Inside Entrepreneurship: Take steps to protect patent filings

December 7, 2007

Q: My product is patentpending. I've found that contract manufacturers won't sign confidentiality agreements because they fear it will limit their future growth. Do I have to wait for a patent to be awarded, or is there some way I can still market my product without getting it stolen? What protections does my patentpending status give me? I don't want to just give away all the secrets and just get a thank-you.

Jeff E., Bismarck, N.D.

By SUSAN SCHRETER SPECIAL TO THE P-I

Full Story: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/342531_schreter07.html