I have an invention, but I don't know where to start or who to trust with my idea. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom
* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis
* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie
* The Complete Idiot's Guide(R) to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

Start with a concept test where you write a description of the product and what it is used for etc. Share this with some of your friends or strangers to see if there is any interest in the product. If you are worried about your idea being stolen, have them sign a statement saying that they won't steal your idea and then if they do, you can sue them. By doing a concept test you will save a lot of time and money. If people don't want it, you will know before you put a lot of money into it.

I wouldn't recommend going through a company that claims to help inventors. There are all rip-offs. Hopefully this will help you get started. Good Luck!

Answer 3

So you have invented a new product. Now what do you do with it? How can you successfully protect yourself from others stealing your invention? Your first step is to get your invention patented.

What is a patent? A patent is an exclusive right to the inventor's property. That is, it excludes others from manufacturing, reproducing, and selling your invention for a set period of time.

There are actually three types of patents, and they are a utility patent, a design patent, and a plant patent. Different types of patents last for different time periods. Utility patents, which cover processes and machines, generally last for twenty years. Design patents, which are self-explanatory, generally last fourteen years, and a plant patent, which is for an inventor who has discovered and asexually reproduced any new variety of plants, generally lasts seventeen years. Once the prescribed time elapses, your patent expires, and your invention becomes public domain.

In order to apply for a patent, you simply contact the Patent Office and get the necessary application. There are fees you must pay when you submit your application and apply for your patent, and they are quite costly. So, you must be serious about your invention before you proceed further with it.

Notice the word "apply" for a patent application. There is simply no guarantee whatsoever that you will get a patent for your product. As soon as your application is sent to the Patent Office, it will be thoroughly examined by them. If your invention passes all of their scrutiny, and is found to be an original creation, and, you have paid all of the necessary fees, then your patent will be granted. But, on the other hand, if the Patent Office finds similiarities in your invention versus an already patented invention, you may be required to change your invention.

Anyone can obtain a patent, as long as their invention is not too close in structure, or, is not too similiar to another invention that has already been patented. Your invention must be new, and not just a spin-off of another patented product.

During the creation of your entire invention, from beginning to end, you should keep all of the documentation connected with your project. This documentation would include receipts as well as all of the information concerning your invention. You will need a drawing of your invention, with the date and your name marked on it too.

There are attorneys available who deal with only the law and patents. They are appropriately known as "Patent Attorneys" and can be located in the yellow pages of your local telephone book. A patent attorney can properly fill out your patent application. Or, if you fill it out yourself, he or she can proof read it to make sure it is correct and complete. He or she can also act as your agent when dealing with the Patent Office, especially if there are any disputes that need resolved. Patent attorneys are expensive, so, again, think carefully about if you really need one before you contract the services of one.

For more information, visit your local public library and check out some books about the legalities of inventing and getting your invention patented.

Answer 4

If its somthing big like a water engine a guy from ca. invented then shut up and stay alive but if its somthing small buy a pented for it and sue the hell out of some one trying to copy it.

Answer 5

The first thing you need to do is check if anyone else has similar or the same idea that has already been patented. For example in Australia you can check the below URL to see if your idea has been patented before.

Answer 6

You have to patent your inventions and get copyright!

Answer 7

always use the best tec. you have in mind. go to the only person you trust the most

Answer 8

first tell me about your invention and then I'll explain...........