How to Keep an Inventor's Log Book

One of the most important things an inventor must do during the invention process is protect their invention. That begins at the moment of its conception and never ends throughout the life of the invention or until it is sold to another entity. To begin protecting the invention, an inventor must be able to solidly establish the exact date of its initial thought. This can be established through the following steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The date the invention was conceived
• Book that can be used as the inventor's log
• Paper
• Pens or pencils

1. Obtain a book that can be used for an inventor's log for each individual invention. The book must have pages that are sewn in or otherwise connected into the book in such a way that the pages cannot be easily removed.
2. Number the pages of each logbook consecutively within the inventor's log. It is important not to leave out any numbers or make any mistakes that would require changing of numbers
3. Enter every single event, process or thought that has anything to do with the invention into the logbook. Each entry must be made in chronological order as the event occurs. Nothing is too small to be entered into the book. Eliminate nothing. Make entries on successive pages. Never skip a page, remove a page or otherwise alter the book.
4. Explain in detail the purpose or intent of every logbook entry.
5. All notes, technical sketches, addresses and phone numbers of those spoken with about the invention; everything to do with the invention must be entered directly into the logbook. It is not appropriate to attach pieces of paper, napkins and other notes to logbook pages. Transfer them directly into the book.
6. Cross through any and all empty space remaining on the a logbook page to prevent changes or later entries to be added after the fact.
7. Put any notes in the margin of the book on the appropriate page. Date it and have it witnessed by at least one other trusted individual who is willing to sign a nondisclosure document regarding the invention.
8. Note the name, address, phone number, role in the invention's development, date of the work and the overall purpose of any persons involved. Have the individual in question sign each and every appropriate log entry.
9. If and when sketches are more appropriate to explain ideas, technical components, designs or circuits, record them directly into the logbook whenever possible.
10. Note any and all technical, mechanical or engineering drawings, larger sketches and other drawings that cannot be entered directly into the logbook. Include the item's title or number (if applicable); the date it was produced, who produced it and any other detailed information that accurately describes the document so that nothing else can be misconstrued or substituted for it. Be sure notes describe, in detail, what the drawing displays and "why" it could not be entered directly into the log. Make sure any other individuals involved are duly noted as in the steps above.
11. Note any and all letters, memos, reviews, progress reports or other material that could not be put directly into the logbook. Give each item a reference number and date it the same date as the logbook entry.
12. Note all lab tests or experiments that were conducted on the invention in the logbook. Be sure to list the date of the test or experiment, the name of the company lab or individual that conducted the experiment or test, the results of the experiment or test and any other necessary descriptive information. Have it witnessed by a company representative and/or the individual involved in the test of experiment.
13. Note all telephone calls, along with the names and addresses of all contacts made about the invention.
14. Glue or otherwise permanently affix any small drawings that were developed elsewhere, clippings, photos, receipts for items involved in the invention's development, estimates, or anything else that for some reason could not be added directly to the logbook.
15. Have each logbook entry explained, witnessed and signed off by an individual not associated directly with the invention whenever possible. Note this by name, address, phone number, role, and any other applicable information. Have them write something like this: "(inventor's name) has described the (name of invention) to me on (date). I understand the purpose and intent of the(name of invention) and hereby witness that I believe it to be authentic and original." Make certain the individual has signed an appropriate nondisclosure agreement.
16. Store the invention logbook in a safe place that cannot be easily accessed by other individuals. Consider a safety deposit box, safe, locked box, desk or file.
17. Start a second book, as necessary, using the exact same process as noted above. Be sure to mark each logbook separately as first, second, third logbook. Begin number pages in each subsequent logbook where the one prior to it left off.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a different logbook for each invention.
• Never leave your invention logbook out where others can easily access it.
• Never share information about your invention with others without making note of the conversation and what it entailed within the logbook. If possible, have the individual sign off on what he or she was or was not told.
• Never leave loose notes, papers, photos, or other information in the logbook. Attach them permanently into the book.