Patent Ownership

[permrc01]

Dear ExpertLaw,

I invented an item and got the patent approval last year. I was the sole inventer but did include my sisters on the patent application as inventers. My question is this, does this mean that we are all equal partners? Since I invented the item, do I get to say what percentage each person has, or is it to late since the patent has already been approved?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You have them down as inventors, or as co-applicants? Patents often list inventors who have no right to the patent - e.g., where a corporation like Ford patents an invention of one of its designers or engineers.