I have a great idea for a toy that would especially sell good during the holidays but also all year long. I have no money to make it and no money to patent it. Should I just keep my idea to myself or how can I profit from it? I have kids between the ages of 4-15 and they think it's an awesome idea. They wish my idea was out in the stores now because they want for them selves.
2006-07-10 23:03:29 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Games & Recreation ➔ Toys
You should FIRST learn about non disclosure agreements. You must not discuss this idea with any potential partners until they sign a non disclosure agreement for you. You must have a friendly witness to verify content of conversations you have about your toy. You should have a prototype. You shouldhave a good idea of standard construction method preferably in written form. Then look for Angels (this is the term for investors).
2006-07-10 23:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 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 else the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.
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
* 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
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!
2006-07-11 10:24:27 · answer #2 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, start saving for a patent. I honestly don't know about patent laws or inventing, so another thing you might want to splurge on (although it won't be a splurge if your product eventually sells!) is a lawyer who knows about these things, so that when you go out to sell your idea to people who CAN manufacture it, no one will say "I don't think so" and then steal it. I have heard of such things happening, so keep the idea to yourself for now.
If you are super-confident about this product, there's always borrowing money for a patent and to begin production on your own. Go to the patent office online for more info, and good luck!
2006-07-11 09:52:43 · answer #3 · answered by cay_damay 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could go to the bank and ask for a small business loan to get some money to try and manufacture it. If you don't want to do that you can try and sell the idea to a toy manufacturing company.
2006-07-11 06:07:24 · answer #4 · answered by SweetyPie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Write down the idea in all its detail, then seal it in an envelope, maybe with a wax seal then mail it to yourself and don't open it. that way if anyone copies you then you can bring it out and show them that the idea was yours and you came up with it first cos of the date on the post office's stamp. I know a few mates who did this with a song
2006-07-11 06:06:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO NOT TELL ANYONE then save to get it patented.
I have had loads of Ideas and told people, then they have made the money and I have ended up with nothing
2006-07-11 06:07:51 · answer #6 · answered by REAPER_ENTERPRISES 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok. similar case. we are manufacturers in china. last year a gentleman approached us with an idea. it had potential, so my co. manufactured it on credit. i.e. pay after the product sells, but the price we quoted his was a premium for my co.
we could do it for you too.
2006-07-11 06:12:52 · answer #7 · answered by luckychina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sell any unwanted things or any old things or have a deal with any toy companyand make money
2006-07-11 10:21:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://my.execpc.com/~mhallign/form1.html
for a Non Disclosure Agreement. Start here. This is the very first step you do!.
2006-07-11 06:20:38 · answer #9 · answered by Vicky L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell me the idea and i will see what i can do
2006-07-11 06:06:22 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋