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Any Experienced Inventors In Here?

by Michael in CT
12 replies
I'm looking for a point in the right direction.

Basically, I have an idea for a product that fills an important "need". I am not one of "those people" who thinks my idea is the greatest thing since ice cream, but it is a very important need being filled.

This is a mechanical device, and I am looking to prove the concept before concerning myself with patents.

My concern is with sharing my idea with others. Since this is a mechanical device, and beyond my ability to "build", I will need the help of others to prove the concept.

How can I protect my idea in the process? Any advice or a point in the right direction would be helpful.

Again, this is in the area of protecting myself while proving the concept of a mechanical device.

Thanks for any guidance.
#experienced #inventors
  • Profile picture of the author BrianMcLeod
    My advice?

    Find Killer Joe around these parts and pay him whatever he asks for a consultation. It will be money well spent. Seriously.

    That and get yourself a good Non-Disclosure Non-Compete agreement.

    Spend some time on Nolo.com and you can acquire one inexpensively that will likely fit the bill.

    Do not make public disclosure of the invention (working with a developer under terms of confidentiality is not public disclosure) and do not rush into the patent process, particularly a provisional patent application, which will surely be recommended to you.

    Whatever you do, scoff at and completely ignore any suggestions to mail stuff to yourself.

    The least likely threat to your idea is having it stolen. It happens, but it's actually pretty rare... There are far more numerous and easy ways to shoot yourself in the foot as an inventor.

    More inventors need to understand that they already know their worst enemy when it comes to their invention. It's THEM...

    Brian
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    Brian McLeod
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  • Profile picture of the author businessmentor
    You can start with a provisional patent. It will be valid for one year, and will cost you around $200-300. As long as you don't make any substantial modifications to your original idea, this will be enough to protect you, and will give you 12 months time.

    Once you start sharing your idea with potential partners, you are always running the risk of someone taking your idea and running away with it. Just accept that risk. If it is an individual, ask him to sign an NDA. If it is a company, they usually will not sign an NDA - so do not insist on it.

    Then, once you have seen some interest, you can file for an actual patent.
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  • Profile picture of the author jonhel
    I spent three years of my life working with technology transfer, assisting inventors to get their ideas commercialised etc.

    My advice would be to consult a patent attorney in the first instance. In my experience (I don't know about in the USA etc.) they will give an initial consultation free and it's an opportunity to ask valuable questions etc.

    Jonathan
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    Thanks guys,

    I just have one question, before I head off to do some research/buy some of the recommended material.

    What happens when you have an idea, present it to someone, and they suggest useful changes or re-designs? Is it easy to cover yourself and make sure that any new designs are owned by me?
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Michael in CT View Post

      Thanks guys,

      I just have one question, before I head off to do some research/buy some of the recommended material.

      What happens when you have an idea, present it to someone, and they suggest useful changes or re-designs? Is it easy to cover yourself and make sure that any new designs are owned by me?
      If the person you present it to is someone you've hired, specify in your agreement that you are buying "work-for-hire", and that you will own any results of said work. That, and a good non-compete/NDA will likely cover your arse as well as it can be covered.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    By the way.... who the heck do I go to?

    I have a mechanical device that I want proven (or disproven) on paper. Someone who can design it... run the calculations... and tell me if it will work or not....before anything is physically built.

    Is that a job for a computer engineer? Who should I look for?
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Michael in CT View Post

      By the way.... who the heck do I go to?

      I have a mechanical device that I want proven (or disproven) on paper. Someone who can design it... run the calculations... and tell me if it will work or not....before anything is physically built.

      Is that a job for a computer engineer? Who should I look for?
      Depending on how complex the device is, you may want to visit the mechanical engineering department of your closest university. Ask the person in the department office which prof teaches the senior-level classes in the subject closest to your idea.

      Unless your idea is for a computer, don't go to a computer engineer.

      If you want to PM me a rough idea of what your device is or does, I can probably tell you which department to start with. And I'll state on a public forum that I have zero interest in stealing your idea...
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    Looks like I need more posts before I can PM.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    Sorry... gotta do it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    ladeedadeeda...

    4 more to go.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael in CT
    dodeedadeeda...

    3 more to go. Don't mind me.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Michael, please stop posting just to up your count. It also bumps this thread. Both are against the rules.

      I sent you a PM with an email address you can use if it's me you want to reach.

      Sorry I missed how new you were around here when I made the offer. Check your PM...If it didn't go through, use the email in my profile.
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