Over the years, we've worked with many inventions, and noted several things to help avoid mistakes and find success.  This page is made to discuss invention, and help inventors navigate obstacles.  Thank you for visiting our site.

Please excuse the incompleteness of some areas on this page.  Check back occasionally for updates.

 

	Dear Inventor, I'm pleased about your invention.  I'd love to hear more about it, but first, let me say congratulations! and offer a little advise. I've seen lots of cool inventions -- even with patents -- go nowhere.  I don't want to see that happen to you.  That's right, odds are overwhelmingly against you, but you can succeed in spite of all the negativity.  To help you with that, here are some things to consider. First, some people think:  Invention = Get Rich.  Well, it can, but more likely, it means "get poor trying", or hopefully, a reasonable return after lots of sweat.  Set your sights reasonably.  There are great stories, but most are exceptions. Second, find the right people to help you.  That may mean letting go of some ego that makes it "yours", but do it.  It's better to be successful with some close associates than to be rich and lonely (or worse, poor and lonely).  Stick your neck out and trust someone. Third, (related to the Second), gracefully receive input.  It's far easier to critique, than to create.  You've already created, so let others critique.  Don't be defensive about it -- instead, learn from their viewpoint.  Your product will be better for it.  Avoid the NIH Syndrome. Finally, Open your mind to new ways of thinking.  You have lots of new phrases and acronyms to learn (like Intellectual Property, CIP, NDA, Product Development, etc.).  It can be fun, so enjoy the ride. Well, that's about it.  I've attached a few things below -- just to think about.  I wish you the very best of luck with your invention. Sincerely,   A friend who's been there.

Protecting Your Idea
One of the biggest fears I see among inventors is that someone will "steal" their idea.  It's not unreasonable, especially if it's a really good idea, but you need not let the fear constrain your pursuit. Be prudent in how you share ideas.  You need to share with those that can help you, but there are smart ways to do it. One smart thing is to use a CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT -- also known as an NDA (or Non-Disclosure Agreement).  An attorney is the best source for an NDA, but that can get expensive, so I've posted our "boiler-plate" one here to download.  The essence of an NDA reminds everyone that there is Intellectual Property involved, and all parties need to show respect to the ownership of that Intellectual Property. The NDA provided here can be a good place to start.  Feel free to use this as a base and modify it for your specific needs. Legal disclaimer:  You are not receiving this from an attorney or anyone who has legal clout.  By using this document you assume all legal responsibilities associated with it's use. Remember, these documents don't guarantee anything.  Use your judgment when you talk with others about your invention.	Sample NDA   Synthesis Sample Confidentiality Agreement aka ... NDA   By downloading this document, you assume responsibility for its use.
A Word about Patents
Patents can be a great source of Intellectual Property protection.  However, they are expensive, and can take a long time to secure.  Furthermore, they last only a given time, then your invention is free for others to copy. Secondly, maintaining patents require regular fees to keep current, and really -- A patent is only as good as your pockets are deep.  A bit sarcastic perhaps, but owning a patent does not keep someone from infringing -- it's just a tool to enforce your rights to the intellectual property.  If someone infringes, you pay to go after them -- and that can be REALLY expensive. Don't let this scare you away ... rather, be aware of the limitations.  Having a patent does not mean the government will protect your invention. My advice?  Do a patent search early to be sure you are not stepping on someone else's work, then VERY judiciously consider when or if to file a patent application. It can often be best to delay applying for a patent until your product is nearly ready for market.  That does some very important things: Preserves the length of time for patent coverage while the product is actually in the market.   Conserves much needed cash for development of the product rather than legal fees.   Avoids telling the world what you are doing until you have done it.  An often misunderstood piece of info about patents:  when you file a patent, you are effectively telling the world your idea, because the application will be published publicly whether the patent is granted or not.   Applying for a patent too early constrains your development.  I've seen many projects where the inventor filed for a patent very early, then by the time the product was developed several things had changed enough that they had to file a CIP case to cover the new improvements.  That is good in some ways, but very expensive.	Links to Patent Info US Patent Office Official Site www.uspto.gov   General Patent Info www.oppedahl.com/patents/ www.gouldwhitley.com - Patents   Patent Searching www.freepatentsonline.com   Google Patent (beta) www.google.com/patents   Note:  Good sources, though we don't endorse any one.
Warning:  There are some new rules at the patent office now effect (as of 2012) about how a patent can be granted and how similar applications are handled.  Check things out carefully, make decisions based on reasoning - not fear - and don't let some over anxious attorney talk you into doing an application too early, or for the wrong reasons.   Legal disclaimer:  This is NOT legal advise.  The opinions expressed here are from observation, reasoning and personal experience only.  Please seek the assistance of a licensed patent attorney for accurate information about intellectual property rights, patents and other legal matters.

The NIH Syndrome
	This is classic -- and don't take offense -- but many inventors are stricken with a horrible disease we call the Not Invented Here Syndrome.  This disease manifests itself when someone offers an opinion or suggestion about their invention. Truly, this is a sad and closed-minded condition because is shuts down free input from outside sources -- potential customer input.  If the invention can't stand up to criticism or suggestions, how can it stand in the marketplace?  Embrace all the free input you can get.  Some will be garbage, and some like gold.  Judge that AFTER you carefully consider what others have to say.  It will make your product better, and if it succeeds, it will make you richer. The best medicine for NIH is a healthy dose of teeth on the tongue.  Yes, I mean bite your tongue and listen.  Every critic has a point of view, and when it comes to your new idea, you better pay attention.  Listen.  You never know what value an off comment may have. Real power comes with the ability to digest the comments and criticisms of others and interpret them into your invention to make it better.  Other people don't even need to know they are assisting you -- and helping the inventive process. It's easier to criticize than to create.  You're the creator, let others be the critic -- and you benefit from the advise.  (Don't let it get you down.  -  Critics can be rude.  If you take it personally, you're suffering from NIH.) As a side note, inventors stricken with the NIH Syndrome are very hard to work with.  If you are sorely vexed with that dreaded disease, please don't ask us for help. :)

The Product Development Process is an article about taking ideas from concept to customer and is intentionally generalized to cover a wide range of ideas.  If you're looking for information about bringing ideas to market -- read this article. A great sub article on Intellectual Property  --  Patents:  Protecting Your Big Idea An informative overview of patents originally published on HP.com - reprinted here with permission.   This article has been published in 3 languages and in multiple places around the world.  It's used in education and training materials for entrepreneurs, both in business and in scholastic settings. It's worth reading if you're thinking about taking a product to market.

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