P3D patents, $, business 'n some 3D

[John Toeppen <toeppen@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Stereophotography has a long history of patents.  Fortunately, most of
these have expired and have established extensive prior art.  A viewing
system that employs a liquid crystal display rather than a film
transparency is therefor, evident to one familiar with the art.  This is
great if you want to just make things and sell them.

Certainly, one could attempt to define ten relatively unique ways that
their design was unique.  This doesn't do much for an inventor, it does
help a manufacturer reduce look alike competition.  Another approach is
to make a great product at a reasonable price to acquire market share. 
Then do the same to keep it. Patents may be a part of this, but it is
only a fraction of the whole picture.

If you developed something unique, and it works, and it could make
money, you may want to patent it.  Build a working version and write a
patent application.   Get potential partners to sign non-disclosures. 
Manufacture and market your product.  I would strongly recommend
visiting and chatting with Dr. Milton Chang, founder of New Focus. 
Check out:

http://www.newfocus.com/startingbusiness.html

John Toeppen
http://home.pacbell.net/toeppen/index.html

P.S. Boris is right.  Some the best artists have patrons......it is the
highest praise.  Why should we expect to get our favorite stuff for
free?  Or expect someone to work to create it without compensation? 
Must they bag groceries to subsidize their and our art?  Must Boris
suffer?  I certainly hope not!


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