I have an idea for a new tool - where to start?

[qwik1320]

It just came to me laying in bed this morning thinking about what I was going to do today...:hand:

I know some of you guys are very creative and have invented stuff, any advice on what to do next? I see those commercials for "invention submission" companies, are they legit?

[bigvegan]

Draw up a plan for it / make a prototype.

Ideas are a dime a dozen, it's the implementation of the idea that's important (and patentable).

Depending on your cashflow, once you've got a product ready to produce, you can either hire a patent attorney or go for a DIY patent via http://www.uspto.gov/ . (Make sure you're ready to produce the product, as large companies frequently review patent submissions and then produce knock-off products just different enough to not be a violation of the patent.)

Once you've got the patent application in, you can mark the product "patent pending" which lets people know the patent's been applied for.

The important thing though is to research the product and figure out how to actually produce and market it. (A car that runs on seawater would be awesome, but the implementation of that idea is kind of a pain.) See also the recurring "billet filler cap" threads on here. A filler cap isn't a particularly new technology, but going for a safe and high-quality implementation can be time-consuming.

Maybe streetfyter68 can weigh in, as he invented / is marketing the Shrifter, and I'm sure there are other folks on here that have experience creating new products.

Also, the small business administration (www.sba.gov (http://www.sba.gov)) may be of help. They've got a group called SCORE (service corps of retired executives) that consists of retired guys with expertise in given areas, and they may have someone in your area that can help.

Good Luck!

[70bird]

I'm not sure how the companies you refer to operate, my guess is they help you get your invention patented. You can do that yourself, without letting "the cat out of the bag" so to speak.

I think that you will need to draw up plans, blueprints or schematics etc. with pretty specific details and dimensions, and possibly a name for the product. Having a working prototype would probably be good too. (Then you could just send them to my house. I won't even charge you much LOL) jk

Maybe try doing a search for U.S. patents to find some guidelines and criteria for submitting patents.

I have never done this before, but my guess is that the average "joe", with a good idea for a new product will end up selling the rights to the patent to an existing co. as the manufacturing of a high volume product would most likely be beyond the scope or ability (financialy) of the average guy.

Good luck with it, and if you really believe in your idea, move forward with it!

There is nothing more frustrating than seeing your idea sitting on a store shelf 10 years later and kicking yourself in the @ss for not following through. Ask me how I know.

Heck, take Al Gore for example. He invented the internet and gets no credit for it at all! LOL

[70bird]

Draw up a plan for it / make a prototype.

Ideas are a dime a dozen, it's the implementation of the idea that's important (and patentable).

Depending on your cashflow, once you've got a product ready to produce, you can either hire a patent attorney or go for a DIY patent via http://www.uspto.gov/ . (Make sure you're ready to produce the product, as large companies frequently review patent submissions and then produce knock-off products just different enough to not be a violation of the patent.)

Once you've got the patent application in, you can mark the product "patent pending" which lets people know the patent's been applied for.

The important thing though is to research the product and figure out how to actually produce and market it. (A car that runs on seawater would be awesome, but the implementation of that idea is kind of a pain.) See also the recurring "billet filler cap" threads on here. A filler cap isn't a particularly new technology, but going for a safe and high-quality implementation can be time-consuming.

Maybe streetfyter68 can weigh in, as he invented / is marketing the Shrifter, and I'm sure there are other folks on here that have experience creating new products.

Also, the small business administration (www.sba.gov (http://www.sba.gov)) may be of help. They've got a group called SCORE (service corps of retired executives) that consists of retired guys with expertise in given areas, and they may have someone in your area that can help.

Good Luck!
Or, you can do what he said!
I'm a little slow on the submit reply button this morning. :)

[backtobasics]

Beware of the invention submission stuff. I have heard that the more money you have the more they like your idea, until the money is gone.....

Just be careful.

[muthstryker]

make it quick and hope people love it and it sells, about 15-20 yrs ago my dad made a pistol/shotgun/flash light holder that hung on the bed then fast forward a few years and someone made the same thing and started to sell them my dad still kicks him self in the ass for that.

[qwik1320]

I'm skeptical about the invention submission places. Let me do a little web research and see what I can find. If anyone has any first hand experience with a company let me know.

[indyjps]

My dad has a patent but he did the work 20 years ago, Ill see if he has stayed up on the requirements.

[TonyHuntimer]

Beware of the invention submission companies. There are some shady ones out there that will knock off your idea.

There is a way to protect yourself before going public with your idea. I read up on this years ago. I went to the library and picked up a book on where to start. It laid out all the steps to protect yourself. If you do go to a submission company bring all your documentation and proof...and they may be less interested in knocking off your idea.

Good luck!
Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[camarorider]

I can't recommend a patent/trademark attorney enough.
Will you pay? Yes.
But the ease of mind as well as the good advice they give you, in my mind makes up for the price.

When I was getting my trademark applied for he really worked with me to make sure it was going to be accepted. Also make sure you really check if the attorney deals exclusively with trademarks and patents. If you want you can PM me and I can give the law firm I went through.

[Tony_SS]

First thing, do your research and make sure its not already out there by someone else.

I invented the wheel plate that protected your wheels while you sprayed armor all on the tires... then I opened up a Hot Rod hardware catalog and saw one. I quit my inventor job then. lol

[Nine Ball]

I can read your mind through the computer screen, so thanks for the idea. lol ;)

[qwik1320]

First thing, do your research and make sure its not already out there by someone else.

I invented the wheel plate that protected your wheels while you sprayed armor all on the tires... then I opened up a Hot Rod hardware catalog and saw one. I quit my inventor job then. lol

Crap - I kind of found what I was thinking about at Eastwood. Thanks for the input guys...I guess I have to keep thinking...

[MonzaRacer]

Lisle tools takes ideas and so does Steck. Ill look around for my old info on presenting something to Steck.