Patent Issued for the ScubaDoRag

On May 25, 2004, designer Susan Martin received the ultimate validation for an idea that she had three years ago during a scuba jaunt to Cozumel, Mexico. She was issued a utility patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the ScubaDoRag, a self-designed head covering made of Lycra, originally developed for scuba divers with long hair. The issuance of the patent successfully concluded a three-year application process that included a 12-month provisional patent.

The utility patent gives Martin the right for a period of 20 years to promote and profit from her invention and to exclude others from making, using, selling or importing a like product covered within the scope of protection granted by the patent. The patent is broad in its coverage and subsequent protection, and includes an engineering component. With the patent in hand, Martin will now seek licensing arrangements in other market segments

The ScubaDoRag was introduced as a quick-drying and stretchable diver's cap in 2001 at trade shows. Its design and manufacturing methods were subsequently refined for the patent application. Today, the ScubaDoRag is available in 21 limited-edition fabrics with colorful names assigned by Martin and marketed online (www.scubadorag.com), at select dive shops and at trade shows.

Susan Martin is a Charlotte, North Carolina, designer with 23 years of experience in her own design business, Susan Martin Inc. She has added her creative touch to many corporate public spaces and has established a reputation for delivering inventive ideas for special events. In 2000, Susan expanded her business and creative horizons by establishing a product and services brand, Coco Cheznaynay, which would allow her to develop and market products and services. The ScubaDoRag was the label's first branded product.

For more information, contact Susan Martin at cocochez@bellsouth.net or call 704-372-5170. To view Patent No. 6,738,986 B1, go to www.uspto.gov and conduct a patent search by entering the above patent number.

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