventors had to make individual applications for each colony !
Prior to that it was possible to obtain patents upon personal application to the British Patent Office in London or by private Acts in colonial parliaments, the first Patent using this method being granted in 1848 in South Australia, making our utilisation of patents 159 years old.
There were differences between colonies but by 1887 New South Wales had passed a new Patent Act providing for an examiner of Patents, Registered Designs and Trademarks.
Applicants could also lodge, provisional specifications and costs ranged from as much as 50 Pounds (our previous monetary system) or $100, a huge amount at that time and these costs were later reduced to $10 for a patent which lasted 14 years. In some instances the fees were received directly by the Patent Officers themselves.
The reduction in costs plus the increase in population and industry resulted in Patent applications rising from 16 in 1854 to 2700 in 1889.
Inventors often prepared their own applications although there were a few Patent Practitioners who were then known as Patent Agents and since relatively few applications were made, many of the Patent Agents generally had primary vocations such as engineering or law.
In 1877 South Australia passed an Act providing for licensing of Patent agents and this is believed to be the first such legislation in the world and indeed the first firm to become licensed is still in business and known by the same name – Collison and Co of Adelaide .
In 1890 18 Patent Agents gathered in Melbourne to form their first professional body, The Australasian Institute of Patent Agents and later there were discussions regarding adoption of a new title for the profession, Patent Attorney as used in USA or retention of the word agent as per UK. ( interestingly after 1931 US practitioners were only allowed to use the title ‘ attorney ’ if they were also state bar registered as attorneys, others being entitled to use the title ‘Agent’ with a grandfather clause entitling persons not registered by their state bar and practicing prior to 1931 to continue use of the title of ‘Attorney.’ ) Some countries allow for use of both terms agent and attorney with qualifications differing from US legislation.
Just three years after the Patent Agents formed their Institute 12 inventors gathered in George Street, Sydney, also not very far from here, to form the first inventors organisation in the colony, and this made it the second inventors organisation to be established after the first inventors organisation was founded in Sweden in 1886. The Australian organisation had an office and classrooms to teach inventors and the Victorian building is still standing.
The inventors movement proceeded through a number of changes of name and activity levels, significantly in 1939, 1947, 1958, 1974, 1987 and more recently. In 1948 the late Marcus (later Sir) Oliphant became the first patron of Australian inventors and I had the honour of presenting him with a certificate commemorating his 50 years as patron) Sir Mark was the leader of the team in the UK that invented the resonent cavity magnetron - the heart of RADAR and micro-wave ovens + many other achievements and he was later appointed Govenor of South Australia.
There has always been considerable interest in the field of invention from the people of our country and this has been spurred by all media and a number of Television Programs, particularly by our National Broadcaster the ABC with its current series “The New Inventors” which has been televised since 2004 and previously from 1970 to 1981.
Numerous books about Australian inventions and inventors have also been published.
In 1899 nearly 5000 Patent applications were lodged in the six colonies.
In 1901 the six colonies joined together, forming a federation known as the Commonwealth of Australia and the federation included provision for “ the placing of patents for inventions under one uniform administration” although this wasn’t to come into effect for another three years.
The first Commonwealth Patent Office was established in Melbourne and also took over from the former colonies the registration of Trademarks in 1906 and Designs and Copyright 1907, the latter being dispensed with in 1968 when Copyright became automatic.
In 1927 Canberra became our nation’s capital in place of Melbourne, following a requirement that the new National capital be established at least 320 kilometers from our two main cities of Melbourne and Sydney which then enjoyed even greater rivalry than they do today.
In 1927 Canberra became our nation’s capital in place of Melbourne, following a requirement that the new National capital be established at least 320 kilometers from our two main cities of Melbourne and Sydney which then enjoyed even greater rivalry than they do today.
The Patent Office did not move to Canberra until 1933 and as a legacy of the original colonial Patent Offices, branch Patent offices are still maintained in the six states although these appear to be shrinking in size. (Until recently USA had only one Patent
Office, although many libraries hold Patent Records for searching purposes)
The Patent Attorneys were not happy with the move to Canberra, especially those established in Melbourne, who enjoyed close contact with the Patent examiners there but their objections were unheeded.
In 1972 Australia joined the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and in 1980 we joined the Patent Co-operation Treaty (PCT) which had commenced 10 years earlier - again our Patent Attorneys did not unanimously endorse joining the treaty, having understandable concerns regarding workload and income although the PCT application rout actually adds another layer of costs but delays the the time required to pay - often critical for an impecunious inventor - & other advantages. A PCT application innitiates a patent application in 137 countries simultaneously at the present time.
Australian inventors were very hopeful that the PCT would eventually lead to a substantial reduction in patenting costs, and even a world Patent System but after nearly 160 years of Patents in this land and nearly 40 years after our country joined the PCT
system, that dream seems no closer although discussions and documents on a single world patent system occasionally arise.
This would undoubtedly / or hopefully eliminate expensive translations & critical errors + duplicate examination by IP / Patent Offices world wide and release highly qualified personel for more productive pursuits while relieving innovators from expensive, repetitive and complex procedures.
Australia currently has 2 levels of patents - a Standard Patent lasting 20 years which is granted after a Patent Application for an invention has been examined and found to comply with requirements including that the idea incorporates a reasonably substantial clever, new, different or inventive step that is not obvious to those skilled in the particular field of industry or invention or anyone else for that matter.
We also have a second tier Patent called an Innovation Patent, lasting 8 years, which was introduced in 2001 - replacing our 1979 6 yearPetty Patent, and requires only a lesser level of inventivenes, termed an Innovative Step and the Innovation Patent is granted automatically sans examination, although like a standard Patent it can not be enforced, for example in an infringement action, until it has been examined and certified that it does indeed incorporate an Innovative Step. Australia is in the minority in having a 'secondary patent' and a grace period for inventions disclosed prior to patent filing. Some other aspects of IP law also differ between countries, such as patentability of software, patent grants without examination of applications and preparation for a fee by unregisterd practitioners - a little known aspect of UK legislation.
Intellectual Property is a sector of law that has been evolving over many centuries throughout the world and in Australia for most of our existence. Numerous inquiries have been conducted and proposals examined over the years including a relatively recent suggestion by an interested sector that 'Registered Designs' be renamed 'Design Patents' as per US practice - thankfully this idea was not acceaded to otherwise we might be enjoying the confusion that seems to reign in that country.
The Patent Agents that formed a professional organisation in 1890 eventually had disagreements between themselves and the disharmony ultimately lead to a third or fourth organisation by the time the disparate bodies amalgamated years later.
Inventors and their organisations have perhaps been even less harmonious than our Patent Attorney colleagues.
I joined the organisation in 1964 and we have recently had a name change but I am ever hopeful of harmony just as I am ever hopeful of further harmonisation of Patent Systems and indeed of a world patent.
On the industrial and commercial side of innovations, our country and its people evolved numerous outstanding inventions but in many cases, we do not have a great record of transforming those ideas into commercial realities, although I believe this situation is improving and intellectual property is playing a significant roll since goods manufactured in Australia, often cannot compete on price, whereas patents may significantly reduce the disadvantage of our manufacturing costs and distance from world markets.
Whilst there is an understandable sentiment and preference to design and manufacture within our borders, which our organisation encourages, together with fuller recognition of Australian Innovators and their achievements, there is an increasing realisation and appreciation that in some product categories, especially the type of domestic and light commercial goods that individual innovators are likely to conceive and that are likely to be very price sensitive, Australian manufacture may be unrealistic, so Australian Innovators, like our counterparts overseas, are increasingly turning to offshore manufacturing partners, and this approach is opening export opportunities that may otherwise not exist.
These opportunities often focus on protection of the innovation by intellectual property.
Indeed next month our organisation will be exhibiting Australian inventions at ‘IDEAExpo’ in Hong Kong which is attended by business people from all over the world, in a further effort to gain overseas exposure for our innovators and their creations. In this regard we have received wonderful co- operation from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
This will be our second participation in the Hong Kong Expo, and like last year I have again been invited to speak on "Innovation Commercialisation ” at the associated seminar.
Last month we participated in another overseas exhibition where I also contributed as a judge at the associated Invention Competition.
Our federal government provides help and assistance for innovators by way of financial assistance and Industry Advisors for inventions deemed to have merit and commercial potential and our NSW State Government has an excellent Innovation Advisory Service which I delivered in the Sydney area until last year. Some other state have advisory and assistance programs too and our inventors orgasnisation in NSW provides a one-to-one mentoring service helping innovators with technical, IP & business issues + guidence in obtaining grants.
Twenty three hundred years ago the Chinese Philosopher Zhuang Zhou told the story of a person in the state of Song who had a secret recipe for treating hands damaged by skin disease and how a stranger bought the recipe ( a trade secret) for a considerable quantity of gold. He then proceeded to become very wealthy by exploiting the secret which brought great relief to many people.
The story explains the initial necessity for secrecy with inventions and how commercialisation may help those who need the invention as well as the entrepreneur, although sadly the innovator’s gain may not be as substantial as those who made significant financial investments and undertook commercial risk unless the inventor promotes the innovation themselves.
The story is more fully told in a book “IMAGINATION – 100 YEARS OF BRIGHT IDEAS IN AUSTRALIA” published to mark the centenary three years ago of our Patent Office, IP Australia and its inclusion is an indication of the esteem Australia holds for the Chinese and your many wonderful inventions.
I have great pleasure in presenting Mr Zhang Yuncai ( Deputy Secretary of The Chinese Patent Bureau, State Intellectual Property Office - SIPO) with a copy of the book.
I should like to leave you with a quote from another philosopher, Goethe – which perhaps should be the motto of every inventor and indeed other creative people.
“If you can do something, or dream you can, then begin it, for boldness has magic and genius in it.”
I trust that the visit of your delegation to Australia will be most enjoyable and informative.
Stuart Fox, Chairman, Australian Inventors Society.
(The above includes the basic address given to the delegation and the opportunity has been taken to add further interesting information in this transcript that was not actually delivered at the time and further interesting information may be added subsequently ) A similar talk was also given at the University of Technology in Sydney & Sydney University).
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