How do you make an invention idea a reality?

[CLE]

I have an idea that could be a big game changer but I don't have the means to make a prototype. The end products would most likely cost only $40-60 and could be marketed to 10s of millions of people. This item could have actually save lives in certain situations. I just don't have what it takes to make one and I'm afraid if I approach a company to build one they will steal it?

 

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[InnovateDesign]

Hello, you can file for a provisional patent application. This will give your idea one year of protection before you decide to file for a full patent (if you do decide).

The cool thing with a provisional patent application is that it only costs $65 to file it with the USPTO. Of course you will also need to find somebody who is knowledgeable in this field that can draft it for you. A PPA will allow you to keep the original filing date of the PPA when filing for a full patent.

It will also allow you to use the term "Patent Pending" which deters companies and people from stealing your idea.

 

[Rudynate]

I have an idea that could be a big game changer but I don't have the means to make a prototype. The end products would most likely cost only $40-60 and could be marketed to 10s of millions of people. This item could have actually save lives in certain situations. I just don't have what it takes to make one and I'm afraid if I approach a company to build one they will steal it?

Hire a consulting engineer to design and prototype your product.

Be sure your consulting agreement contains a good confidentiality clause and requires the consulting engineer to assign ownership of any IP he generates to you.

 

[CLE]

I just looked up and it looks like I have engineering firm in my area that might match up in this field to make something work. I will call them.

 

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[Rudynate]

I just looked up and it looks like I have engineering firm in my area that might match up in this field to make something work. I will call them.

Good work!

 

[Rudynate]

There are also product design firms who have established relationships with manufacturers, so they can help you get the manufacturing set up.

 

[CLE]

I have a design and the tem doesn't need much changed. It should be a simple and effective design. I made some changes last night that I feel will reduce cost and make it easier to use and more reliable.

 

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[NetBorn]

I have a design and the tem doesn't need much changed. It should be a simple and effective design. I made some changes last night that I feel will reduce cost and make it easier to use and more reliable.

You know, I watched the guys behind THIS . Nothing happened and HERE is some of it. Much money spend. I'm trying to draw conclusions from this, but yet I haven't entirely. Also here is another article with similar stories
Unfortunately or lucky for me, every startup story around me is full of lessons on how not to do it ... just the idea doesn't cut it.

I hope you find this helpful and you succeed !

 

[ZCP]

Get an MVP in place and see if the idea sells! That can be a sketch, a 3D model, etc. Once you have proven need, then pay for a 1st pass analysis to see if the math and science works. Then use your purchase orders to fund the prototype. Let the first few customers know they will be your guinea pigs. Most will then help you sell it.

 

[CLE]

Ok, so after some deep thinking of who might come after me as competition on this idea I realized many companies could use existing product just modified and even sell to people who have some of their product already. Ideally I'm now leaning towards selling a company the concept and letting them take all the financial hit of manufacturing on it. I have know doubt in my mind it would sell.

 

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[rbhf001]

Good luck! Let us know the result!

 

[OldFaithful]

@CLE do you have any updates you might share? Have you found a buyer for your product, or have you decided to proceed with making it yourself?