I have invented something...but how do I get it made?

Question

I have an idea for an invention that will be as life-changing as the cell phone, or computer. Once I get it patent, how do I get it built? I don't know how to build anything. How do I find a company that will manufacture them for me?

Answer 1

Don't spend lots of money without getting good advice...

Go to www.inventconnect.com.au and list it there... They have info about manufacturers and grants and funding and all ways to protect the thing for you...

Email them as well at [e-mail] and ask them for some advice or referals to manufacturer portals or industry associations as well...

Answer 2

Before you go to the expense of applying for a patent, there is a simple step you can take to protect your idea, for which a legal precedent has been set. Make a combination of detailed drawings and written description of your invention. Be as accurate and complete as possible to the best of your artistic and literary ability. Sign and date the documents, put them in an envelope, and mail them to yourself. When you receive the envelope back via mail, DO NOT OPEN IT. Keep it intact and in a secure location. This way, if anyone tries to steal the idea, you have established a paper trail with a U.S. Mail postmark. This is a very powerful, very cheap way to protect your idea. Next, do not use an "inventor's service". Use only licensed patent attorney. Conduct internet research to find out which ones are the best. When you are ready, retain the attorney, make him sign a confidentiality agreement, and pitch your invention or idea. Most patent attorneys are networked with various manufacturers and marketers, and will generally be able to tell you if there is a market for your product. If your patent attorney actually brings a potential buyer,investor to the table, you may then want to consider hiring an agent. If your invention is any good, its not likely that you will ever see the patent, the design will be sold as "patent pending" you will be paid handsomely, and the manufacturer will take over the patent process. The timetable from idea to sale can be almost instantaneous if it is as revolutionary as you say. Just make sure to protect your property. P.S. Do not try to patent any devices representing perpetual motion, perpetual energy or anything that violates the laws of thermodynamics unless you are prepared to present a full scale working model.

Answer 3

Step the first, wirte it down. Date the paper. Get someone "skilled in the art" that you trust to understand what your idea is and to put their John Hancock on that paper with a date that says they understand what the heck your idea is and how it works. That someone could be a patent lawyer or an engineer or just a technically saavy person, but they must know what they're talking about and they must be trustworthy. Once your idea is on paper, make sure that any blank space on the paper is crossed out and filled with ink so no one can claim you have made additions to the idea.

Now you can go one of two paths, you can either get the idea patented, which will cost between 5 and 20K and take between 60 months and 5 years, or you can go to an investment firm and convince them to lend you the capital for patent. They'll get a chunk of the profit, but it'll at least get done (patents are not cheap.)

Once it's patented (or at least pending), you present the idea to venture capitalists in some form or another.

Answer 4

First patent it. That will take about $10,000 minimum and three years or so. Then find someone to build it. If you disclose it to anyone without a legal agreement that they have to protect your invention from disclosure, or without you owning a patent on it it's public domain.

Answer 5

I'm your huckleberry....

This is one of the things I do for a living. E-mail me, and I'll send you some info about me and my company. The best thing - you might not need any money to get started (I am willing to participate as an investor, and take a big bite out of you on the back side )

We are doing some changes to the website, but I believe the "development" link is working. Rolling out a new look for 2007.

E-mail me.

Answer 6

Tree, let me tell you something. This area is full of crooks and thieves. Send money to no one, I don't care how charming they sound and all the good stuff you want to hear. You have to find someone who has experience in this.
There was a show on TV called "American Inventor" see if these people can direct you.
I went thru this madness writing a book. A friend tried inventing and song writing, he got screwed.

Answer 7

First you have to patent it. After that you have to contact the kinds of companies you think would be interested in manufacturing it and ask them what they think. I suspect that many people use agents for this, but if you're not rich you probably can't afford an agent.

Answer 8

If it's electronic and it can be built by hand. I'd be willing to give it a try. At least the prototype to work out any bugs, manufacturing intricacies, and parts sourcing.
I'd sign any type of agreement for non-disclosure or confidentiality you'd like.
Just like to tinker.

Answer 9

HERE IS UR SOLUTION.....but first read this.....u kno those cutters gloves.....started off few yrs back now nike doesnt want it in the market cuz its cheaper and better....my dad is the general manager of the company..not cutters....but its a group...like making stuff for other brands..like levis stuff....so my father told me..this guy came to the president and told his plans and stuff about making this invention...and here he is one of the best football(canadian rugby) gloves are made by cutters and a lot more....true story....u just need someone who can make ur plan come true...but for that u need to be very confident with ur plan and that ur invention is quite useful...hope this works for u !!!

Answer 10

I know one thing for sure - don't call one of those Invention hotlines. Big scam there.

If it really is as life changing as you say - you should have no problem getting someone to finance it.