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MenuHow can I get help with a prototype and patents on my idea or inventions?
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If you want help, I can get Marvin Weinberger (founder of patented tools company InnovationFactory.com) on a call - I won't charge extra, since I'll just be facilitating the conversation. Let me know if you want me to set that up.
In terms of prototyping, it depends on the product. If you let me know on the call I'll follow up with resources. For example, if you need a simple, small prototype, you might be able to build it yourself in a local facility (ie: NextFab in Philadelphia). If it's more advanced, there are prototyping resources out there, but they vary based on the type of product.
For simplicity sakes, try Quirky.com
For DIY: first step is being afraid of sharing your ideas. Research has proved that ideas are a revolving cycle among many, before you had it chances are a few people already did and didn't pursue it or failed at it. It seems people don't typically steal ideas, because they are hard to pursue, they don't instantly mean wealth, and thus don't.
But what is guaranteed is that if you don't share your ideas with others, you will too fail in bringing them to life.
Parenting in itself costs a lot of time and money, depending on the idea or "invention" you might better off producing and implementing with a growth hack marketing effort for quick adoption and sales and through sales fund your patenting. Is risky but is often done. First to market goes a long way, sometimes more than parents themselves because a clever firm will always tweak to work around that. - take a what's going on with GoPro right now...
God bless and best of luck!
Humberto Valle
www.unthink.me
This is impossible to answer without more information. Sorry.
I have expertise in both areas, but don't even know the area of technology, team strengths, cash position, etc.
If this is a physical product that you're talking about, for the prototype, hire a mechanical engineer. I know several which specialize in startups and prototyping.
A quality engineer will not only have experience in the processes your product will need to be prototyped AND mass produced, after you have proved your concept, they will be able to provide you with REAL DFM (Design For Manufacturing), a BOM (Bill of Materials) and a PRD (Product Requirements Document).
In other words, everything you need to contact manufacturers and produce your product. Even if you are planning on licensing your idea or just looking for funding, actually knowing a little about how to make your product will go a long way.
Most mechanical engineers know and can present you to independent electrical engineers and other experts to help bring your idea to life.
This does require an investment but, if you have done your preliminary market research you should have a feel if the benefits are worth the risk.
Before even thinking about a patent, consult an IP lawyer. Just Google some in your area and call for an initial interview. You may be surprised to find that maybe you don't need to worry about a patent right away. I've done some eye opening interviews with IP lawyers on this subject.
Ask them the question, "when am I not ready for a patent?"
Here are a few links to articles I've written on both of these subjects...
https://www.aireplastics.com/first-prototype/
https://www.aireplastics.com/how-to-hire-for-engineering-design/
https://www.aireplastics.com/top-10-before-patenting-invention/
I hope these help!
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I have an idea for a simple household kitchen product (under $5). Where can I get good advice on the process of bringing it to market?
Hi! The quick answer is that simple invention ideas are great as they are the fastest and least expensive to develop, yet can still be highly profitable. I run a consumer product firm which has developed hundreds of inventions for home-based inventors or small product firms - Essentially we take it from Idea to Store Shelves. The best advice I can give is to ONLY do what is absolutely required to sell product... There are lots of great services out there that are beneficial; however, if you're on a limited budget, stick to only what is necessary to make a sale, which is: 1. Industrial Design / Engineering, 2. A manufactured sample and a manufacturer who can produce product, and 3. A provisional patent. Essentially what you need is a real, physical, and fully functioning unit of your product, the prices to manufacture that product and a manufacturer who is ready to produce units, and intellectual property protection so that your idea is not stolen. Once you have these 3 items, you can start to present your product to wholesalers, retails, distributors, etc. If someone likes it and the price is reasonable, they can place an order, and your business and dream product starts to grow. From there, there is a whole world of possibilities, but the most important thing for now is to develop your product from 'idea' into 'real'. Whatever you do, do not get caught up in the idea of 'licencing' your idea. An idea is almost impossible to licence unless it is CURRENTLY being manufactured AND being SOLD through stores. If someone or a company says that they will help licence your product idea for royalties, etc., then they should be willing to do that for FREE, no charge, no fees. Many people attempt to charge fees to licence a product idea; however, if you aren't currently selling in stores, it will almost be impossible to get any form of monetary payment, so they usually are just trying to get your fees for their 'marketing' services, which are almost useless for an undeveloped product, and they know this. If you would like more information on some of the details of product development, we have a free Invention Guide on our website, check it out here: http://www.makoinvent.com/free-invention-kit/ Cheers, Kevin Mako President, Mako Invent www.makoinvent.com www.facebook.com/makoinvent www.twitter.com/makoinventKevin MakoKM
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I have an idea of a hardware product, that has received good feedback until now.Should I fill for a provisional patent or start an indiegogo campaign?
The answer: do both. The first thing you need to know about patents is that the U.S. now has a first-inventor-to-file system after the American Invents Act (AIA) went into effect in 2013. I have to disagree with Dan above: for hardware inventions especially, a patent is an important part of the business plan. The first inventor who "races to the patent office" now is typically the winner. This means if you do not file for a patent on your invention, you can lose the rights to your invention much easier than before the AIA. The next step is to think about how a patent fits into your business plan. A patent application is but a tool in your bag when starting up. A crowdsourcing campaign on a site like Indiegogo can validate the idea. But it also puts the idea out to the public and starts the 1-year clock ticking on when you can get a patent. For hardware startups, however, if you're not thinking about a patent upfront -- you're likely leaving a massive amount of your product's value on the table.Jonathan PaskyJP
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Where do l go to sell my patented idea?
First of all, what you have is a provisional patent **application**. For now, the provisional patent application is not publicly available. This can be a big advantage to you. You can use this time to improve your invention and file additional provisional applications. If you don't plan on making/practicing the invention yourself, you should make sure to try to think of everything possible regarding how that invention can be improved. This would (hopefully) come naturally to a practicing inventor. When you file your non-provisional application, your disclosure will be made public ("published") 18 months from the filing of the non-provisional. While your applications are not publicly available, I suggest waiting until you file your non-provisional application(s) to talk to others. Quite often, provisional applications do not have the detail or the scope that the non-provisional will have -- due to the time spent on getting drawings accurate and making sure everything is included in your non-provisional applications. It is best to have a complete application before talking to practicing companies. Sophisticated companies will take advantage of information not disclosed in your provisional application to file their own patent applications. If your applications are not publicly available (or even they are published), you should sign confidentiality agreements (non-disclosure agreements) with anyone you talk to about licensing or buying your invention. Keeping track of who you talked to with confidentiality agreements can be the basis for "notice" of the invention by an infringer -- when they eventually steal your invention. You can sell your idea anytime, but a provisional application is worth a lot less than a non-provisional application which is worth less than an allowed application or issued patent. Provisional applications are generally not as complete as they could be -- and require additional time and finesse to complete the non-provisional application. In terms of appearances, if you are not willing to put in the money to file the non-provisional application, the invention is likely not worth that much money. Companies as well as non-practicing entities may look at provisional applications, but not for long, and will not give you the kind of money that you may get from selling a fully examined patent. Of course, it depends on how good your invention is.Amy PearsonAP
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Can i create and sell my invention before filing for a provisional patent and maintain my rights to the invention?
The answer is yes, but it always depends. Let me begin by saying that the more knowhow, etc. involved, the easier it is to sell something without any patent protection. Otherwise, you are trying to sell something without protection and you get no protection until the patent issues, which may take years. The acquirer may just run with it (I would) without licensing knowing there is no cost until your patent issues. Then, when you file, they will see your claims and try to modify their product around your claims. It is slightly vicious in nature. That said, I may not act much different if you file first, unless I can buy your patent or the license costs are very inexpensive. Secondly, many countries have absolute novelty and you will not be able to protect your invention there ever, even if a licensee arises and wants to enter those markets. This too, is a serious limitation for licensing. My conclusion would be that you are underfunded to address your IP and that I can get away with murder. Filing the application is your way of telling people that you are serious. That said, it is not necessary and I have a lot of clients that file later or never file.Gordon FreedmanGF
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