Are you convinced that you can create an incredibly popular and life-changing product? Do not wait! Follow these simple steps to make your invention and promote it on the market.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Imagining the Product
Step 1. Jot down ideas
The first step to creating a truly unique and useful product is to put all your ideas on the plate. Consider your area of expertise - what are you most interested in and what do you know best? To invent something from scratch to finished product, you will not be able to operate outside your area of expertise. Otherwise, you may have a great idea but not be able to make it a reality.
- Try to make a list of all the things that interest you. This can be hobbies, jobs, or products you use regularly.
- For each activity or object that interests you, create a sublist of possible improvements that you could make in the form of an invention. You can include variations of the product or business or useful additions.
- Make a big list. It's better to have too many ideas than too few, so keep stretching the list until you can think of nothing else.
- Always keep a diary with you, to constantly add new items to your list of possible inventions. Keeping all the ideas organized in a single notebook will also help you get clearer ideas and revise your insights later.
- Don't be in a hurry at this stage of the process. Inspiration may not come right away, and it may take weeks or months for you to have the winning idea.
Step 2. Choose an idea
When you've spent some time considering all possible options, choose the best invention you have come up with. Now you will need to move on to the evaluation of the project details. Draw some rough prototypes of your invention, and then consider some important issues.
- What could you add to improve your product? What is it that makes your invention so special that people are hooked on it? Why is your invention so great?
- Think about the changes you could make. What parts of your invention are superfluous or unnecessary? Is there a way to make it more efficient or cheaper?
- Consider all aspects of your invention, including the required parts, and the most important details about how it works or what it does. Keep these answers and ideas in your journal so you can review them later.
Step 3. Research your invention
When you feel confident in your idea and have made any necessary changes, research it to make sure it is truly unique. If a product like yours has already been patented, you will not be able to produce it in series and you will not be able to patent it yourself.
- Search online for products that match the description of your invention. If you've already thought about the name of your creation, search for it too, to make sure it's not already in use.
- Visit stores that offer products similar to your invention. Search the shelves for products similar to yours, and ask the shop assistants if they have such products for sale.
- Visit a local Patent Office. Here, you can search through patents to look for inventions like yours.
- Request a professional patent search to verify that there really isn't an invention similar to yours on the market.
Part 2 of 3: Patenting your Invention
Step 1. Create an accurate record of your invention
While you won't have to be the first person to invent a product to be able to patent it, you will still need to keep a record of your invention that includes the full list of its features and uses.
- Record the product invention process. Write how you got the idea, what inspired you, how long it took, and why you want to make it happen.
- Write a list of all the things you will need to create the object, and all the possible parts and materials for your invention.
- Keep a record of your searches, showing that you have not found any similar product on the market that already has a patent. You will need to prove that your invention is unique in order for you to be awarded a patent.
- Consider the commercial value of your invention. There are costs involved in obtaining a patent, even if you will not enlist the help of a lawyer. Before incurring these expenses, make sure you have recorded the commercial value and potential profits from the sales of your invention. This way, you will know if the potential profits of your invention exceed the costs of the patent.
- Create an informal representation of your invention. You will not have to have a professional design made, but a precise representation of your invention may be required in order to be able to patent it. If you are unable to do this on your own, ask a friend or family member who has better dexterity than yours for help.
Step 2. Consider hiring a patent attorney
While lawyers can be very expensive, their help can be invaluable. The primary job of a patent attorney is to help you get one and deal with any patent infringement issues.
- A lawyer will be able to advise you based on the latest developments in patent law, and you will be sure to always be up to date.
- If someone violates your patent (when you get it), your lawyer can help you take the necessary legal steps to resolve the problem.
- If your invention is classified under the "technology" category, a lawyer can be of particular help to help you find out if similar technological advancements are not already in development by companies or companies. Technology is one of the areas in which development is fastest, and one of the most difficult in which to obtain a patent.
Step 3. Obtain a provisional patent
This document will demonstrate that your invention is on track to be eligible for a patent. This means that no one will be able to copy your idea while your patent application is still being processed.
This step is optional, but it can go a long way in avoiding the frustration you would feel if someone were to patent an invention similar to yours just before you
Step 4. Apply for a patent
When you have all the information on your invention ready, you can apply for a regular patent. These requests are examined by the Patent Office and to submit one, simply follow the step-by-step instructions provided on the form and fill it in with all the necessary information.
Part 3 of 3: Turning Your Invention into Reality
Step 1. Create a prototype
Once you've filed your patent application, it's a good time to create a working model of your invention. Don't worry about making it out of expensive materials or going through a rigorous process, just try to make a working version of your invention.
- It is not necessary to prototype the same materials from which you will mass produce, unless it is absolutely essential for the creation.
- If you can't make the prototype yourself, you can pay a company to do it for you. This is a solution that can be very expensive though, so always try to build the prototype yourself as a first choice.
Step 2. Create a presentation
When you have a prototype and a patent in hand, you will already be on the road to success! The next step is to prepare a presentation that perfectly describes your invention. You can use it to promote your product to potential builders and buyers, although you should create slightly different versions of the presentation for your specific audience.
- Make sure your presentation is very professional, regardless of the creation method. You can choose a powerpoint presentation, a video or use billboards.
- Enter a lot of useful information, diagrams and images. Be sure to address the features of your product, its uses, and long-term results or benefits.
- While it is optional, you may want to hire a graphic designer to prepare a spectacular presentation for your invention. Taking care of the visual aspect of your presentation will serve to attract the interest of buyers and producers.
- Make sure you also prepare the speech that will accompany the presentation. It's not enough to have great diagrams and images, you'll also need to be good at public speaking. Don't memorize cards, but get an idea of everything you want to say and prepare answers to the most common questions that may be asked.
Step 3. Present your invention to a manufacturer
Find a local manufacturer that specializes in products similar to yours and ask them to produce your invention for you. You may need to start the employment relationship with an introductory letter, explaining who you are and what you want from the manufacturer.
- After receiving the response to your letter, prepare your presentation. You will probably need to present your invention live and explain what your working relationship will be.
- Make sure you leave a copy of the presentation and any necessary information so that you can review it when you're done.
- Put the emphasis on how and why your invention will not only help people, it will make the manufacturer a lot of money. You are dealing with business people, who want to know what their profit will be from your employment relationship.
Step 4. Produce your invention
Once you've gotten a collaboration from a producer, start mass-producing it! While probably the wisest choice is to start with just a few (you will discuss this with the manufacturing company), you will be able to create hundreds or thousands of copies of your invention.
Step 5. Promote your invention
Now you have it all; your patent, your prototype, a manufacturer, and finally your invention has been mass produced. Find ways to promote it to maximize sales.
- Meet with local business owners and store managers to discuss the possibility of selling your product. You will be able to show your presentation to illustrate why selling your product is a great choice.
- Create advertisements for your invention. Hire a graphic designer to create images and videos that entice people to buy your product.
- Find ways to show your ads in your area. Many local newspapers, television stations, and radio stations will be able to promote your product for a small fee.
- Make your product known to friends and family. With the help of your loved ones, you can spread the word about your invention to many people.
- Organize stands at trade fairs in your sector and attend entrepreneurs' conferences. Do some research to evaluate the costs of renting a booth at a trade show.
