Inventor Book Reviews

Patent It Yourself

by David Pressman, 4th Edition, 1995, Nolo Press, $39.95

When I reviewed the 2nd edition of Patent It Yourself in 1990, I rated it as the "bible" of the patenting field for independent inventors.  This, the 4th edition, continues to live up to that rating.

Some may hesitate to even read a book dealing with the process of obtaining a patent.  They may feel that it is like selling a house -- ask friends to recommend a Realtor and let he or she worry about the details.  However, there is a crucial difference -- a patent is an intellectual property.

It is you that must convey the information that will provide the basis for a "strong patent".  The patent office, or your patent attorney or agent, are not mind readers.  After reading Pressman's book, you will become aware of the vital importance of writing patent claims that are neither too broad nor too narrow and that the specification and drawings must support the claims.

Like its previous editions, the fourth edition is a large (8-1/2 x 11) paperback of some 400 pages.  The 30-some pages of forms in the back are perforated for easy removal for photocopying.  Also, like the previous editions, Pressman, who has 30 years of patenting experience, avoids the confusing jargon of the patent laws and makes it possible for the average person to understand the meanings, purpose, and possible pitfalls of the laws.

As of June 8, 1995, a Provisional Patent Application (PPA) procedure has become available.  Pressman explores not only the procedure but the advantages and disadvantages of the PPA.  Whether you finally decide to patent it yourself or have others do it for you, you will, using this book as your guide, be much more likely to end up with a strong, commercially attractive patent than with a weak "vanity patent."

This book is not just a "best buy" -- it is probably the best single buy an independent inventor can make today.