Have you ever had a brilliant idea that you know could become an amazing product? There are so many things that we realize the world is missing while we are doing something. No matter if it is while you are fixing your car or applying makeup, or taking care of your newborn, you may realize that there’s something that could make the whole process faster or easier.
People who have product ideas usually don’t know how to start and get a patent for their invention idea. And some that do may see the whole process overwhelming and decide to give up and wait, hoping that someone else will think of the same thing. If you want to monetize your patent and if you want to help the world and your budget, then you need to start doing that now!
Here we are going to help you learn how to turn your initial thoughts into a product. This guide will show you the steps on what to do and how to do it so that you will get a patent approval.
1. Document everything
Today’s market is huge! Chances are, if you can think of it, you can find it on Google. But what happens when you cannot actually find it on Google? Then you are in luck! You can patent your thoughts!
First, you need to establish ownership rights. You need to document everything, from the envision, how you got the idea and how it can be used. Write down everything and for this, you can use a notepad or an inventor’s journal. Write down page numbers so that things won’t get lost in the process. Make sure you sing every part of it and have a witness sign and date all of the ideas you have in your journal.
2. Is your invention unique?
Just because you cannot find it on Google it does not mean that no one else thought of it first. You need to conduct a patent search and if there is someone who can claim that they came up with the idea before you, they will also be able to claim money from the sales you make.
Do a preliminary patent search by visiting the patent and trademark office website, the patent library and try to check if someone had the same thoughts all over the world. You won’t need a lawyer for this part because you can do it on your own. Check to see if someone even made some design illustration or artwork of the same potential product. If something like that exists, you will most likely not be able to patent it.
3. Will people buy it?
Now you have to think like a businessman. The first thing you need to ask yourself is if people are going to be interested in what you have to offer. Yes, you think you need it, but do other people need it too?
For this, you need to do market research. It’s easy to do this and you can even do it for free. Use Google Forms and the power of social media. Ask people if they would be interested in something like that and if they would pay for it. You can even ask how much they would spend on your product. Listen to them and if needed, conduct more online researches. Start by bothering your friends and family and then continue asking strangers via social media networks.
4. Create a prototype
Can your idea work in real life? InventHelp suggests that you should start by making a working model of your prototype and never file for a patent until you have a working prototype. You won’t have the rights to any changes you make to your invention after you file for a patent, so make sure you create something you are happy with, before the application process.
Start by drawing the product and document it in your journal. Then build a 3D model using any materials. It does not matter what you use here, you just need to see how it looks. After that, create a full working model of the product. Don’t forget to document it all and make any changes you want before filing the patent. Wait for some time, look at it, test it, edit it.
5. File a patent
There are two main types of patents – design patent and utility patent. The first one is for manufacturing new ornamental designs and the second one is for new machines or processes. You can do the filing on your own or get a patent lawyer to help you with the technical details.
If your invention is amazing, chances are other people will try and claim it as their own. If you hire a good patent lawyer you will make sure that your idea is fully protected and you won’t have to deal with any legal battles.
6. Market your product
Now comes the fun part! When you have a patent and a working product, you need to prepare the market. You will need a good business plan that will help you find the fastest and easiest path to making money off of your product.
You will need to think like a professional or hire one to make sure that your product is rightly placed. First, think of the target audience – who are the people that are going to buy it. Create a website so that people can see it. Now focus on social media. Spread the word that you have something that’s new, exciting and unique. By targeting the right people, chances are, you will get customers faster.
Spend some time thinking about your business plan and make sure that everything is done right. If you don’t know how to focus on all steps, you can ask for help from the professionals.
All good things take time, so have patience. No matter if it is while you are thinking of the idea, filing the application for the patent or making the social media plan, it all takes time. If you have a good invention you need to protect it first and then launch it. Don’t show anything on the market before you have all the ownership rights.
