Do I need a patent?

[WANTONSOUPGUY]

Hi. I'm employed at my own business fixing cars, but I love making candles. Is there any need for a patent if I decide to make and sell soy wax or other candles? Anyone know?

[Vicky_CO]

No a patent is not needed.

[Gdawg]

No patent but you may want to look at getting Copyrights or all rights reserved ect for the name and what not. You can also look at getting an LLC

[RaeLe]

Generally speaking, a patent is a grant from the federal government that gives an inventor the right to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing his invention (whether the "invention" be a business method, electical or mechanical process, or a non-functional design). A copyright grants a right to exclude others from copying, selling, performing, displaying or making derivative versions of a fixed, original work of authorship like music, a book, or a piece of art. A trademark grants the right to exclusively use a brand name, design, slogan, sound, smell or any other symbol used to identify and market goods and services.

None of these things are needed, per say, to sell your candles. What I suggest is you incorporate yourself to sheild your personal assets from being legally bound to your candle business, get whatever city business licenses you need and insurance... always good to have insurance.