Q: I wish to patent a simple bandage that is not at all simple in its utility.
A:
I suggest as a first step that you read some patents on bandages so that you can see the level of detail that is common and get a good feel for what sort of innovations have already been patented. \
My slide set on searching tricks may be helpful. http://bit.ly/Patent_Searching
You will still need to work with a patent attorney to get this done but you will be more comfortable engaging in the process if you have actually read a number or relevant patents.
Depending on what new features your bandage has, you may want a patent attorney with knowledge of biochemistry or you may want a patent attorney that is familiar with material science (how much the bandage stretches or how the adhesive works). Your innovation may be something else but the point remains that you need a patent attorney that is conversant in the terminology of the particular part of science and technology that is relevant.
With a patent attorney, you can seek someone out that is not in your particular state as patent attorneys can help anyone seek US patent protection. So feel free to look at Justia and other tools to find someone that is a match. NOTE -- you may not be able to hire the patent attorney that wrote the bandage patent that you find online and consider well-written as that person may still work for a bandage inventor client and may not be able to take on your work.
If you found this answer helpful, you may want to look at my answers to other questions about patent law are available at the bottom of my profile page at
https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/kevin-e-flynn-880338
Good luck.
Kevin E Flynn
A:
Generally, the simpler something is, the harder it is to patent.
If it is a simple bandage that is similar in most ways to existing bandages but the way that you use it is different, then it will be difficult to get a patent on it.
But if the bandage is somehow different, such as it is made of some different material that makes it somehow better, then you have a better chance of getting a patent.
This sounds like something that I might be able to help you with. If you wish, please reach out to me.
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