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New Inventor- Seeking Advice/Confirmation of Next Steps
by drenn24 » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:54 am
- drenn24
- White Belt
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- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:03 am
Hey everyone,
I've been reading these forums for a while and am finally making a post (usually the answers I need are already out there).
I'm working on a new product idea that I came up with several months ago. Not sure if I'd call it an invention or a new product idea...some of both? It basically is combining two existing products, one being more technology and one being more a base product. As I don't have any protection on the IP yet, a similar example would be something such adding a digital clock onto the inside of a pair of sunglasses so that you can always see what time it is. By themselves, each product already exists and is not new. However, the utility of combining both of them is something that I have not seen on the market nor have I seen any patents relating to it...I've looked for both extensively on my own.
At this point, I've built a functional prototype which worked as well as I had hoped and have ordered materials to build a couple more to tweak with. I'm planning on beginning to show it to friends & family who I can trust to get some initial feedback. I understand that they are not experts in this product field and are likely biased toward liking it or not wanting to hurt my feelings, but I think its an easy place to start. I have then thought about approaching store owners, industry experts (through SCORE, etc?) with CDAs/NDAs to get their thoughts.
At some point, I plan on having an invention/product evaluation done (at a university or somewhere like the Innovation Institute, etc.). I also plan to have a patent attorney conduct a thorough search. If after both of those are completed, things are looking good, I would then apply for a provisional patent and take it from there. If things weren't looking as good as I'd like, I'd tweak the product as necessary (if possible).
My question to all of you seasoned inventors out there is this: What is the most logical/efficient/economical/effective series of next steps? Do the patent search...then the product evaluation? Reverse? Something else?
I really appreciate any and all advice I can get.
Much thanks,
Dan
I've been reading these forums for a while and am finally making a post (usually the answers I need are already out there).
I'm working on a new product idea that I came up with several months ago. Not sure if I'd call it an invention or a new product idea...some of both? It basically is combining two existing products, one being more technology and one being more a base product. As I don't have any protection on the IP yet, a similar example would be something such adding a digital clock onto the inside of a pair of sunglasses so that you can always see what time it is. By themselves, each product already exists and is not new. However, the utility of combining both of them is something that I have not seen on the market nor have I seen any patents relating to it...I've looked for both extensively on my own.
At this point, I've built a functional prototype which worked as well as I had hoped and have ordered materials to build a couple more to tweak with. I'm planning on beginning to show it to friends & family who I can trust to get some initial feedback. I understand that they are not experts in this product field and are likely biased toward liking it or not wanting to hurt my feelings, but I think its an easy place to start. I have then thought about approaching store owners, industry experts (through SCORE, etc?) with CDAs/NDAs to get their thoughts.
At some point, I plan on having an invention/product evaluation done (at a university or somewhere like the Innovation Institute, etc.). I also plan to have a patent attorney conduct a thorough search. If after both of those are completed, things are looking good, I would then apply for a provisional patent and take it from there. If things weren't looking as good as I'd like, I'd tweak the product as necessary (if possible).
My question to all of you seasoned inventors out there is this: What is the most logical/efficient/economical/effective series of next steps? Do the patent search...then the product evaluation? Reverse? Something else?
I really appreciate any and all advice I can get.
Much thanks,
Dan
by inventor-x » Thu Jul 17, 2008 2:27 pm
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inventor-x - Brown Belt
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- Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2006 5:44 pm
Both steps are good.
A product evaluation test is a good place to start & it will not cost you a lot of money.
A patent search will cost you money.
I would do the product test first before you spend any money.
Do you have a company that you want to approach with your Idea?
If you try to take your Idea/Product to the marketplace it will cost you a lot of money, so save it.
If you have good credit & are in good standings with the IRS, you maybe able to apply for a Federal Grant.
A product evaluation test is a good place to start & it will not cost you a lot of money.
A patent search will cost you money.
I would do the product test first before you spend any money.
Do you have a company that you want to approach with your Idea?
If you try to take your Idea/Product to the marketplace it will cost you a lot of money, so save it.
If you have good credit & are in good standings with the IRS, you maybe able to apply for a Federal Grant.
by makeworldbetter » Thu Jul 17, 2008 3:07 pm
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makeworldbetter - Black Belt
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- Location: Silicon Valley
Really patent and market search should be done first. Even before you build your prototype.
If the search turns out someone already own that idea, or in some rare case someone is already selling that product, what you have done then become meaningless.
If the search turns out someone already own that idea, or in some rare case someone is already selling that product, what you have done then become meaningless.
by drenn24 » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:08 am
- drenn24
- White Belt
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:03 am
Thanks for the advice, I'm glad to hear it generally sounds like I'm on the the right track.
I do not have a company in mind that I'm going to approach with the idea, as I would like to bring manufacture it and market it myself. I understand that it is significantly more work, however if (when...hopefully) it takes off I want to own it and be able to fully benefit from it. Ideally I'd like for it to become my full time job.
As for the federal grant...how does one go about looking into that? What do they give grants for exactly?
Does anyone have some recommendations for the best places to go for a product/invention evaluation?
Tons of thanks to everyone...
I do not have a company in mind that I'm going to approach with the idea, as I would like to bring manufacture it and market it myself. I understand that it is significantly more work, however if (when...hopefully) it takes off I want to own it and be able to fully benefit from it. Ideally I'd like for it to become my full time job.
As for the federal grant...how does one go about looking into that? What do they give grants for exactly?
Does anyone have some recommendations for the best places to go for a product/invention evaluation?
Tons of thanks to everyone...
Re: New Inventor- Seeking Advice/Confirmation of Next Steps
by FunkySpaceMan74 » Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:05 am
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FunkySpaceMan74 - White Belt
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:56 am
drenn24 wrote:
My question to all of you seasoned inventors out there is this: What is the most logical/efficient/economical/effective series of next steps? Do the patent search...then the product evaluation? Reverse? Something else?
I really appreciate any and all advice I can get.
Much thanks,
Dan
I'm not a "seasoned" inventor, but it sounds like your on the right track with your idea/invention. I personally went ahead and wrote the provisional patent after spending hours of doing my OWN patent search. There are website you can "Google" that will explain how to do your own patent search. I didn't want to pay some patent attorney/agent for something I can do myself...and for FREE!
Most "Invention Assessment" companies really don't need a prototype or even ask for a provisional or non-provisional patent, because they have you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before they even look at your idea for their protection and yours. Myself, I went ahead and wrote my provisional patent before selecting a Invention Assessment company for my own self assurance, but you don't have to....to each their own.
My advice would be to conduct your own patent search, unless you have money to spare on a patent attorney....and then send your idea off to an Invention Assessment company.
Good Luck!
Jason.........
<em>Do Or Do Not...There Is No Try.<br /></em>
by makeworldbetter » Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:31 am
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makeworldbetter - Black Belt
- Posts: 1496
- Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:15 am
- Location: Silicon Valley
yes, patent search.
Don't re-invent the wheel, especially when that wheel is already patented.
Don't re-invent the wheel, especially when that wheel is already patented.
by inventor-x » Fri Jul 18, 2008 2:07 pm
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inventor-x - Brown Belt
- Posts: 907
- Joined: Sat Nov 04, 2006 5:44 pm
First & most Important, DO NOT quit your day job or sell your house to follow your dreams.
Your home & job will keep you alive, not your Invention.
After you do your own Research & Before you go to any "Invention Assessment" or patent attoney, mail yourself one of your prototypes certified with a return receipt & DO NOTopen it, that is your proof of your Invention before you start the patent process staking your claim to the Invention.
On Federal Grants, call the IRS & they will tell you where to go to get the Information you need, a public library is a good place to start.
The key with Federal Grants is being able to solve a problem, if you're a senior citizen there are different Grants.
When applying for Federal Grants, NO Credit Card Debt, mortgage up to date or any loans you might have, student loans paid & you are current with IRS filings & returns.
Basically if you're in good standings with the IRS & can solve a problem by creating jobs & putting people to work, you have a good chance to get a Federal Grant.
The most Important thing is finding a good Grant writer to fillout the paperwork.
If you plan on doing this yourself, be prepared for a roller coaster ride & spending a lot of hard work, time & money.
Here is a quote for you from a famous Inventor with over 200 patents "People Invent to Invent, Do Not Invent to make money because only about 5% of Inventors ever make money from there Inventions.
I am Not trying to discourage you, I am just giving you the facts about trying to make your Invention a reality.
Your home & job will keep you alive, not your Invention.
After you do your own Research & Before you go to any "Invention Assessment" or patent attoney, mail yourself one of your prototypes certified with a return receipt & DO NOTopen it, that is your proof of your Invention before you start the patent process staking your claim to the Invention.
On Federal Grants, call the IRS & they will tell you where to go to get the Information you need, a public library is a good place to start.
The key with Federal Grants is being able to solve a problem, if you're a senior citizen there are different Grants.
When applying for Federal Grants, NO Credit Card Debt, mortgage up to date or any loans you might have, student loans paid & you are current with IRS filings & returns.
Basically if you're in good standings with the IRS & can solve a problem by creating jobs & putting people to work, you have a good chance to get a Federal Grant.
The most Important thing is finding a good Grant writer to fillout the paperwork.
If you plan on doing this yourself, be prepared for a roller coaster ride & spending a lot of hard work, time & money.
Here is a quote for you from a famous Inventor with over 200 patents "People Invent to Invent, Do Not Invent to make money because only about 5% of Inventors ever make money from there Inventions.
I am Not trying to discourage you, I am just giving you the facts about trying to make your Invention a reality.
by bottleslingguy » Fri Jul 18, 2008 6:55 pm
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bottleslingguy - Black Belt
- Posts: 1770
- Joined: Sun Oct 22, 2006 7:41 am
Good advice so far. Although I'm not sure about the self-addressed stamped prototype that X mentioned. I don't think that is acceptable evidence or an official method of protection.
I would suggest you might want to think about WHAT is going to be "patented". If you invented a pair of "clock sunglasses" (interesting idea...I'll have to google it) you'd want to get a utility patent. Getting a design patent means other people can make "clock sunglasses" but they can't visually look like yours. If someone hung a pocket watch from the glasses frame they could get a design patent. If you built a digital image into the lens that would appear by pushing a button on the frame, then you could probably get a utility patent.
Utility patents are worth much more than design patents because they cover "functionality" and allow for variations and different styles. You can make many versions of "clocksunglasses" to appeal to a wider market with a utility patent.
And just be aware, a patent attorney is not a teacher. You have to understand your idea completely before you get involved with them. That means how it works not just how it looks along with knowing your market.
Are you thinking of actually paying for manufacturing as in hiring people, insurance, rent/lease, payroll, health/pension plans or are you able to deal with contract manufacturers? And not to mention the easiest way to make a million dollars is to start with five million...
...ok so this is as close as I got in two tries:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=aDUrAA ... sunglasses
They'll never sell because they will only work with a round lens and the frames look crazy. This patent is worthless.
I would suggest you might want to think about WHAT is going to be "patented". If you invented a pair of "clock sunglasses" (interesting idea...I'll have to google it) you'd want to get a utility patent. Getting a design patent means other people can make "clock sunglasses" but they can't visually look like yours. If someone hung a pocket watch from the glasses frame they could get a design patent. If you built a digital image into the lens that would appear by pushing a button on the frame, then you could probably get a utility patent.
Utility patents are worth much more than design patents because they cover "functionality" and allow for variations and different styles. You can make many versions of "clocksunglasses" to appeal to a wider market with a utility patent.
And just be aware, a patent attorney is not a teacher. You have to understand your idea completely before you get involved with them. That means how it works not just how it looks along with knowing your market.
Are you thinking of actually paying for manufacturing as in hiring people, insurance, rent/lease, payroll, health/pension plans or are you able to deal with contract manufacturers? And not to mention the easiest way to make a million dollars is to start with five million...
...ok so this is as close as I got in two tries:
http://www.google.com/patents?id=aDUrAA ... sunglasses
They'll never sell because they will only work with a round lens and the frames look crazy. This patent is worthless.
by drenn24 » Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:18 am
- drenn24
- White Belt
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:03 am
Continued thanks for the great advice.
I definitely think that I will be looking at eventually going for a utility patent, as that is what sets that product apart from anything else there...the utility of combining two existing products/technologies.
Regarding manufacturing, I most likely would use a contract manufacturer to source/manufacture/pack out the product. I'm a product development engineer and have experience working with asian manufacturers so I think that I would be comfortable working with an overseas supplier (unless I was able to find a supplier in the US/mexico that was competitive).
I definitely know that if this product is ever to make it to market (assuming its patentable, marketable, etc.) it will take a lot of hard work, time, and money. I am certainly willing to give it all of those if at each step it still looks promising. I've been thinking of product ideas for years and have never really taken one very far. To me, the risk of "wasting" the time/money is worth the reward of either a.) having a successful product make it to market or b.) knowing that I tried.
How many of you out there have become a full time inventor/product creator after leaving your original/corporate/"normal" job? For me that is my ultimate dream to be able to make a living doing something like inventing/bringing my own products to market.
I definitely think that I will be looking at eventually going for a utility patent, as that is what sets that product apart from anything else there...the utility of combining two existing products/technologies.
Regarding manufacturing, I most likely would use a contract manufacturer to source/manufacture/pack out the product. I'm a product development engineer and have experience working with asian manufacturers so I think that I would be comfortable working with an overseas supplier (unless I was able to find a supplier in the US/mexico that was competitive).
I definitely know that if this product is ever to make it to market (assuming its patentable, marketable, etc.) it will take a lot of hard work, time, and money. I am certainly willing to give it all of those if at each step it still looks promising. I've been thinking of product ideas for years and have never really taken one very far. To me, the risk of "wasting" the time/money is worth the reward of either a.) having a successful product make it to market or b.) knowing that I tried.
How many of you out there have become a full time inventor/product creator after leaving your original/corporate/"normal" job? For me that is my ultimate dream to be able to make a living doing something like inventing/bringing my own products to market.
by FunkySpaceMan74 » Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:30 am
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FunkySpaceMan74 - White Belt
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- Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:56 am
inventor-x wrote:After you do your own Research & Before you go to any "Invention Assessment" or patent attoney, mail yourself one of your prototypes certified with a return receipt & DO NOTopen it, that is your proof of your Invention before you start the patent process staking your claim to the Invention.
Actually, the poor man's patent as you described is a myth. When I was in the early stages of my invention and considering whether or not to pay an attorney to write my provisional patent, I did some research regarding that option. I'm glad I never did the "Poor Man's Patent", and after the research I did on the subject I don't recommend anyone doing it. Especially if your invention is a GREAT one and will benefit people.
The following website is one of several I found that explains a bit more about the poor man's patent. <a href="http://www.inventionpatent.net/patent/poor-man's-patent.cfm">Poor Man's Patent-An Unfortunate Myth</a>
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