Practical Pointers for Patentees

by Franklin Allison Cresee

To each of the parties of the list thus selected, or to a number of them, the inventor should write a well-composed and convincing letter setting forth the invention in its best light, and stating just why it would be to the interest of the parties solicited to investigate the same. Some time should be spent on this letter before attempting to write it, and the writer should weigh well in his own mind what would be best to say, and the proper way of expressing it. He should be as brief as possible, consistent with legibility. The statements should be assuming, yet in every respect true. He should state in brief terms just what the invention is, what it will do, the points and advantages it has, and at the same time endeavoring to get the parties interested so that they will inquire into the invention, rather than attempt to come to terms in the first letter.

The letter should be brief and pointed, and plainly written upon business-size paper; and if the inventor has a typewriter, or access to one, he should use it. If he has printed circulars he should send one with his first letter, which will[p. 50] enable him to make the letter briefer and more business-like.

In correspondence it is well not to name a price until the parties are interested, and first endeavor to get them to make an offer. The patentee should be patient and should not expect to jump right into a bargain at once. If the invention is a meritorious one there will be more than one of the manufacturers to whom the patentee may write, who will become interested, and when such a state exists, the patentee can begin to be more exacting as to his demands since competition has been created between the manufacturers.

Circulars.

A few dollars invested in circulars will frequently be found of great value to the patentee if he intends to negotiate the sale of his patent mainly by advertising and correspondence, as they will save a great deal of writing and explaining as well as appear more business-like and attractive, and may be the means of more readily effecting a sale.

Illustrations.

If the patentee can afford the additional expense of an illustration, it will greatly increase the appearance of the circular, and make it more readily understood and interesting. The cut should be neat and set forth the invention in its best light. It would be better to entrust the procuring of the cut to the printer, for he will know just what is wanted and can se[p. 51]cure the same at a better price. A sufficient number of well printed circulars, with illustration, can be obtained of any printer for a few dollars.

About Getting up Circulars.

The circulars should be attractive, convincing, and logical; nicely arranged, and neatly printed upon good paper. A mistake is often made in sending out trashy-looking circulars, poorly printed upon cheap paper; they repel rather than attract, and do not have the desired effect.

The circular should have good head-lines so as to attract the attention of its recipient at a glance, and his interest should be held by having the uses and advantages of the invention well written.