Browse Tag: ideas

Protect your invention idea!

The lightbulb above your head is illuminating so bright that it’s threatening to blind everyone around you. But what should you do with your great invention ideas? Before you start blabbing about your invention to the wrong person or run to the first company that offers to buy it, you need to do one thing: Protect it!

•Step 1: Document It. Simply having an “idea” is worthless, you need to have proof of when you came up with your invention ideas.

When you come up with an innovative idea, create a record of Invention before going any further. Write down everything concerning your idea. Keep an “Inventor’s Notebook” or journal that records the conception and development of your idea. Use bound notebooks, make frequent entries and date each one. This log may help you in litigation if your invention’s origins ever come into question. Don’t talk with any company or agency about your invention unless they sign a confidentiality agreement. (NDA)

  • Step 2: Research It. You will need to research your idea from a legal and business standpoint.

This may be obvious to many people, however, you would be surprised at how many inventors get excited about an amazing idea and assume that because they thought of it, the idea does not exist anywhere else. Many times a simple Google search or a trip to your local Wal-mart may prove otherwise. Don’t be discouraged if you do find your idea already on the market, you may have a modification or an approach that is not covered by patents held by the manufacturer. If your search does reveal that the invention is out there, at least you did not lose any money on the idea. Also remember if you had one great idea that is in stores, you might have another tomorrow!

  • Step 3: Make a Prototype. 

It’s imperative to work with experienced illustrators for patent drawings, the United States Patent Office (USPTO) requirements are very specific. At Source Direct – Inventing Experts our experienced patent team can create professional patent illustrations of your invention, increasing the chances of your patent application being approved. When it comes to developing a prototype, you may be able to do it yourself if it’s something basic. But if you need help with the execution, you have options. We offer all your needs for creating a prototype.

 

  • Step 4: File a Patent.

Invention experts agree: don’t file your own patent! To properly secure a patent claim, the wording needs to be precise and accurate. It needs to use the nomenclature of a patent authority. Should you attempt to file your own patent, do not expect it to be as specific and powerful as one that is prepared by an experienced patent agent or attorney. Without expert guidance, you may not be granted a patent.

  • Step 5: Market Your Invention.

When it comes to bringing a new product to market it’s your responsibility to get your product out there and seen. You have a great invention that solves a huge problem for people but no one will buy it if they do not know it exists! Marketing is key in product success it can make or break you! When marketing your product it’s important that your product is seen by your target demographic. Knowing how to reach them and what content potential customers are looking to is imperative.

 

What Does your Product DO?

As an inventor, the very first thing you should do in the process is make sure your product purpose is concise. Especially when you are working with patents, your mind must be made up when it comes to the specific function of your idea.

Here are a couple of things to do:

  • Write down the function of the product. For example, “My product will pick up animal waste with built in plastic bags, so the owner doesn’t get any of it on their hands.” This is a clear and concise purpose, of which can be expanded upon in the product development phase.
  • Get a professional drawing of your product. Make sure the engineer working on the idea has clarification on the product’s purpose.
  • Don’t change your mind often! The more you change things, the more likely you are to completely distract from the original idea. Stay firm – unless your product needs engineering changes to improve functionality.

Sometimes, in the production development process, friends and family may get involved to suggest changes and fixes to make your idea “better”. Be very cautious. Unless your family member is an engineer, you should consult your production company before implementing changes!

I Have An Idea….now what?

Hello readers! Nathan here – I am the Client Networking Director and Social Media Guru for Source Direct. I am starting this blog as a 5 part series to help inventors see their product to completion. Enjoy this blog, and share with your inventor friends! 

“Okay, I have an idea for an invention…now what do I do?” This is probably one of the most common questions that we usually get asked. The journey to completion of a product can be very exciting – but everything starts with a solid idea. 

You must be very careful. In this age, with social media and information interactivity, it can be very easy to lose track of your confidential thoughts, ideas, and innovations. Many have heard the old saying, “Send a letter to yourself with your idea enclosed…this way nobody can say it’s not originally yours!” Don’t do this! This isn’t a legal way to secure your idea – no matter what anyone says. Make sure that all parties involved in your idea have signed some sort of documentation to keep everything secure.

After you have put all of your thoughts on paper, the very first thing you should do is call us – Source Direct! Our founder, Ed Mauro, is an inventor himself – he’s been in exactly the same place you are now. We can help you go directly from concept to completion, and our 20+ years of experience will speak for itself. We have inventors call us every day, seeking guidance and assistance to make sure that their dream becomes a reality.

Feel free to contact me today at 888-373-3876, extension 212. I love hearing about new and amazing products! Mention this blog and you’ll receive a complimentary analysis of your product, and how we can help you today!

What are your NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS?

In 2014, did you follow through with all of your New Year’s Resolutions? Here are some interesting statistics when it comes to New Years Resolutions (courtesy of http://www.statisticbrain.com/):

 

New Years Resolution Statistics Data
Percent of Americans who usually make New Year’s Resolutions 45%
Percent of Americans who infrequently make New Year’s Resolutions 17%
Percent of Americans who absolutlely never make New Year’s Resolutions 38%
Percent of people who are successful in achieving their resolution 8% – WOW!

It can be concluded based on the data above that it’s pretty tough to hold on to your New Years Resolutions. As an inventor, was it a goal to create your first product prototype? Or maybe to design your packaging? Inventions can take lots of time, and goal setting is incredibly important. Here  are a few tips to keep in mind if developing your product will be a New Years Resolution in 2015:

  • Set realistic goals. Most benchmark time-frames fail because of improper planning. Know how long a certain goal will take, and plan accordingly.
  • Stick to your timeline. If you stray from the allotted time, it will make your vision harder to achieve.
  • Consult a professional if you aren’t hitting your goals and moving backward instead of forward.
  • Be sure that you are satisfied with your idea before setting goals and timelines. Back-tracking is detrimental to your product success if it’s on a deadline.

Would you like some assistance in setting goals and preparing your invention for 2015? Our experts at Source Direct would love to hear from you. Give us a call today at 888-373-3876, extension 212. Consultations are always free.

Start planning for 2015 now! Get your invention on shelves before the next busy season!