OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Does anyone know how best to go about patenting a unique handle design? Before anyone asks, yes I have done exhaustive research and yes it truly is unique, hahaha. I would include pictures of said design, but I've had other ideas stolen in the past and I'm a bit gun shy about just putting it out there.

Thanks in advance, guys & gals!

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User of the one of a kind "Smith" grip: here to revolutionize the game.

It is time consuming and not much profit to you.

you may also have to file in multiple countries, esp china.

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Chasse Patate

If you're looking to protect how something looks, then you want a design patent. If you want to protect how something works or is used, then you want a utility patent.
https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/s1502.html

According to this, the various fees to get a patent can run into thousands of dollars, probably way more than you're willing to spend. A patent attorney can probably tell you if your design is patentable.
http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2015/04/04/the-cost-of-obtaining-a-patent-in-the-us/id=56485/

Having said that, it's doubtful you have a truly unique design. I've seen a lot of different designs, some are truly bizarre. Even if you did, how does it benefit or improve table tennis? Or is it an aesthetic design you're trying to patent?

Thanks for the input, everyone. To be fair I have looked at every single table tennis racket related patent in the U.S. (didn't take quite as long as one would think, just click on images to see the design and read to see the scope of the applied for patent and voila!) and both the designs I'd be going for are unique and increase function/introduce new playing styles. If I wasn't so afraid of having the ideas stolen I would just come out and share them. All I can say to lend credence to this is to rely on personal authority which is something I don't approve of as I'm all about the value of ideas and information and not someone's reputation, station, or past accomplishments. If you guys have any ideas of how I could share more about the designs while allaying my fears of theft, please feel free to respond here or PM me because, quite frankly, I am super excited and do want others to see what I've been working on.

Stupid dilemma…

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User of the one of a kind "Smith" grip: here to revolutionize the game.

You can't.

I remember something said along the lines: "Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead."

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instagram: rokphishtt

A good utility patent would cost about $10,000 USD with a lawyer which is necessary. That's only for the USA. Not sure about design patents but probably not significantly different.

If you want a non-enforceable vanity patent, you can file it yourself for like $200.

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Custom Defense::: Friendship 802 : Dr. Neubauer Super Block