Welcome to Jaybird Engineering!
Let’s say you have an idea that you think would be a great product that a lot of people would want. What’s next? Well, you’d most likely start researching everything you can about patenting an idea, building a prototype, selling your patent, licensing your patent, selling your product, etc. There is a lot of information…some conflicting, some confusing, and some time consuming and expensive. I’ve been through this process myself and am now at the point where I can offer my own perspective on the subject. Is this the only way or best way to do things? That’s up to you to decide…but I wanted to offer you some things to think about.
Big questions in this process that often come up are things like; should I build a prototype, should I patent my idea, and what to do with the invention next.
The quick answer to all of those questions is of course an obscure “it depends”, which means only you, can decide what’s best for you and your situation. But here are some things to consider.
Quick Answers:
Should I build a prototype?
Yes, I think you should always take this step…see below for more info.
Should I patent my idea?
Maybe, do you plan on selling it yourself or trying to sell the patent rights to others? Are you prepared to spend thousands of dollars to get protection, and also prepared to spend legal fees to enforce the patent if needed? See below for more info.
What to do with the invention next?
You can setup a website, form a business, and start selling the product yourself. Or you can try to sell your invention to someone else. Or you can try to sell the rights for someone else to use/sell your invention, and you gain royalties (~6%). See below for more info.
More detailed answers:
Should I build a prototype?
Yes, I think you should always take this step. This is good no matter if you’re getting a patent or not, or if your invention is relatively simple or not. Some ideas are really complex and a prototype should be built just to prove that the concept works, as well as work out any problems that become apparent when the invention has come to life. Even for simple ideas, that require very little skills or material…it is still a good practice, so that before you advertise your product or begin to sell it, you know exactly what your product is, how to make it, and what it can do. I can help you design and build a professional prototype if you seek assistance.
Should I patent my idea?
Maybe, do you plan on selling it yourself or trying to sell the patent rights to others? Are you prepared to spend thousands of dollars to get protection, and also prepared to spend legal fees to enforce the patent if needed? Some ideas and inventions may lend themselves well to being sold or licensed to someone else. But if there is not a good reason for this, or if you don’t have the “right” connections…why not make your invention a business? It’s a lot easier than you might think. For minimal cost (depends on your state, in
What to do with the invention next?
You can setup a website, form a business, and start selling the product yourself. Or you can try to sell your invention to someone else. Or you can try to sell the rights for someone else to use your invention, and you gain royalties (~6%).
If you try to license your invention or sell your idea, you’ll need to start searching for potential buyers and contacts and try to get them to take a look at your prototype. This is risky if you have chosen not to do a patent, you could try to get them to sign a non disclosure agreement but there’s not a lot of incentive for them to do that unless you really have them interested already. If you’re proceeding without a patent or perhaps with a Provisional Patent (gives you 1 year to decide to pursue a full patent, costs several hundred) then I’d recommend keeping your invention in your control by forming your own business and creating a website to sell it. Then you can begin advertising your website any way you see fit. I can help you form your business saving you a huge amount of time and stress, and I can design and launch your website for you (you would control it and maintain it after its launched). I may also be able to offer manufacturing services for your product (depends on your product).
If you’re interested in having me provide a service, see the How This Works page.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is NOT to be relied upon as legal advice.
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