A few things we recommend you do before contacting us
- Create a description of Operation of the invention
- Build a Proof of Concept model/Working Prototype (not always required)
- Complete a patent search. This will take 40 hours or more for a person without experience conducting a patent search. Costs to hire an attorney would be between $250-$1500. In the event, you hire an attorney to conduct a patent search, we suggest that you use an attorney located near the USPTO who has experience as a patent examiner. When hiring someone to conduct a search for you:
- Have them sign a confidentiality agreement
- Require them to share the patent numbers of all prior art found
- Require them to list the categories they searched
- Ask what the additional cost would be for a palatability opinion with suggested claim content
- Outline who the customer is for your invention:
- Where do they live?
- How old are they?
- What is their annual income?
- What training will they need?
- How much will they be willing to pay?
- Where will they expect to buy your product?
- Identify any competing products if there are any.
- How does your invention fulfill the needs of your customer better compared to competing products?
- Understand why you are seeking product development services:
- Making a proof of concept manual
- Making several prototypes for?
- Create an outline of your development objectives.
- What will prototypes be used for? (testing, marketing, etc.)
- How many prototypes will you need?
- What will the start up production quantity be?
- Complete a business plan with detailed budgets for development, prototyping, testing and market surveys. Your business plan also should describe how your product would be marketed.
- Complete a market analysis (at least a preliminary survey)
- Identify the price point for your product. How much can you expect people to pay for your product?
- Determine 1st and 2nd year sales projections based on your market analysis.
- Detail a Design Specification. This will organize the details of your invention and should be an attachment to your business plan.
- Have your Non-disclosure Agreement ready for us to sign.
Helpful Resources for Inventors
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR INVENTION!