Need advice on getting an invention into the production phase

**MGraziano** · 06-07-2008 11:13 AM

A friend and I came up with a good idea. A great product that can sell for about 5-10$. I have no idea how to begin getting it launched though. What should I do first?

**shawn0001** · 06-07-2008 12:42 PM

Well I would say first make sure no one else has the idea, check for pattents and such. Then if you can, get a prototype made up and pattent it then go from there.

**Warranties-For-Less** · 06-07-2008 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by MGraziano

A friend and I came up with a good idea. A great product that can sell for about 5-10$. I have no idea how to begin getting it launched though. What should I do first?

Good question,

Having been down that road before, what you first need is a proto type or drawings, then file a provisional patent after doing search to see if anyone else has already files one on similar or same product. If it is an idea without a product, then you have to hire someone who will make one or draw up plans. It depends on what it is, but have non compete and non disclosure agreements in place before you go to any engineering firm to have drawings made. Protect yourself is the point, trust no one, I lost an idea years ago because I trusted the wrong person. Anyone see a pool guard which detects ripples in water of pool to protect against childred falling in, that was my idea long before Remington came out with it, so be careful.

Good luck, Mike

**fwn122** · 06-07-2008 08:56 PM

The next step is to find a company to make a sample of your product. There are many companys who will do that for you for a decent price. Once you have your sample you then need to find a company/website that will agree to advertise and sell it for you.

**Nigami Enterprise** · 06-08-2008 01:28 AM

Their is always more then one way to skin a cat.
You dont always have to get a patent to bring a product to market.

Not every new Product needs a patent to be a success.

**MistaDobalina** · 06-08-2008 02:42 AM

Nigami I've never heard that expression before...it's weird though haha.

Yea and you don't need a patent unless it's very easy for a competitor to replicate it. Plus (I might be mistaken) but I think a patent makes your idea publicly known so you should probably get a prototype down first before someone else does.

Oh and what's your invention? Haha just kidding...but really?