I have an idea for a real-world product. It's a very simple product that, if it ever got anywhere, would sell for like under $10, maybe even $5. What do I do from here to actually see if I can get anywhere with my idea/invention? thanks!
Do not give details to anyone before they sign a non discloseure agreement. This way they can not take idea from you or tell others about it.
It's just an invention of mine. A rather simple product, actually... but still. It COULD be "easily" copied. A search on the net shows ONE product that is actually exactly my idea, but seems to only be mentioned a couple times.. and never seen it in stores...
I'm just looking into it a bit more and I can find one, and only one product that is exactly my idea (not so original after all.. then again, only ONE)... How would I go about finding out of they patented the idea? If they did or didn't, what are my options?
take your idea to a VC...get funding... Create a website just to sell the product...and start business.. Rgds Praveen http://www.praveenkodur.com/blog/
I also a bit confused about funding... I mean, it's a product I could create on my own until it got POPULAR if it ever got there... and considering its sub-$10, what sort of funding is even required?
If it already exists you won't be able to patent it. Or rather said, you *might* be able to get a patent on it, but it won't hold if challenged in court, since they can clearly provide evidence or prior use. Now PM me your idea, I promise I won't tell anyone.
If you are in the US, I would call your local SCORE office. http://www.score.org/ They can help you out with EVERYTHING.
well if there's one out there then it won't do very well as a rule of thumb. If there's one out there - why isn't it in shops and stuff? Why isn't it available to the mass public?? Maybe because no-one wants it? I'd suggest market research before you even get more attached to the idea. Ask the manufacturers of the product which shops you can find it in, then ask the shops if the product is popular. If it's not popular then don't proceed with that idea, OR make a USP. A unique selling point. Change the idea to suit some other needs. If the product is popular, then you need to find some people who own the product and ask them why the bought it, what's so good about it, whether it's something they use alot, whether its good at what its meant to do and what needs improving. If enough people have bought it then you have a *niche*. If it's hardly been touched then you got a flop. Just a few tips before you go and spend $xxxxxxxxxxxxx on patents, copyright and all that. Of course you can do all that on your own, can't you?? rich