- Identifying annoyances
- Conducting a patent search
- Creating a prototype
- Pitching your invention to potential licensees
- Protecting your invention
If you’re looking to patent your new invention idea, the first step is to identify your target market. Approximately 95 percent of all patents never make any money for the inventor. To avoid this fate, it’s vital to thoroughly research the target market and make sure that your product can be manufactured and distributed at low cost. To do this, compare the costs of similar products and see how much less your product will cost to manufacture and distribute.
Identifying annoyances
The first step in coming up with a new invention idea is identifying a particular annoyance that you’re experiencing in your daily life. Think of ways that you can improve upon that annoyance. For example, you may be annoyed with wasted time or money. Identifying these problems and creating a solution to solve them can help you to come up with a new product or service that will save people time and money.
Conducting a patent search
Conducting a patent search for a new invention ideas involves several steps. First, the inventor must prepare a detailed working description of the invention. This description should include any drawings showing the concept. It should also contain data from tests that the inventor has conducted on his or her invention.
Next, an inventor must determine whether his or her idea is novel enough to receive a patent. This may require a search of existing patents. Luckily, patent databases make the search process much easier. However, there are certain steps an inventor should take to minimize the amount of time and money spent.
Using a search engine to perform a patent search is a good start. The USPTO website has a Full Text and Image Database where you can search for patents, images, and patent applications. You can also use the CPC classification system, which was developed by the USPTO and the EPO. This will give you a clear idea of the type of patent you’re looking for and make it easier to refine your keywords.
Creating a prototype
Creating a prototype of a idea for invention can be an effective way to test the idea and get feedback from users. A prototype can be as simple as a line drawing or as complex as a fully developed design. Its main purpose is to let people try out the idea before the actual production of it starts.
Creating a prototype is a crucial early step in the process of designing a new product. It allows the inventor to tap into his or her creativity and use their original skills to develop a three-dimensional representation of their idea. The process of making a prototype can be both time-consuming and enjoyable. However, if you don’t have time to design the prototype yourself, hiring a professional to do it can be an excellent idea.
Pitching your invention to potential licensees
When you pitch your invention idea to potential licensees, it is important to consider all of the factors that affect your negotiation strategy. For example, you want to be sure that your pitch is realistic. You do not want to try to strike a deal and then find out later that your idea was not successful. In addition to setting realistic expectations, you also want to get as much up-front cash as possible and the highest royalty rate possible. If your idea has a high market potential, then you should aim to get the highest minimum payment possible each year. Manufacturers want to minimize risk, so you want to make sure they know what they’re getting into before they agree to a deal.
To find potential licensees for your invention, you can conduct an online search for information about industry associations. These associations typically have listings of large companies looking for new products. Additionally, many trade shows have lists of exhibitors. If you attend an industry trade show, you can find information about companies in the area, as well as get their contact information. Lastly, most libraries offer access to professional databases that list potential licensees.
Protecting your invention
If you are an inventor, it is very important to protect your invention idea. You can do this in a number of ways. A good way to protect your idea is by filing a patent application. This will give you some legal protection, but it should be considered a last resort. You may be barred from filing for patents in other countries and you may have to prove that your invention is unique. It can also be expensive and time consuming.
Patenting your invention idea is probably the most effective way to protect your idea. This is because it grants you a monopoly on your invention, which means no one else can make, use, or sell it. However, patents do not come cheap and it is best to seek legal help if you want to avoid the expense of a patent lawsuit.
