How Does an Invention Go From a Prototype to an Actual Product?
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The Idea Comes First
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An invention is a device, machine or process. In the process of inventing, much thought will have to go into the process in order to arrive at a tangible solution. This extensive thought process is generally done after the potential inventor has recognized a problem that needs to be solved. So a potential inventor not only identifies a problem, but also identifies a well-defined solution in order for the invention to become a reality.
Research Your Idea
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Market research is very important in the invention development process. It is important to do especially before applying for a utility patent. Extensive research should be done prior to performing any work on the invention idea. This can include something as easy as taking a trip down to your local big chain store like Target or Wal-Mart to inquire whether your idea is already being sold in the market or not.
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Developing a Prototype
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The next step in your invention process would include developing what is called a prototype. This is also referred to as reducing the invention to practice, that is, turning your invention idea into an actual and tangible product.
A prototype is an inventive model and sample of your idea. It can range from a basic replica created by the inventor himself, to a professionally constructed prototype with believable, life-like working samples. It all depends on the inventor and what type of prototype he would need. Some prototypes have even been presented using just cardboard and tape.
Patenting to Protect Your Invention
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The next step in an invention process includes patenting the idea so that no one can steal it from you. There are two types of patent applications: provisional patents and non-provisional. The provisional patent application provides the inventor with temporary protection, enabling the inventor to establish the filing of the invention; however, a provisional patent does not start the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) review. The non-provisional patent establishes the USPTO patent review process. It has been traditionally recognized as a "full" patent. The provisional patent is a low-cost way to protect your idea, and it is effective for a year, allowing the inventor time to market and develop the invention before being required to invest in a non-provisional patent. During the provisional "patent pending" period, an inventor may be able to negotiate up-front funds in a license agreement. If this is accomplished, the funds may cover the costs for filing the non-provisional patent. Sometimes the company who has agreed to a license agreement will cover the non-provisional patent expense as well.
Going to Market
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The last step requires marketing the invention. Going to market is a term that refers to the inventor going out into the market to try to "sell" her idea. Inventors who plan to market their own inventions, going to market would generally mean soliciting retailers to sell the new invention to the retailers, and if they like the idea, receiving a lump-sum payment from them; or it may mean developing a website so that your finished product can be bought directly by consumers online--orders will come straight to you via your website. If an inventor plans to have her finished product licensed with a company and receive royalties, going to market for this inventor means soliciting manufacturers that are related to the product to find out if they are interested in the product. If they are, they will do the entire marketing, and as the product sells in stores, the inventor receives royalties from the sales. However, some inventors combine both methods. They may manufacture the invention themselves, but also have the product licensed for royalties.
A license agreement is established between the inventor and the licensee. This occurs when the inventor agrees to allow a third party (licensee) to commercially use her invention for a set period of time, and during this time, the inventor receives either ongoing payments (royalties) or receives a one-time lump-sum compensation for her product. It is very important that the inventor already has the provisional patent in place before approaching companies regarding investment possibilities.
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Resources
- Photo Credit www.inventorsdream.com
