How to Manufacture a Product Idea
New products are being invented every day, but there's a lot to consider when taking an idea and turning it into a product. Those looking to have an idea manufactured for the general public will want to research the market for similar items -- figure out who their target market is. While finding the right company for the job can take some time, having a marketing plan may help with the sale. Before you start contacting individuals to help manufacture your product, you'll want to protect it.
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Instructions
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Document your idea in a notebook with numbered pages that cannot be inserted or removed. Write everything down -- from how the invention might look -- to how it works and what parts may be required. Have a witness sign it, once you've finished jotting down your notes. Get your witness to sign your notebook or "inventor's journal" anytime you write down something new.
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Go to Upsto.gov and do a search for patents that may be similar to the idea you have. Check and see if your invention might already exist, before hiring a patent attorney. Check for art that might also be related. If you find notes or designs that look like what you have in mind, then you won't be able to proceed.
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Research the market to decide whether or not your idea's something people will want to buy. Ask yourself who your target consumer is -- and if they have something like your idea in their home. This is to keep you from spending too much time on an idea that may not have enough interest to warrant further efforts.
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Create a prototype that will demonstrate everything you've written down in your inventor's journal. Avoid filing a patent for your design until after you've made a prototype, as you may find a flaw in the design. Work out all of the kinks first and then file the patent. Follow the steps below when planning your prototype:
Draw your invention with appropriate labels if it has numerous parts. Give yourself an idea of how it might look before you go about building the prototype.
Make a full-sized mock-up of your invention to give yourself a three-dimensional look at your design. Tweak your design if necessary before creating the real prototype.
Create a fully working prototype. You invention should work as planned. If your prototype will cost a lot of money, try creating a simulation of it in a computer program.
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File a patent for your invention. Fill out the application, but don't send it in until you've had a professional look it over first. Do your research and make sure the individual you contact to help sell your idea is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.
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