Paper: I HAVE AN IDEA. HOW DO I KNOW IT IS GOOD HOW CAN I PROTECT IT

Most folks in the oilfield are true experts in their field. They are, for the most part, good thinkers with original ideas that when properly conveyed bring value to both the inventor as well as the industry. Our industry needs new ideas. The majority of innovative ideas come when a person doing his/her job realizes there is a better way to accomplish a task. However, a good idea is nothing more than a dream until it is born. This paper deals with the capturing and documenting of ideas and what to do with them. Topics covered are: What is patent protection? How does one know if the idea is unique or novel or is patentable? How does one protect his/her idea? Who owns the idea? What are the general costs involved? When does one cross the infringement line?What web sites are available to help develop and protect one's ideas?