Hello everyone,has anybody ever submitted a idea for a invention? What are the steps of getting a patent? I have a really good idea and ive checked around at the patent website and no one has done it yet,so id like to get a patent on it. Any info would be greatly appreciated,thank you kindly in advance

 

Unless you have a lot of money, you'll probably need investors. Draw up a non-disclosure agreement and advertise that you have an invention and are looking for investors. You'll need to put up at least some of the money to make investors think that you actually believe in your invention and have a commitment to it. Family is the best place to start usually.

Don't let anyone talk you into a utility patent, all that covers basically is how you use something, it doesn't really cover the invention itself and is the reason a utility patent is a lot cheaper.

You'll need a prototype or at least some very detailed drawings/diagrams to show potential investors, and a professional business plan if you plan on going to a bank to finance the invention yourself.

Not sure how you're ging to sell the product but if you want to distribute to retailers you'll need to have packaging and a marketing plan or hire a firm.

With lawyers, business plan, prototyping, patent application, packaging, marketing, and actual production you will be looking at probably $30,000 - $50,000 to get a product in a store, go up from there, depending on how complicated the patent app is, and difficulty in prototyping and manufacturing.

 

My work partner got a patent on a tool he thought up. He spent several thousand $s. His best move was to contact a patent attorney. He's now sending prototypes to various tool mfgrs. Be patient and keep at it if you think it's a good invention.

 

I have given up on many of my ideas due to the complexity of the process. One of the biggest obstacles that I was made aware of is that once a patent is granted it is a matter of public record. There are some unscrupulous people who review these new patents daily and forward the details overseas. The prison labor and third world manufacturing industry can have a container box full of your idea (with very slight modifications) heading this way before you can even begin negotiations with prospective customers. Grandpa got a patent that was well recieved by the military and law enforcement. He died $20k poorer than he was when he concieved the idea. Evidently he did not spend enough or in the right places. If I ever do get serious about my ideas I will try to partner up with a successful businessman or someone well schooled in marketing and manufacturing.
Be wary of the TV ads that ask you to submit your idea. I have recieved nothing but offers to perform services for a fee from the ones I have contacted. They use fine print like "market study" vs. "marketability study". I can easily see someone getting ripped off by such companies. Good luck.

 

So....ummm.....what was that idea again??? I think you forgot to tell us. . anyways, good luck, and remember to share your fortune with me.

 

Another option is trademarking. If it's something small and simple to manufacture; produce a bunch of them and flog the market with them (lots of advertising) and make a name for the product...

It's pretty hard to patent a mop but I think Swiffer is probably doing all right.

 

Don't fall for the "invention submission" people, they will scam you and take your money. Check this out, he is the problem solver here in Colorado with his radio and TV shows. He deals with this alot. Hope it helps.http://troubleshooter.com/cf_misc/Co...m?ColumnID=261

 

Furball,whats the difference between trademarking and putting a patent on something? what i have in mind would be relatively easy to manufacture,its not like its a triple stage super rocket that will take me to pluto or anything

 

Coke, Pepsi, Swiffer, K&N, are all trademarks and we all know what they are. If you have that a lot of people will want and can think of a catchy name then launch a huge marketing campaign then your product could become a household name like the others mentioned. A trademark won't protect your invention or intellectual property. As anyone knows, anyone can manufacture cola, sweepers or air filters but you can't sell them under registered names unless you are the registrant and trademarks don't expire. Which way to go; patent or trademark or both would be something you would have to discuss with your lawyer.