the remitting point which usually ends the matter so
far as they are concerned, unless they believe they can get another fee
out of the patentee.

There may be exceptions, but patentees should fully satisfy themselves
as to the integrity of these firms before placing business in their
hands, as the Assistant Commissioner of Patents in his report in the
Webberburn case, 81 O. G., 191 K, clearly pointed out that the methods
of these concerns were such as to sell the patentees rather than their
patents.

[Sidenote: The Patentee the Best Selling Agent.]

That the patentee himself is the best selling agent there can be no
doubt, for he is familiar with the construction and operation of his
invention in every detail, and knows its merits and superior points far
better than anyone else, besides manufacturers and others wishing to
purchase patents invariably desire to deal with the patentee himself.
Business men, it may be said as a rule, do not think very much of an
invention which the inventor has abandoned to others to negotiate,
moreover the personal push of the inventor is, in nearly all cases,
essential to the successful termination of a sale.

Subtract the personal energy and presence of the inventor from the
successful inventions of the past and of to-day, and the chances are
that they would not have succeeded as they did. It is not only a
question of material interest, but also of enthusiasm and confidence,
and each patentee, having but one patent or a set of patents to push,
can lend thereto that individual attention which insures good work and
success.

[Sidenote: In Case the Patentee Cannot Undertake the Selling.]

However, if from any reason the patentee is unable to handle his own
invention and must engage the services of an agent or salesman, he
should select one from among his own acquaintances, in whom he has
confidence. He should if possible get a person who has had experience in
the line of the invention, as such a person would likely understand it
and the trade better than others. It is not really necessary that he
should have had experience in selling patents; if he is a good talker,
knows how to approach business men, and thoroughly understands the
invention, he will probably make money for the inventor and himself. The
patentee should have him submit all offers of value for his
consideration, and should not give the agent power to sign or collect.
The patentee should name a reasonable price for th