The Figure illustrates a communications system for supporting a dialog
between inventor using a PC, agent office, agent's internet site, and
the Patent Office site.

Preferably, the inventor's PC is used for preparing the text and drawings
an invention description, for acquiring pictures of a prototype or various
documents using a web camera for example, etc. The invention is kept secure in
inventor's computer until the inventor decides to disclose it to an agent.
Furthermore, the inventor preferably uses a removable media such as a
disk-on-key to store the invention, so it may not be available over the
internet unless he so desires.

Moreover, the PC may include a program from the agent's website, to
perform an initial, automatic selection process: if the invention is outside
of specific criteria defined by that agent, the dialog agent-inventor will be
terminated. For example, an agent may not handle specific areas in which he
does not specialize or to prevent a conflict of interest; the agent may
refuse to accept a perpetual motion invention, etc.
This initial screening prevents an invention's unnecessary and premature
disclosure where it may not benefit the inventor.

Rather than a PC, that unit may include a laptor or palm computer, connected by
wireless. Broadband links may be used to communicate effectively from any place,
for example to present the agent with an invention in a remote location, such
as an oil rig, or even overseas. The Unit may be a cellular phone with camera,
for sending photos of the invention. SMS messages may be used to convey the
dialog with agent.

The initial screening may be performed automatically at the agent's site,
using predefined criteria and a questionnaire presented to the inventor.

Further steps may be performed for the inventor and agent to get acquainted
with each other, as detailed in the present disclosure and, if both parties
agree, to disclose the invention and start work together according to a plan.

Multi-channel communications may be implemented between the inventor, the
patent agent and the Patent Office, including transfer of text, drawings,
pictures, digital voice, etc.; video-conferencing is also possible, all in an
integrated environment conducive to pursuing the protection of inventions.
Most of these communications may be performed over the Internet.

On the Client side (there may be a multitude of such clients), there may be
a personal computer PC, using for example a browser such as the
"Explorer" or "Navigator" software, possibly in conjunction with Javascript
software, displaying for example Web pages.

The client may be connected through the Internet and/or an intranet,
etc. to a Server side (the patent agent's site- there may be many such
sites): Server running a suitable application such as Perl, to maintain
a Website, such as Patent4u(SM) , and supported by a database, which
may be implemented as known in the art.

The client may also be connected through the Internet and/or an intranet,
etc. to another Server side (the patent office site- there may be many such
sites, one official site for each country): Server 33 running a suitable
application such as Perl, to maintain a Website, such as UK IPO, USPTO,
etc. and supported by a database.

Using this structure, for example, a customer may connect with a patent
agent office for performing various activities relating to protecting an
invention.

The agent office may perform such activities with the client, may also
connect to a patent office as necessary, or may assist the client in
connecting directly with the patent office , as deemed necessary.

The patent agent's office may connect through the Internet to its
server as required. The office may connect with the customer using
other communication channels, for example using cellular services or other
wireless services, POTS, the mail, courier services, etc.
The system may also use a cellular phone site over the Internet.

The patent agent may communicate with the applicants and the Patent Office.
Patent applications may be filed online where possible, for example in Great
Britain and U.S.A.

The goal of the present invention is to contribute to communication between
the people involved in the process of patenting, whether they are at separate
locations or meet in person. In the latter case, the system may be used to
enhance communications by transferring files, supporting changes made on
the spot, verifying data, etc.

The system supports personal meetings between patent agent/attorney and
customer, or between agent and Examiner.