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Where to go/what to do if you have an idea for an invention?
Posted on 10/14/13 at 3:57 pm
Posted on 10/14/13 at 3:57 pm
If I have a general idea accompanied with some pretty sub par drawings. What is the next step to get my idea running? It's an actual product you would use on a daily basis.
TIA
TIA
Posted on 10/14/13 at 4:10 pm to texastiger921
Go the Patent Office and see if someone else already has a patent. If so, maybe you can license it. If not, maybe you can patent it (or not, sometimes it's better not to).
Then find seed capital and start making it. Be sure you have a plan to sell your product.
Finally, hire Poodlebrain to do your tax work.
Then find seed capital and start making it. Be sure you have a plan to sell your product.
Finally, hire Poodlebrain to do your tax work.
Posted on 10/14/13 at 4:11 pm to texastiger921
I would guess an IP attorney would be a good place to start.
Posted on 10/14/13 at 6:48 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
I don't think I would use a jump to conclusions mat on a daily basis, sorry.
Posted on 10/14/13 at 7:24 pm to texastiger921
Play around with Google Patents. They've got some very good search features built in. The USPTO site is awful. Google patents will do worldwide searching too.
Posted on 10/14/13 at 10:16 pm to texastiger921
Hit up twitter for @icaninvent.
Her name is Lisa Lloyd and she consults for people doing that.
She's a TON of knowledge and has been there/done that herself.
Her name is Lisa Lloyd and she consults for people doing that.
She's a TON of knowledge and has been there/done that herself.
Posted on 10/14/13 at 10:33 pm to Meauxjeaux
These responses are helping!
Searched Google Patents and didn't find a thing close to my idea!
But my main concern now - if I had just the drawings and not an actual prototype, could I still get a patent and secure my idea?
I can draw and describe it all day, but for me to actually engineer this product is a bit of a stretch for me and my business admin. degree.
I also have read about using non-disclourse agreements. I want to be prepared before I go and talk to someone.
So long story short...
2nd Question:
To obtain a "strong" patent, does one need a fully functional prototype?
Searched Google Patents and didn't find a thing close to my idea!
But my main concern now - if I had just the drawings and not an actual prototype, could I still get a patent and secure my idea?
I can draw and describe it all day, but for me to actually engineer this product is a bit of a stretch for me and my business admin. degree.
I also have read about using non-disclourse agreements. I want to be prepared before I go and talk to someone.
So long story short...
2nd Question:
To obtain a "strong" patent, does one need a fully functional prototype?
Posted on 10/14/13 at 11:37 pm to texastiger921
No, you don't.(need a fully functioning prototype that is)
Not to be a broken record, but hit up Lisa. She's like 75 an hour and in an hour you'll have all of that type of stuff answered.
Not to be a broken record, but hit up Lisa. She's like 75 an hour and in an hour you'll have all of that type of stuff answered.
This post was edited on 10/15/13 at 9:41 am
Posted on 10/14/13 at 11:53 pm to texastiger921
I work at USPTO.
My friendly advice: hire a competent patent prosecution firm, preferably one that can also help you license your invention right away, if that is your desired course.
Good luck, sir!
And be ready to throw down at least $8k
My friendly advice: hire a competent patent prosecution firm, preferably one that can also help you license your invention right away, if that is your desired course.
Good luck, sir!
And be ready to throw down at least $8k
This post was edited on 10/14/13 at 11:57 pm
Posted on 10/15/13 at 9:43 am to gizmoflak
quote:
And be ready to throw down at least $8k
This is why I said to call Lisa.
She has several patented products and never threw anywhere near $8k into a patent attorney.
Like most legal stuff, you can do most of the legwork yourself prior to bringing it to an atty and save yourself a ton of $$$.
Or you can walk into an atty office and say "do it all for me" and pay 8k.
This post was edited on 10/15/13 at 9:44 am
Posted on 10/15/13 at 10:19 am to texastiger921
Build your product, market it , and see what happens. If it is so wildly successful that someone produces a knock off there are worse problems to have. It is very rare that someone patents an idea then sells it for significant money. A patent will only protect your idea to the extent of the resources you have to defend it in court.
Posted on 10/15/13 at 12:08 pm to EA6B
quote:
Build your product, market it , and see what happens. If it is so wildly successful that someone produces a knock off there are worse problems to have. It is very rare that someone patents an idea then sells it for significant money. A patent will only protect your idea to the extent of the resources you have to defend it in court.
True, but the one big problem with this approach is that potential licensees or buyers of the technology may be hesitant to do a deal if you don't own the IP.
It depends on the type of idea and potential customers.
Posted on 10/16/13 at 10:53 pm to texastiger921
inventhelp.com man come on! havent you seen the commercials? i have no idea what i am talking about
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