How can I get an affordable prototype created for my original product design?

Question

This is a product for pets, what about patent rights - do I need a working prototype - my biggest concern is getting a working prototype made to show stores.

Thank you - I will follow up with your suggestions - very informative!

Answer 1

To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

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 It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* 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

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

If you are in the Southern Ca. area I may be able to help.
I have a small one man machine shop and have been in business since 1984.Over the years I have helped a number of
inventors with their prototypes.
My shop is very private and I always work with a "Non Disclosure Agreement"
I suspect your project is in plastic and may require a mold to be made.I do not do mold making,but can steer you in the right
direction,to an Honest shop.
There is very little mold making done here in the US
now a days.Nearly everything in molds goes to China to keep
cost down.
The major expense in a project requiring a mold is the mold
itself of course.Once the mold is made and proves out production can be very affordable!
Keep "all" the details of your project to your self!!
I suggest you draw up your idea,with a complete description and
go to the post office and have them seal,date and postmark the envelope and send it to your self registered mail,"return receipt
requested"
Do not open or break the seal of the envelope.
This will mark the date "you" came up with the idea.
If you are ever challenged a judge can open it and render a decision.
This is better than no protection at all and cost very little.
See my response recently to a question for which I was chosen
best answer.
Best of luck,be careful who you trust !!

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Answer 3

Since you have publicly stated that you have this product you want to market, and I assume you at least have drawings that are dated, your product is legally "Patent Pending", unless they've changed the law on me. Unless you can build a working prototype yourself, you're going to be out some money to have it done. You can then proceed to vendors and, if your product sells, continue on with the patenting process. This is more money, for a patent lawyer, a draftsman to draw the illustrations for the patent office, and finding someone to mass produce your product. You need a sponsor. Wish I weren't an old, retired guy. I don't have the bucks to help you with that any longer. There is someone out there, though. Just be extremely careful who you choose.

Answer 4

I am interested... Like he said make sure you have your drawings and ideas are on paper... make sure the information is written out and dated.

Then email me...

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I have a couple people that are interested in investing in a product that we deem will be able to make a profit.

Please don't send me any information until after you have your ideas together and keep a copy of all drawing etc with dates... so there is no patent concern...

Answer 5

one thank you to do a preliminary prototype could be however arts and crafts. What could the product be produced from? Is there a craft's individual regionally working in that cloth. flow to 3 craft shows to work out what all of us is doing. Is there a sort provided close to you in working in that cloth? could desire to you in all probability do you prototype interior the classification?

Answer 6

I am doing some consulting for a firm that helps inventors get their product to market through licensing of the technology/product design.

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