Don Costar

In today's society, there are those who wish to profit by suing others in court over their interpretation of the effects of their own actions when they try something new because someone else told them to do it. I am not an attorney, and nothing I say here is intended to be construed as legal advice. That is against the law, so I would not do it. My advice is from practical experience and information gathered during prosecution of patent searching, writing my own patent applications, and studies of intellectual property matters, plus talking to other inventors and patent practitioners.

All information herein is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. My sole intent is not ever to mislead, but to help guide inventors or would-be inventors in the right direction, and hope they may benefit from my mistakes and successes.

I do not intend for anyone to rely on my advice as any sort of legal last word. I suggest that it would be prudent for anyone following my advice to consult with a licensed attorney before assuming my information is correct, timely, or accurately quoted from other sources.

Any person planning to use my advice, or any internet links which I provide, with intent to sue if things don t go the way they planned, are hearby notified they are relying on the advice and/or information at their own risk.

I regret that I must be so blunt, but without this disclaimer, I recognize I could possibly be inviting litigation from some unknown entity, for all the wrong reasons.

Signed// Don G. Costar, January 2002

Don's Patent Searches

For prior art patent searches at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) please send an email to don@doncostar.com and tell me what you have in mind. If you wish, I will send you a non-disclosure affidavit, signed by me, to a mailing address furnished by you before the prior art search. (this is recommended)

Once you have received my signed non-disclosure affidavit and fees guide, you can disclose your invention to me and I will begin the search within 48 hours. The search should take no more than three or four days after the confidential disclosure by you.

I do not do prior art searches for software, electronic, or biotech inventions. I have no interest or experience in those fields. My experience has mostly been in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic work.

Any recommendations or opinions I offer regarding your patent search are not to be construed as a legal opinion. I have no license to practice law, therefore my opinions are solely from personal observation and experience, and only meant to be helpful suggestions.

Limitations on Use: The Content on this Web Site is for personal use only and not for commercial exploitation. In no event may any person or entity solicit any users with data retrieved from this Web Site. This information, however, may to be given freely to whomever you wish without compensation or solicitation of compensation.