So you have the next big idea and want to know more about Hawaii intellectual property law. Now what? What you need to do is determine if your "big idea" is worth taking public and going commercial.

The field of Hawaii IP law covers such topics as: intellectual property, copyrights, e-commerce and Internet transactions, fiduciary duty, trade secret, unfair competition litigation, intellectual property litigation, licensing, patent prosecution and protection and trademarks.

To learn more about Hawaii patent law:

1. Determine if your idea falls under one of the topics discussed in paragraph 2.

2. Look to online information.

3. Speak to a Hawaii intellectual property lawyer about your idea. Be prepared to thoroughly explain your idea. Consider bringing in samples, mockups, diagrams or anything to give the consultant something to help him or her visualize what you are needing help with in the field of Hawaii patent law.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know the basics before delving into intellectual property law in Hawaii

Start with a basic knowledge of patents before specifically targeting intellectual property law in Hawaii.

I recommend: Look at the Inventors Resources from the United States Patent and Trademark Office to help you determine if you are heading in the right direction. You can also send for free patent information through Invention Home.

Use a state specific search engine to find providers of Hawaii IP law information

Skip Yahoo or Google. Use a state specific search engine to help you in your HI intellectual property law information search.

I recommend: Lawyers.com gives a 2-page listing of Hawaii intellectual property law firms. IntellectualPropertyLawFirms.com can help you find intellectual property attorneys in HI. FindLaw is another online resource for Hawaii patent law services, as is Justia.

Find Hawaii intellectual property law information providers

Locate a professional to help you with your Hawaii intellectual property law questions. They can help you navigate the world of trademarks and patents. It can be a costly investment to hire a Hawaii intellectual property lawyer, but in the long run, if it protects your idea from being copied, it may be worth it.

I recommend: Godbey Griffiths Reiss is a Honolulu firm that has IP experience both on a state and federal level. Vantage Counsel LLC is another Honolulu firm that specializes in IP law in Hawaii.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do your own patent search before conferring with a professional on Hawaii patent law. It could save you time and money in the long run if you discover that your idea has already been documented and patented.
• •  Do market research to see if your invention would even be profitable.
• •  Find an mentor who has been through the process before. Take him or her out to lunch to pick their brain on the process. Learn from their mistakes and take their advice to heart as you proceed with your project.