Q: can I contact an inventor of a patent?

A: Yes, you can contact the inventor. Most inventors assign (i.e., sell) their patent. So, you should contact the owner of the patent instead.

If the owner of a patent in a foreign country does not have a correlating patent in the United States, then you are free to make, use, and sell the invention in the U.S. However, you are not allowed to sell the invention to anyone in a country where the patent is registered until the the term expires.

I highly recommend that you hire a patent attorney to perform a patent search to discover everything about the patent family and determine if you need to contact the current owner of the Australian patent.

A: You can start by searching the patent details on databases like the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) or the Australian Patent Office. These records often include the inventor’s name and their registered address or company information. If the contact details aren’t listed there, try visiting the inventor’s company website, if they have one, to find more information or a contact form.

Another effective approach is to use professional networking sites such as LinkedIn. By searching the inventor’s name, you might find their profile and reach out directly with your questions. Additionally, consider attending industry conferences or events related to the patent’s field, where you might have the opportunity to connect in person or through event directories.

If these methods don’t yield results, you could consult with a patent attorney or agent who might have access to more resources for contacting the inventor. Remember to approach the conversation respectfully, explaining your shared interest and intentions clearly. This way, you increase the chances of establishing a meaningful dialogue.