Inventions & patents?

Question

I've come up with a great idea for an invention. What would be the first step - get a patent for it (if so what do I need to do as at this stage it's an idea bouncing around my brain).

It's something that I believe would benefit a lot of people and retail businesses.

Do any inventors or patent holders out there have any tips for me?

Answer 1

1) Find out if its is new.....look for products and patents

2) Build one and test it...or hire a company to do this for you (but even a mock up out of cardboard can really help)

3) Protect it...if it seems to be new and it seems to work...then apply for a patent...this costs nothing if you do it yourself but  it would be hard to defend a 'home made' patent application later...That is, if it becomes commercially viable then a clever patent agent will get around what you have written so I would use a chartered patent agent/attorney.

But the big question is:- how to make money from it??...its almost impossible to 'sell' an invention. Anyone who suggests otherwise is lying (so don't believe them and get them to back up their claims if they are trying to sell you a service). It does happen but it is very very rare.  The only realistic way to make money from an invention is to build a business around it. That of course requires blood, sweat, tears and money and time....So if you aren't really really serious I suggest buying 1000 lottery tickets instead!!

Answer 2

this is great i will help you email me your idea and we will make a plan from there.

;) just kidding.

at some point, maybe after patent application you might want to hire a consultancy on business plan/manufacturing/market research. i think theyre expensive though.

Answer 3

Visit the UK Intellectual Property Office's website for all the information you need on patents.  You can't patent an idea, it has to be a different way of doing something.

Think about whether you want the patent to apply just in the UK, throughout Europe or the rest of the world.  Each level costs but it depends how much you feel it's worth to you to retain the rights worldwide.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Try to find a local 'Inventors Club' = they exist all over USA .. people there will be able to help you through the various steps ..