Do-it-yourself Patenting
Do Not Use the Poor Man's Patent!

There is a myth that you can write a description of your invention, and mail it to yourself by certified mail, and the postmark will be proof of when you came up with your invention. It is called a "Post Office Patent" or "Poor Man's Patent". This is a myth! Following this procedure will not protect your invention.

The best step is to seek the assistance of a patent attorney or patent agent, to properly apply for a patent.

The next best step, if you are determined to "do it yourself", is to read "Patent it Yourself" by David Pressman
This book has helped many people who wish to obtain the greatest patent protection without professional assistance.

Provisional Patent Template
www.provisionalpatenttemplate.com
Patent pending protection for 1 year; explains provisional patents and why to use them

Patent application writing
www.patent-ease.com
Patent Ease – US patent application writing software – Write your own patent

Do It Yourself Documents
www.doityourselfdocuments.com/patcoptm/title.asp
How to register your own copyright, trademark, patent; Forms, books, kits, software

Making Your Own Patent Drawings
www.cyberspaceattorney.com/guideview.asp?layer=2&article=178
Aresty International Law Offices, P.C. – explains how to make your own patent drawings using computers.

Yahoo! Search Results
www.vivometrics.com/site/about_media/standard_2000_4_17.PDF
17 April 2000 Ask Nettie: So Sue Me! So you’ve filed a patent and… article describing pros & cons of using a lawyer.