Have you had a great idea or invented something that could be the next big thing? A real Eureka! Moment? There are many ways in which can get help to patent and sell your ideas. Businesses offer a complete service to patent and sell your idea for you but could you do it alone? You would need to consider some things very carefully:
- Write it down – an idea is no good if it’s stuck in your head. You need plans and proof of when and how you developed your idea.
- Do your research from both a business and legal approach. This will include a patent search to see if someone has pipped you to the post.
- Create a comprehensive Business Plan
- If you have an invention, make a prototype
- Protect it. Whether you decide to do it alone or sell the concept on, you must patent it so it remains your ‘idea’.
- Market your invention. This is normally the time when you will need to decide to do alone or license your product through another company.
Business strategy and marketing may be something that you have no experience in but there are many firms that can offer expertise and advice, for example, a Brand Innovation Agency. Let’s say you want to keep your idea or invention as a personal business and you realise that you have a particular skill set that’s missing from your team. You need to do a product launch but don’t have the right contacts – why not try http://www.lightbulbinnovation.com/
Most inventions take a long time from initial lightbulb moment to seeing your product on a shop shelf but patience and hard work will pay off if your idea is good and original. Far from the traditional image of the mad inventor with a cluttered laboratory, today’s inventors have to be hard-headed, diligent and business-like. Confidence, market knowledge and some legal savvy will go a long way in such a competitive environment. Remember, get advice from lots of people but it might pay to have them sign a confidentiality agreement. Protecting your asset is the top priority.