The definitive guide for inventors, newly updated with the latest patenting laws, information on crowdfunding, and online resources. The path to success is clearer than it's ever been! Thanks to experienced inventor Ronald Docie, the process of commercializing your invention and receiving royalties is no longer complicated.  The Inventor's Bible  is an in-depth how-to manual for both beginners and skilled entrepreneurs alike that helps you develop a realistic, workable plan, research your market, target potential business partners, and strike a good deal for your inventions. It tackles vital concerns, such as: What is my invention worth? What steps should I take first? Is free government help available? Who can I trust, and how can I keep from getting ripped off? Revised to reflect recent changes and innovations, this fourth edition includes:  • Crowdfunding and Crowdsourcing • Open Innovation • Free Patenting Help • New U.S. Patent Laws • America Invents Act • Online Help for Inventors Features the PATENT AND NEW PRODUCT MARKETING WORKBOOK that takes you step-by-step through: • Patenting • Selecting Manufacturers • Finding the Best Markets • Developing a Strategy • Presenting Your Invention to Companies • Negotiating the Best Deal With  The Inventor's Bible , your dream can become the world's next great invention. “This definitive guide presents virtually everything you must know to promote and sell inventions without losing your shirt.”  —Joyce Lain Kennedy, syndicated “Careers Now” columnist, Tribune Media Services “Inventors should add The Inventor’s Bible to their bookshelves immediately, but be certain to keep it within easy reach.” —Don Kelly, former director, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office    “Ron has outdone himself! Chock-full of information, tips, words of wisdom, and resources, The Inventor’s Bible will teach, prod, and motivate readers.” —Stephen Paul Gnass, president, National Congress of Inventor Organizations    “This book could have saved me much time and heartbreak had I read it when I was beginning my invention career. It is a godsend!” —Stanley I. Mason, Jr., inventor of granola bars and disposable diapers, and holder of fifty-five patents   “I unconditionally recommend The Inventor’s Bible to all inventors and businesses.” —Michael S. Neustel, patent attorney and director, National Inventor Fraud Center   “ The Inventor’s Bible is an excellent collection of practical information useful to all inventors.” —Don Banner, former U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks   “Inventors who read The Inventor’s Bible and follow its step-by-step instructions can now more easily reap the rewards of their own ingenuity.” —Hugh Downs, network news anchor RONALD LOUIS DOCIE SR.’s professional career in the world of inventions spans nearly four decades. His own inventions are found in Wal-Mart and hundreds of other outlets internationally. Docie has negotiated dozens of patent licenses and successful business transactions with companies such as General Motors and Johnson & Johnson. He has testified in U.S. Congress on patent reform, and teaches continuing legal education classes to patent attorneys for Thompson Reuters. Docie lives in Athens, Ohio, and offers expert consultation and deal-making services for inventors and corporations. Introduction  When it comes right down to it, profiting from inventions can be quite simple. All you have to do is determine who wants your invention and find out what companies will develop it into a product, approach these companies and establish a mutually satisfactory value and compensation basis for your invention, and finally sip margaritas on the tropical island of your choice. Okay, that last bit is probably somewhat unrealistic, though there are a few who have accomplished such feats. Really, though, the process of commercializing your invention and receiving royalties does not have to be complicated. Mostly, it involves good, old-fashioned common sense; a realistic, methodical approach; the ability to communicate effectively with others; and plenty of hard work and perseverance. This book will help you focus your common sense and develop a realistic, workable plan for commercializing your invention. It will show you how effective communication with a network of industry contacts will help you research your market, target potential business partners, and strike a good deal for your inventions. You’ll have to supply the hard work and perseverance, but as an inventor, you already know all about those. Ultimately society benefits from good inventions. Though new inventions arenot necessary for existence, some inventions make life on the planet better for peopleand for the environment. The planet’s population is not getting any smaller, andpopulation growth alone will create new challenges and problems in the years to come, necessitating new solutions. This gives inventors a sort of open season for the foreseeable future. Invent