In detail, how can I get a good idea developed and have it sold or leased to a manufacturer?

Question

I have great products (on paper) that could be huge, but I don't know how to take the next real step. One thing I do know, is that you seldom START with a patent. Ideas can be legally protected with careful documentation until a full (or provisional) patent is obtained. Some of my ideas may or may not be patentable, but are certainly very marketable. Trying to pin down good information on this subject is very frustrating. Most services you find are only trying to sell you something (books, legal services, software, etc); some are somewhat helpful but don't quite offer the guidance you (I) need. I'd like to get these products in the real world and in the marketplace. But to do so, I need to know who to contact to "get the ball rolling." I'm not opposed to a colaboration with an agency or manufacturer as long as it's fair and NOT one of those TV shopping scams. Please help if you can.

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:

Patent Specific (for those products that will need one):
* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom

What to do Next:
* From Patent To Profit: Secrets & Strategies For The Successful Inventor, Third Edition by Bob Dematteis
* How to License Your Million Dollar Idea: Everything You Need To Know To Turn a Simple Idea into a Million Dollar Payday, 2nd Edition by Harvey Reese
* The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas by Ronald Louis Docie
* The Complete Idiot's Guide ® to Cashing in On Your Inventions by Richard Levy
* Bringing Your Product to Market: Fast-Track Approaches to Cashing in on Your Great Idea, 2nd Edition by Don Debelak
* Entrepreneur Magazine: Bringing Your Product to Market by Don Debelak
* Product Idea to Product Success: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Making Money from Your Idea by Matthew Yubas

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!