Best way to start with an idea and bring it to production?

[BlondeGuy]

When you have a good idea for a product, what is the best way to develop the idea into prototypes and to get it manufactured and distributed.

I've got one project going through Davidsons (Invention Land), but not particularly happy with it.

I've got a great firearm product and made prototypes, that me and my family have used for two years, but end up giving them all away to friends who wants one.

So, how can I get it to manufacturing and distribution?

[Pokeguyjai]

Did you get it patented yet?

[Vigilant]

Did you get it patented yet?+1 or everyone else is gonna make it to market faster with their version of your idea!

[BlondeGuy]

No patent yet. It is similar to other items, just modified to be used in a different way.

So I guess the patent is first

What's next?

[Texican_gal]

No patent yet. It is similar to other items, just modified to be used in a different way.

So I guess the patent is first

What's next?

See a patent attorney. I have looked up patent info for people (pre-Internet days), but you really need a lawyer, I think.

[Pokeguyjai]

No patent yet. It is similar to other items, just modified to be used in a different way.

So I guess the patent is first

What's next?

Get a good lawyer. Form a corp, or LLC, or partnership, etc. Get a biz bank account started... and whatever else you need.

For getting your product on the market... follow the money and the know how. The question you should be asking yourself "who will be able to make profit off of my product as well and has the know how/contacts to get my product manufactured."

[Housertl]

WRT patenting.... If it is a modification of an existing product, you may be "stuck with" with a design patent. The protections offered by these have increased pretty significantly of late, and they are inexpensive to file for, so many attorneys will file one at the same time as a utility patent. A patent attorney will be best able to tell you if your product is sufficently novel to constitute new art. Here's the problem with your specific situation. You have one year from the first public disclosure of your design to file at least a provisional patent application. If it has been longer than that, you may be screwed.

What type of prototyping are you looking to do? mock up? proof of concept? If ABS plastic is a suitable material for prototyping, you might want to take a look at the Solidoodle. It is a VERY affordable 3D printer that can make pretty high resolution, decent size products. 8"x8"x8", IIRC.

[Sgt. Psycho]

I will PM you a link to a WT member who can give you some firsthand guidance as to patents.

[Housertl]

Sgt,

Hit me up with that, too, please.

[clintofio]

Housertl's advice is very solid regarding patents. You do basically have a year at this point from public disclosure to get your IP buttoned up properly, so don't get too hung up on this side of things.

In my opinion, the most important thing is your business plan. Who's going to make it? Who's going to pay the bills? Who's going to sell and market it and how?

I would:

1) Develop the product
2) Test/Prove it and make sure it's awesome
3) Show it to a patent attorney and make sure you're not stepping on any other patents and that you have something unique enough to have a good chance at receiving a utility or design patent
4) Find a manufacturing partner, get quotes on tooling and production costs/quantities.
5) Finish writing your business plan now that you know you've got a kickass product that you can legally make, later patent, and how much it's going to cost. Do plenty of market research and get a good feel for how much you can sell it for, how many you're going to sell, the costs of acquiring the sales, and the overall strategy of sales/marketing/distribution. Get a complete business plan DONE, something good enough to show to an investor even if you're self-funding, you need to ask yourself all the same questions a savvy investor would.
6) Now that you have your plan, you need your funding source figured out, might be an investor, or your savings, or a bank. Get the money you need to fund the operation until your plan says you'll be able to self-sustain based on revenues, then DOUBLE the amount you think you'll need, and go with that as your starting point. (it always takes more time and money than you think)
7) Order your products
8) Start marketing
9) Start selling
10) Once you have revenues flowing and are convinced you've got a business started that will make profits and is going to be worth it all this effort, and you're within a year of public knowledge of what you're doing, THEN spend the $3-5K for applying for design patent or $20-40K for a Utility patent, etc...
11) Take over the world.

[carlosvictor]

Patent your idea or invention once made successfully. Patents have many roles to play. With the help of a proper patent you get the right to stop people copying, selling, manufacturing and importing your invention without your consent or permission. The patent attorneys are usually armed with huge amount of knowledge regarding patent law and the procedure involved in getting a patent. So hire a patent attorney and take his help.