I have thought of an invention that I think would be really great and be of great help to many mothers. The problem is, I don't know where to go from here and I don't have lots of money to invest in the production and creation. Does anyone know what an average Joe(sephine) can do once he/she thinks of something? It's a fantastic idea, or so I think. I'm stumped...help! Thanks a bunch!!
Thanks everyone! I have a neighbor that is a patent attorney, so I'll ask them some questions and I loved the show shark tank! Unfortunaltely My idea is a mechanical idea and I have no idea how to make it, so I can't mess around trying to make some prototypes. Thanks for all the ideas!!
legal zoom can help you, but if you know a good patent attorney, you'll be better protected. i used to work for a patent attorney. the first to apply for the patent, even if new use for a product, usually wins.
don't tell anyone your idea. you need a working prototype, detailed drawings, etc...
I would NOT send my idea to one of those companies advertised on tv.
Try to make at least one, that way you can get an idea of how much the materials will cost, how much labor is involved, and if it will even work the way you have envisioned in your head. Then, I would see if you can meet with a lawyer that specializes in patents and such things to find out your next steps. You'll need an investor, and you'll need to know these things in order to convince someone to give you money. Have you ever seen that show, Shark Tank? I think it was on NBC or ABC, maybe see if you can find an episode on YouTube or something so you can get more of an idea on the information investors look for. Good Luck!
Write to Oprah or Ellen ;)
did you try to google, how to patent, produce a fabulous original idea, or something to that effect?
Visit your local SBA office. The staff there can hook you up with a mentor who has taken an invention through patents to production.
In short you can choose to patent and shop the idea out to bigger companies who will either license your idea or buy it outright. Or you can make a few prototypes and take them to a tradeshow -be sure to register or service mark it to at least give the appearance you're pursuing a patent.
The SBA counselors can greatly expand on the above ideas, it's what they're there to do. And once you have a path, they can help secure financing. GL!!
