How to protect an idea & get some sales without people copying it?

Question

I've come up with a new idea for a product. It isn't new technology like Blueray but instead uses a combination of existing technology so there's nothing new I could patent.

If I sell the business idea it will do much better if I have some sales under my belt to prove it's a sucesses and there's a genuine demand for it.

How can I make these sales without spuring copy-cat products?

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

If it's a significant improvement to an existing product, you may be able to file for a patent. 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:

* 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!

Answer 2

if theres no new tech you can't, but you would be supprized how well your idea ould sell as an idea with drawings, tech briefs and gubbins maybe a prototype. look at BMW they developed a car in 99 that ran on water (actually it extracted the hydrogen and oxygen out of water and burnt them seperately) BP and Shell Oils clubbed together and payed millions between them for it just to destroy it

Answer 3

right it all down down pop it in an envelope and send it to your self dont open it and if some one does the frank mark on the leter will prove u had the idear first if u take them to count..