I have an Idea for a Pool Related Accessory

[PoolSleuth]

Basically he says that a corporation will look at who they will be stealing the product from and if you are not IBM they will steal your product and not care about being sued because they can outlast your funds.

AMEN AMEN....

 

[MFB]

patents

I myself am on a few patents on in the medical device field. If you want to protect your potential product, see a patent attorney. You don't necessarily have to have an issued patent for protection. Start with recording your invention in a notebook, and have it witnessed and signed.

But don’t know who to approach about making the Product, (as it could be made of Wood, or Plastic, or Injection Molded) or how to prevent my Idea from Being RIPPED OFF

I would like to possibly sell the idea, and maybe get a Royalty off of the Product.

Any Ideas? Would be appreciated...

 

[MFB]

Hal, you also know that depending on the complexity, (or lack thereof) the 'invention' could have a simple mold out of a mud blank or aluminum to cut down the cost of prototying. This could cost as little as $1000.

It will obviously depend on the size and shape of the part, but tooling (molds) are very expensive. Our molds cost about 30K each. We have about 400 of them.

 

[MFB]

Don't forget, most judges frown upon big corporations beating up on smaller companies. You sometimes can get a case heard sooner, because of money issues.

I have a friend who spends a lot of time in dealing with patent violations.

Basically he says that a corporation will look at who they will be stealing the product from and if you are not IBM they will steal your product and not care about being sued because they can outlast your funds.

My friend thinks that his job defending the corporation which stole the product in the first place is not immoral. This guy never misses church and would never personally harm anyone legally or otherwise, but when it comes to the legal world he thinks that anything is game.

No wonder we all hate lawyers.

 

[Harvywallbanger]

I have an idea to modify/improve ceiling fans. I really think the idea will catch on and do good. I called Invention Submission Corporation, but the nearest office is several hours away. I never followed through with it. It seems really simple, but I've never seen one anywhere.

STAY AWAY!!! I had an idea once prototype and all and took it to ISC. For $1000 they will draw up your idea and make you a portfolio for you. From there you have 2 choices:

A. Take the portfolio they made you and go on the road to try and get someone to make it for you. But first you better have a buyer!
OR

B. Pay them 10 more GRAND and they will do it for you. There success rate is like 2%. If they dont get it sold in 2 years there off the project and your out 11 GRAND!



You have to do it yourself dude if you dont have that kind of money. Make a prototype yourself or have someone you know help you. Draw it up with perfect specs and the material you want to use. Research how much it will cost for each one built and your selling price. Go to a potential buyer with a suit and tie on and lay it all out and explaine to him how much you would sell the item to him for. Tell him how many you think the buyer could sell by showing him the research you have done. EXAMPLE: This product here sold 30,000 last year and as you can see my product has one thing better than that so I am projecting at least 50,000. Once you get a buyer then you need to find someone to build it. More research! Go to the manufacturer telling him you have a buyer and such and if its worth it to him he will make it for you. Then go out and get a patent which is alot of money but who cares you just sealed a deal. You'll also need someone to package it for you. Maybe the manufacturer, maybe not. I never got that far. And make sure everyone that you show your product to signs a contract. Nothing personal just business. Hope that helps a little.

 

[PlynSets]

Hal, you also know that depending on the complexity, (or lack thereof) the 'invention' could have a simple mold out of a mud blank or aluminum to cut down the cost of prototying. This could cost as little as $1000.

Not likely.. Even "ashtray" molds in the US (by ashtray it means a simple no slides, straight pull mold) are usually in the 5 - 6K range using a Mudd Base. You could do some soft tooling (RTV rubber molds with Cast urethane parts) for around that price range if they were small. Not trying to critisize, I'm just trying to give some more realistic ideas of pricing.

DJ

 

[MFB]

DJ,
You may be right in most cases, however it would depend on the size of the part, and where you have the mold made. I recently had a mold made for a small two piece part (about 1 inch long), with 3 mating core pins. It cost a little over $1500. Also if the shop that makes the mold, runs rthe part, you may get a better deal. I generally work with small companies (like a guy with a side business out of his house). Course, you probably wouldn't get 50,000 out of a cheap mold, but who cares at the prototype stage.

I guess it comes down to the size and complexity (even 'shot' size) of the part.

Not likely.. Even "ashtray" molds in the US (by ashtray it means a simple no slides, straight pull mold) are usually in the 5 - 6K range using a Mudd Base. You could do some soft tooling (RTV rubber molds with Cast urethane parts) for around that price range if they were small. Not trying to critisize, I'm just trying to give some more realistic ideas of pricing.

DJ