Puppet pattern, where can I sell it?

Question

I have a pattern for a puppet that I have created. It is my own design. I was wondering where I might sell this design or if I should even.

I used certain equipment to make it, so I could aproach the manufacture of the equipment and see if they want to buy my pattern. Or I could put together a video instruction CD and sell it on EBay or some like place. Or I could just keep it to myself.

Also how do I get my pattern copy righted?

Please give me your thoughts, ideas and advice.

Oh, almost forgot, the puppet pattern is a hand puppet with a moving mouth and is of professional quality and easy to make.

Answer 1

I say omit the middle man and try selling it on e-bay, You could always go back to the manufacture if it doesn't work. But, before you do, you should register your pattern with your local patten office (usually located in the local court house).

Answer 2

There are several ways. First, if you intend to get a patent, don't sell any until you do. Otherwise it will void some of the patent protections. Get a good patent attorney locally, NOT one of the Washington ones that advertise online. Be prepared to spend between $10,000 - $15,000 dollars. Google "patent" and the name of your state to see if your state offers any technical assistance on patent applications. Maine does, through the University of Southern Maine.

You can only patent the method, not the idea. And you can only copyright the name.

I have an item that I invented, and I sell it from a website. It's not patented but it's hard to figure out how I did it, so nobody has copied the idea and I sell A LOT of it. So I would suggest that you get a nice professional looking website. You could offer the pattern there as well, and capture both markets. Make sure you do research on publishing so that you can get all the proper copyrights for your patterns.

Also, go to the nearest tourist town and visit shops that sell locally-made items. A good puppet will always do well in a gift shop.
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Answer 3

etsy.com is a great place to sell anything handmade or the pattern. It's cheaper than ebay (as a seller). The only downside is that not a lot of people know about it, so it limits potential customers. You have to advertise for yourself (add a link to your blog, participate in forums, flickr, etc). You'll retain the ownership of the pattern (unlike selling to a book, magazine, or company).

Your pattern is already copyrighted by the fact that you documented it (wrote it down). Add a "copyright (your name) (year)" and you're protected. You can register your copyright with the copyright office, but that costs $.

Good luck!