Expert: George H. Morgan, P.E., Patent Agent - 9/16/2008

Question
I have developed a game, made a board game prototype, written most of the
patent, and have spoken with a patent attorney.  She suggested adding flow
charts to the drawings to illustrate the electronic (i.e. computer, or handheld)
version of the board game referred to in patent.

I feel I have been successful in drawing the "Method of play" flow chart,
however, I am having trouble with what she referred to as the "Systems" flow
chart and "Architecture and Functionality of the Game Logic" flow chart.

I will be taking the patent back to her for a final review and she indicated she
could do all the flow charts for me.  I would prefer to work them out myself
however.  Would you be able to give me any pointers as to what needs to be
included in these other two flow charts?

If you feel that there is someone in the computer field that knows something
about patents who this question would be better suited to, please let me
know.  Thank you in advance.

Answer
I suggest you contact Mr. Mark A. Manley, Professional Engineer, Patent Agent, email:  mamanley@hotmail.com
Kindly tell him who referred you, so he knows your are "pre-screened".

He can probably help you. If he does, I suggest you have him do your patent as he is very reasonable & competent. Having a patent attorney review it usually isn't good enough as a lot of work has to properly dig into the matter.

Tip: Claim copyright protection on your flow charts and drawings. "How to Make Patent Drawings....A Patent It Yourself Companion" by Lo & Pressman has the details on this aspect. It is published by Nolo Press out in Berkely, California, 800-728-3555 or www.nolo.com
It is not expensive, maybe $28 or so. I suggest buying directly as it is cheaper & often quicker than the local book stores.

Another tip: Avoid all the invention promotion or "patent submission" companies that advertise on TV & in popular magazines & even on "All Experts". When I complain to "Allexperts.com", they say they can't do anything about it. A few of the many "rackets" out there include Franklin Forge, Kessler, IP&R, IDEA, New Idea, Invention Submission Corporation, Davidson, and on & on. My web site, on the inventors resources page has a link to the Ron Riley site that has a very long list of such people, and the gory details.

My web site: http://www.evansville.net/biz/patagent

Best wishes on your project.   

George H. Morgan
Professional Engineer (since 1958)
Patent Agent (since 1973)