I have an idea for a new product......Now what?

Question

I realize that I need to come up with a business plan, but I want to know who I can go to in order to find out if this product can really be created. I also want to find out if something like what I have in mind hasn't already been thought of.

Answer 1

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

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.

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:

Getting a Patent:
* 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!

Answer 2

What's it made of? If you can't build it yourself, you'll have to go to a factory that makes prototypes. It's expensive, that's one of the reasons for the business plan that's required for any lender before they will give you money. I can make my own stuff so I was able to skip that step.

In this day and age of the internet, you should be able to tell in just a few minutes if it's already been thought of.

If you can't afford to get a patent, you'll have to be ready with your next invention because this one will be copied if it's any good. That's the price we pay for being creative and poor!