Inventors Help Service

Coming up with a new idea is one thing. Getting the help inventors need to turn their visions into reality is something completely different.

A reputable, trusted invention services firm can be a useful resource, providing design assistance, production capabilities and distribution advice.

Here are some important issues to consider as you prepare to take your invention from design to implementation. Read through the information and then contact us to learn more about how our Inventors Help Service can provide the assistance you need.

1. I have an idea for a novel item that I would like to patent ... where do I go from here?
2. What does a typical attorney search cost?
3. Should I ask my attorney to immediately start drafting the complete patent?
4. How do I start the actual development?
5. I want to proceed quickly, but how can I best protect my idea while having the prototype engineered, developed and constructed by another party ... before a patent is granted or even applied for?
6. What is the basic difference between a design patent and a utility patent?
7. What does it cost to get a patent?
8. So how do I get to market?
9. What about licensing my invention or perhaps partnering with a potential manufacturer?
10. Why are inventors widely regarded as “soft targets” for scams?
11. What qualities and information should I be looking for when seeking outside assistance with my invention?

Q. I have an idea for a novel item which I would like to patent ... where do I go from here?
A. First and foremost, conduct a search to determine if your idea has perhaps already been patented or publicly disclosed. You can make a very brief preliminary search on-line at uspto.gov, but thorough patent searching is a skill, and it is not easy. If you should find no evidence of public disclosure, do not assume that your invention has not been patented. A complete and meaningful search is difficult for a novice and is best done by a registered, licensed patent attorney.

Q. What does a typical attorney search cost?
A. It can vary considerably from around $450 upwards. Avoid surprises by requesting an estimate, which is quite customary.

Q. Should I ask my attorney to immediately start drafting the complete patent?
A. No, not at this stage. Just because you apply for and may perhaps be granted a patent is no guarantee that your widget will actually work. Instead, you should:

(1). Give him all the details of your invention including any drawings and other information that you may have regarding all your anticipated areas of its application.
(2). Advise him that you intend to proceed with a patent application and that further details will follow as the development proceeds.
(3). Request a “Docket Number” for future reference.

Q. How do I start the actual development?
A. You should next prove your theory. If feasible, with an actual completed design, working model or rapid prototype that incorporates and demonstrates all its important and novel features. The patent documentation and application should be completed as rapidly as possible immediately after the model has been perfected to your satisfaction.

Q. I want to proceed quickly, but how can I best protect my idea while having the prototype engineered, developed and constructed by another party ... before a patent is granted or even applied for?
A. You can utilize a standard NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) which is obtainable from your attorney and which should be completed by any party to whom you disclose your idea prior to the grant of your patent.

Q. What is the basic difference between a design patent and a utility patent?
A. A design patent only protects a new ornamental design for a manufactured item. The protection is strictly limited to the very exact illustration, there is no other claim and it is far less expensive than a utility patent.

Utility patents are much more comprehensive and can protect a new manufacturing process, or machine, novel features of a manufactured item or even a living plant species. It can also protect iterations of an invention coupled with numerous specific and minutely detailed claims. It's considerably more expensive than a design patent, so be sure to request a detailed quotation.

Q. What does it cost to get a patent?
A. The initial cost of preparing patent drawings and specifications can vary considerably, but for a design patent it can run from $1,500 to $5,000 approximately. Utility patents frequently cost from $5,000 to $20,000 or more. In both cases there are legal filing & issue fees of up to $1,200 and subsequent renewal fees.

Q. So how do I get to market?
A. Next, obtain some projected mass production unit manufacturing and tooling costs for your product in various quantity ranges. Allow for advertising, packaging, distribution and the amortization of all initial start-up costs including patents, development, tooling etc. Then start some good market research by approaching, showing and demonstrating your operating prototype to potential buyers. Pay very careful attention to all their feed-back and suggestions. In particular, try to gage what sort of realistic quantities any and all outlets might be interested to order.

Q. What about licensing my invention or perhaps partnering with a potential manufacturer?
A. Both are possible but realistically, so called “White Knights” who are ready and willing to use your brains but their money are very few and difficult to find, particularly at start-up time. If you have any capital or collateral, it's best if you can use your own resources and start up in a very small way in order to test the potential market without any undue risk. If all goes well, then is the right time to consider licensing and/or partnering in order to further develop the market. There are always more new and novel ideas available for development than there is money to finance them, so don’t expect anyone to put theirs up-front if you don’t show your complete confidence by doing the same. Beware of many so called “Invention Promoting” companies some of whom offer many types of corny inducements including paid air fares to their offices, where you can be high-pressured into long-term contracts, along with hefty up-front annual fees but no performance guarantees!

Q. Why are inventors widely regarded as “soft targets” for scams?
A. It is not easy to be completely objective about one's own inventions. Objectivity is always somewhat subjective, and shortcomings tend to be glossed over and/or ignored rather than being brought to the fore and carefully explored. It's often compared with trying to perceive any ugliness in one’s own child, but ... it's really far more difficult with one’s own brainchild! Don’t be naïve, do be immune to flattery! Remember, anyone with an ulterior motive will ONLY tell you what they already know from your enthusiasm is exactly what you really would like to hear ... before they move in for the kill

Q.What qualities and information should I be looking for when seeking outside assistance with my invention?
A. There’s no substitute for experience, evidence of proven successes and unimpeachable references.

Contact us now to benefit from our experience in providing inventors assistance.