Got a cool, new idea? Well, the world can sure use a few more of them but how will you get your invention out there? It’s not as easy as it may sound but we do have some advice that may save you some work:
Sit back, put a cover over your prototype or design and see if any of these tips can be of use to you as you travel that inventor highway to fame and fortune. Do Your Homework –
Someone already came up with your invention
It may sound like a no-brainer but one way to end up as a derailed inventor is to come up with that world-saving idea only to discover it is already out there. You have to do some serious research long before you get to the prototype stage in order to avoid this unfortunate mishap.
There may be a solution if you skipped the homework part. On the offhand chance that your invention happens to be a modification of something already in existence that does not have a patent, you could still be in the game. However, you really need to be sure and research will tell you.
Learn About the Patent Process
You just can’t pop into the patent office and announce you have just saved the world from some kind of disaster now that you have invented this new-fangled do-dad. You have to get a firm grip on the multiple (and we mean multiple) steps it takes from the sketch pad in your kitchen to the patent office and beyond.
Sure, newbies do get cut a little bit of slack but not that much. If you are smart enough to create some kind of invention you should have the smarts to take time to learn what you need to know about the entire process.
Inventors Need to Leave a Paper Trail
In order to cover your butt along the way, you need to keep some pretty detailed notes. Your inventor notebook can become a valuable tool should you find yourself in heavy negotiations with a developer or should you end up in court fighting for the rights to your invention.
Your notebook is the Holy Grail, if you will. It can be the most important thing you do throughout the inventing part of your life. It may also become an important historic document.
Protect Yourself
There are a number of things you will want to do in order to keep your invention yours. It may require non-disclosure agreements with co-workers, employees, friends and family. That’s a fancy term for gag order.
You don’t want your idea to get blabbed out to others in case someone steals it. Plus, you need to have a tough skin to deal with the rejection that can come from unsuccessful meetings with developers. Oh, and you’ll need patience.
As great an idea you may have, not everyone is going to share the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm as you do about your invention. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a winner, you just may need to wait a bit longer for others to see it. One more thing – good luck. You may need it.
Let’s Talk
Have you invented something and need to get to that next level? If you have already completed these steps and are ready to discuss your idea further with an expert product developer, give us a call.
We’d love to chat with you about your invention. Call us today at (305) 521-9080.
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