'Co-inventor' (or Joint Inventor)

The term co-inventor usually refers to one of two or more persons who jointly develop an intellectual property such as a patented device. However, a co-inventor may simply be someone who provides ideas or product development services for another party’s idea or invention. The latter may involve hiring a professional product designer or an industrial designer for a service fee. In the event that the plurality of inventors creates a property that may be patented, the United States patent law requires all parties involved in the creation to be equal owners of any patent based on the invention that may be granted. A designer providing service for an inventor must be party to a formal agreement that is drawn up prior to the commencement of work in order to establish compensation terms with the inventor. If the designer’s fee is lower than normal or there is no fee charged, the designer may be entitled to a large share of income from the sale or licensing of the patent rights or the commercialization of products based on the patent or developed product. If the designer is paid a normal fee, the designer may opt to take a lesser position in profit taking.

Albert Einstein, recognized as one of the world's most creative thinkers, worked as a Patent Examiner in the Swiss Patent Office. He was co-inventor for several US Patents.