How to Patent & Market an Idea
Obtaining a patent is not easy. It takes hard work and dedication to get a product on the market. It is possible, but a person needs to be willing to put in the time and do the research. Is it worth it? You decide. If a patent hits big, it can significantly change your life.
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Instructions
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How to Patent & Market an Idea
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1
Go to the U.S. Patent and Trademark website. Conduct a patent search on your idea using keywords and phrases. Look at several pictures of similar products, because a patent will not be issued unless it is original.
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Fill out a form provided online for either a provisional, utility or design patent. Draw images in black and white of your idea. Mail all of this, along with the appropriate fees, to the address provided on the website.
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3
Check the status of the patent's approval with the confirmation number issued by the official office. Save any receipts and copies of forms for personal records.
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4
Upon approval, begin marketing by creating a prototype of the idea. This obviously does not need to be of factory quality, but it needs to offer a physical image of the product's purpose to a consumer. Include literature to explain the purpose and benefits of the idea as well.
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Perform a detailed search to find suppliers that would be interested in your product. Search the Internet to find suppliers specific to the use or material of the item. Send these suppliers the product literature with pictures.
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Tips & Warnings
It is a good idea to contact suppliers' offices upon shipping the material and to follow up after material is received. Once you have found a supplier to pick up your idea, they market and advertise it for you, with a cut of sales profits designated in a contract.
Never try to pass off someone else's idea as your own. Knockoff artists face criminal charges and can be sued for a considerable amount of money by the original inventor.
