I'm not sure where to start & what are the next steps. Do I make a prototype, try & sell the idea directly to a company, draw plans, register patents etc, and in what order? Is there a procedure to follow for someone at the idea stage?
2006-11-01 13:36:29 · 7 answers · asked by Cathy L 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Small Business
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.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. 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:
* 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
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!
2006-11-02 01:33:27 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First is to get a patent. First step is to do a patent search. You need to be sure that no one else has had that idea. There are also very definite rules about patents - there are several things you need to satisfy to get a patent. Besides making sure someone else hasn't already patented your product (or something sufficiently close), you also have to be able to make the thing - you cannot patent an idea alone. Enrico Fermi held the patent for inventing the nuclear reactor because he actually patented how the reactor would work - not just an idea that could work.
There are several ways to go after that. Get a lawyer and try to sell the patent. Get a lawyer and try to get royalties off of the use of your patent. Develop a prototype and try to sell the object. Go into business of your own. Best step is to find a patent lawyer and get his/her advice on the next few steps. There are several books about the process.
Remember, millions dollar ideas are a dime a dozen. Gives you an idea how few people actually carry the process to the point of making money.
2006-11-01 21:43:05 · answer #2 · answered by ZenPenguin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
File a provisional patent...It's a lot cheaper than a standard patent and gives you time and priority.
Note: provisional patent does not grant you any rights, it's just preserves your patent rights for upto a year.
2006-11-01 21:40:29 · answer #3 · answered by feanor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
better get it patent and then make a prototype and be sure of the sucess and better test it at home or lab and then if you try to prove it you will be appreciated...
Good Luck!
2006-11-01 21:46:16 · answer #4 · answered by bobby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might talk to a patent attorney or check with U.S. Patent Office.
2006-11-01 21:40:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you can make a prototype on your own do, document everything, mail copies of your papers, drafts, drawings and mail them to yourself (do not open the envelopes) and if you can afford it get a patten price varies depending on where you go but its roughly 3000
2006-11-01 21:40:16 · answer #6 · answered by jaymzknowsitbest 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.divison54.com --- they
for $680 + 10% of your profit if your invention is sold.
They will do all that for you, and get you started too.
If you like you can send me 0.5% for my guidance, ha ha ha. Just kidding . one i spoke to is named Jayson Metsik
Lots of luck , hope you do well.
www.davison54.com
2006-11-01 21:55:06 · answer #7 · answered by boby223 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋