I have an invention, what steps do I take to make my idea a reality?

Are there any tips on marketing products?
Additional Details
Thank you most of you have been very helpful! ; )

There are two ways to go ahead:
(1) patent the idea - unless someone already has, end then you may need to modify it to get around that patent - and then either sell the patents rights, or license the patent to a company neededing your idea, or
(2) make the product (or have it made) and start selling it.

Rule 1: Never tell anyone what the idea is before it is pateneted - when you do always keep some important details secret.

Rule 2: NEVER PAY ANYONE ANYTHING to make your idea worth something. ONLY TRUST PEOPLE WHO OFFER TO PAY YOU FOR YOUR IDEA. People who want you to pay are thiefs and scamsters.

To patent: go to the USPTO wbesite and see what they say about patents - they are the only truely credible source. You can search for existing patents that may look like yours online (but only newer ones are online). If its already patented youneed to tweek you idea so that it does not conflict withtheirs. Remember: it is really only the CLAIMS at the end of the patent that matters. This is the meat.

If you want to patent you willneed a patent attorney - look for a credible firm. Find out about their reputation and fees. It will cost between $3,000 and $5,000 to patent an idea depending on the complexity.

Once you have a patent you willneed to sell the idea to someone - either the rights for a fee or a license to manufacture where you get a perctentage for evey one they sell. As with allo business, the more risk you take, the more money you get.

The other optionis to simply make the product - or have a company make it for you - and start selling. You may want to check if it is already patented becuse if ot is successful and already protected the onwer of the patent will try and stop you. If it is successful you may want to cover the patent bases once you have the money fromteh slaes of the product.

Once you have a patent - remember, no one will stop anyone from stealing your idea. You willneed to stop them yourself. The difference is that if you have a patent you have stadning in court when someone copies your idea. The government will not stop them for you, but you can sue them and force them to stop or to pay you royalities on what they sell.

First you make a model of it then get a patent and thats the first two steps.

First you need to see a patent attorney so someone else doesn't steal your idea.

There are companies you can send your idea to likehttp://www.davison54.com

yeah make a presentation with the product to what ever kind of company your product is base on. for example if you have created a clothing detergent that actually leaves your clothes like no other detergent - you can go to the different market option.. if you think your product is the best - start your own company - with the help of marketing and management personnel .now if you think
your product is competitive enough with others. you will have to get or contract someone that can make the presentations to the different providers in this case stores like (target , walmart etc..) so they can buy your product and for every product purchase of course you'll get a percentage%... apply this to what you've invented!! I don't know where you have to subscribed your inventation so nobady can steal your idea. investigate about it

Good luck!!!

First. Give me your idea. Next wait for me to produce it and then I'll send you a check... maybe.

Just kidding. If you have an invention the first step is to patent it. Once you have the patent you can go to companies that may be able to produce your product and market it. Do not do this until you have the patent tho.
Even if you plan to produce and market this invention yourself you have to get a patent first. Otherwise someone can steal your invention and then patent it and force you to stop selling it.

Patent and trademark your invention. Go to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office (http://www.uspto.gov).

You cannot patent or copyright an an "idea." You will need a Trademark/Patent attorney, when you have created the product you want to patent.

Before any thing else put a pattent on it so you wont be ripped off.

First, make a "POOR MAN'S PATENT" by visiting your post office and asked them about it.

Second, contack a corporation -- 3 M! They will send you a package.

16 years ago I invented the wheels on top of the dolly and didn't patent it! I am still an idiot while another crook got rich out of it.

call that gibs place its all over the comercialls get the #

First you need to go to a patent office to have your invention tied to you. Then there are millions of companys that are online that will help you distribute your product. Keep in mind the patent process takes time so dont be discouraged if it takes a while try the web site below.

The main tip is to get patent protection for your idea, the product and processes. If it is good you need to make it difficult for anyone to copy.

If you can't protect it then think seriously about going further. The reasoning is this: If your new idea is brilliant, and people start buying it and it appears in many shops then there is a chance some one bigger than you says "hey, we could make those too" and get their slaves in China to knock it out at 2c a unit and wipe you out of the market you created. If you've got a patent on it then perhaps the big company will give up, or even better approach you to buy or licence your patent wherby your work will be rewarded big time.

accept the fact that it ain't gonna happen

now that you have the right attitude do an internet search and then a patent office search be prepared to not be the first ( millions and millions of products and ideas )

then contact a marketing company - bring money

BET YOU that the 'get a patent' people have never seen a patent application or have any idea of the cost - time - and documentation required

get a patent first to ensure you get the credit and financial payoff....then start by lowlevel advertising - local business, thru friends....as interest picks up - run ads of various sizes to see what size pays off best

congrats and best wishes!

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: