Inventor Log
 An inventor log is an important document in protecting your invention idea. It is a journal or diary that is a written record of the development of your invention.
Ownership The log establishes the conception date and ownership rights of your invention. It is supporting evidence of your creation. Inventor logs are powerful legal documents and effective patent planning tools. Some governments, such as the United States, grant invention rights only to the person who is the first inventor - not the first person to patent it. Patents have been disputed when others have claimed to have invented the product before the patent holder. This is not unusual because inventors can be working on similar inventions.
How To UseThe log is a notebook that has stitched binding so that pages cannot be removed without being noticed. This maintains the integrity of your log because you are not able to go back and add or remove pages. You can get a stitched notebook to use as a log anywhere school supplies are sold. When you do anything that evolves and advances your invention idea - you write what you did in the log.
You write the date and time of your entries and then sign them. Use a pen. Never attempt to erase anything you write. If you want to correct something - draw a line through the entry you want to correct - then initial and date it - then write the correction. Number each page of your log book.
WitnessHave a trusted friend or family member witness the pages with their signature and date. They must understand what they are witnessing so it should read: "Read, understood and witnessed by." Ensure that any witness to your invention idea sign a non-disclosure agreement. You can have them witness an experiment and the results. You can record the experiment in the log book and have witnesses sign it.
DetailsYour log should contain detailed hand written notes describing the development of your invention as well as sketches, drawings, results of experiments, materials used - everything. Write the names of any suppliers - keep all receipts, bills and correspondence in files.
Keep all models, samples, prototypes you make and materials used. Sign and date them. Record notes in your log of the time you spent thinking, solving problems, experimenting and researching. Write in your journal what is unique about your invention, what uses does it have - what problems does it solve.
Record the benefits of various features of your invention. What advantages does your product have to other products. Keep notes on how the product will be manufactured - keep notes on everything. The log is also valuable as a record of your time. Many governments provide tax credits or rebates for research and development, which can be applied to revenues you may earn.  Store your log in a safe and secure place. A locked fireproof safety box is good. The Inventor log is an excellent tool for protecting the development of your invention idea.
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