I have been inspired lately, and Shark Tank has had a lot to do with this new found passion for inventing, business, and entrepreneurship.
As an entrepreneur, I have learned a lot about my weaknesses, strengths, and have received great tips from the best on what does and does not work when it comes to growing my small business. Even more so than that, I realize what I am capable of, and have so many ideas to expand my brand.
What is the next step?
Well, it’s not to blab!
I get asked all the time about ideas. Should I tell anyone about my idea? The last thing you want to do is to shout your idea from the rooftops, because your idea has not been protected, which means that anyone can take your idea, and make your dream a reality for themselves.
First: Write it down
You should put your thoughts down on paper and note the date. This will help you to prove that you’ve had the idea and if you show anyone it proves they stole it from you. I like to keep a written note and a typewritten note on the computer… just to protect me.
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Make Sure it Does Not Exist
Google It
Check, and double check to make sure that the idea has not been created already. Just because you have not heard about it does not mean that it has not been created.
If the idea is there, but you can improve on it, then it may be worth the challenge, but if it is out there and there is nothing that you can do to make it better, then it is probably not worth the expense or headache.
Begin the Patenting Process
Document It
Keeping track of everything related to your invention is the begining of the patenting process. You will need to keep track of everything from the description, the mechanics, how it works, and the marketing. It’s a way of protecting your work in case somoene is interested in stealing it.
Use an inventors journal to keep track of your inventions. The aim of keeping a notebook is to ensure it provides support for the following important issues:
- date of conception of the invention;
- date of “reduction to practice” of the invention;
- evidence of diligence in taking the invention from conception to practice; and
- corroboration of entries made in the notebook.
The Institute of Patient and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia
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Not from your mother, or brother, family and friends will usually try to be supportive, and are less likely to be brutally honest. When time and money are on the line, the one thing that you will not only want, but need, is brutal honesty!
Make sure that the is a market for your invention, that it is something that people will actually buy before you spend the money on anything else. The last thing that you want to do, is to invest everything you have on something that no one wants to buy.
Prototype
Why would I make a prototype before patenting?
To make sure that you do not want to make any changes. It is likely that you may realize that you may need to make a few changes to your model, and the way that it works, in order to improve on it. Making a prototype first will help you to understand your final product before you patent it, who knows how this process will inspire you to make an even better product!
Advantages of Prototypes:
- It enables you to test and refine the functionality of your design.
- It makes it possible to test the performance of various materials.
- It’ll help you describe your product more effectively
- It will encourage others to take you more seriously.
File a Patent
Finally, you are ready to file a patent.
- Choose the right patent (Utility or Design patent)
- Fill out the form
- Have a PROFESIONAL look it over
Do not file yourself, make sure that you do some research on your attorney or agent first. They should be registered with the US Patent and Trademark office, ask about their background, etc.
Once you have completed the patent process, and everything is in order, you can begin to share your great news. You are now on your way to being a successful inventor!