I have a really good idea for a product that everyone would use, but no money to even make a prototype.
2006-10-02 13:49:09 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
Don't put the cart before the horse. Don't even consider production or prototype until you have conducted a patent search.
You must make sure that your idea is not already patented. You do not need to spin your wheels trying to reinvent the wheel!
A patent search means looking through the USPTO data base of patents and discovering if your idea has been done before. If you find patents for similar product - consider using that patent as a starting point for your own patent application! You will certainly need to cite the patent number of any invention that is similar to yours. It will be necessary to explain the previous invention and why yours is different or better. Conduct a patent search at www.uspto.gov.
"Steps
Determine what type of patent you will be seeking. A utility patent covers the functional aspects of an invention, while a design patent only covers the appearance of an invention.
Access an online patent database such as the ones provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) and IBM.
Determine the most relevant classes and subclasses for your invention.
Read the class descriptions in the database to see which are relevant to your idea.
Review all patents issued within those classes.
Perform comprehensive keyword searches for your potential invention. Leave no stone unturned.
Assemble your search results into a report that can be readily referenced."
2006-10-04 05:37:57 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a patent first so no 1 can steal the idea then just tell as many ppl about it as u can than maybe one day some 1 will make it than u can sue their a55 and get all the profits for it. or search for agencies that do that or tell your idea 2 some 1 with money willin 2 back it but definately get a patent first
2006-10-02 13:54:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
watch yourself I made a device that allowed your mud flaps to track along behind the front tiers of your car/truck. I made a proto type and applied for a pattent. Four days later I had lawyers from GMC all over me threatening law suites. GMC is sitting on pattents for all kinds of stuff right now. This cost me the price of materials and the application fee for a pattent about six hundred bucks including my time.
2006-10-02 13:57:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I am not sure, but I would get to a lawyer you can trust and get some help. You don't want to get ripped off and I think that happens a lot to inventors.
2006-10-02 13:51:28 · answer #4 · answered by Isis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋