Having a good idea is the basis of every invention that, one day, can become a product. Of course, it all depends on your affinities and inspiration. However, before turning an idea into something concrete – the inventor’s playbook must contain a well-designed strategy. You must know how to take certain steps if you want your idea to become a successful project.
The Idea Is Always The Most Expensive
Today, most inventors will tell you the idea is the most expensive thing. They have a point! In the modern times we live in, and by using the technologies available to us – many inventors will come up with some great ideas they can turn into successful projects. However, it seems that, as in the past, we are struggling with the same problem: How to turn an idea into a successful product? Before you think about sharing your idea with someone or offering it for sale to a company, you should do the most important thing. Protect it!
Getting From an Idea to a Successful Project
We are sure you do not want to leave your ideas and work on inventions to others and remain without income. That is why it is so significant for you to protect your idea, product, or design – or anything we can put in an invention category. Then, you can think about other things such as production, marketing of the finished product – or licensing to another company. That is exactly why you should design your playbook and strategy that you will stick to. You can check this and see what are the most important things you need to know before embarking on such a creative adventure. Although all the strategies may differ – several basic steps are the same for all those who want to turn their ideas into successful products. We’ll point out a few key steps you should consider taking.
1. The idea or realization of the project
Unfortunately, having just an idea cannot be protected or patented. Why? Because the idea is not a finished product. That is why more experienced inventors will tell you to put together a good plan. That plan should include the commercialization of your invention and all the necessary documentation and information for patent protection. Also, you should develop your idea, technically design it – and support it, for example, with additional sketched solutions, etc. If your idea is related to a technical solution – put everything on paper and make a structural concept of the performance. Therefore, everything must be worked out well – because the idea alone will not be enough for you. Quite simply, it is necessary to provide something more ‘tangible’.
2. Document the work process in your inventor’s playbook
When you want to turn an idea into a product, you need to have some proof of it. Therefore, it is significant to record and document everything. Simply, provide evidence of how you came up with the idea of inventing a product. Write down everything that can be important and that you can remember: From the creative moment to how your invention will work and the purpose of the product – to marketing and placement on the market.
All this can be important to you when you patent your product or idea you want to protect from theft. So, document the entire process of developing your project in the inventor’s playbook – and make sure a witness signs it. Keep in mind that when patenting, your inventor’s playbook will be your inventor’s Bible that you will rely on during the patent process.
3. Research the market and patents in detail
Of course, market research is an indispensable part of work in every business, including inventors. Simply, you want to be sure that the product developed based on your idea will also have some practical application. Moreover, the wider the range of potential users – the greater your chances of returning the invested money and making a profit. Therefore, before patenting your product, research its potential in advance. Also, research is necessary in the field of searching existing patents.
You don’t want to invest your time and money trying to patent something that already exists. Therefore, carefully research the database of registered patents. Here you will probably need the help of more experienced people in this field – so don’t reject the idea of hiring an agency that will conduct such detailed research for you.
4. Have a prototype
Creating a prototype is something that will support everything you wrote down in your inventor’s playbook. Therefore, it is a materialized part of your work that will present your product and design not only when registering a patent – but also to potential investors in your invention. The prototype can serve you when presenting your product to sponsors who are willing to invest money in it, or to companies to whom you intend to sell a license for your product. Also, the prototype is very important for you because you can timely discover defects in your invention if they exist. It is almost an unwritten rule, and most inventors correct mistakes based on perceived defects in the prototype. So, try not to skip taking this step.
5. Patent registration
If you have gone through all the previous steps and corrected certain defects in your product or design – you have come to the end of the first part of your journey toward the realization of a successful product. Now all you have to do is register your patent. But first, when registering a patent, keep in mind whether it is a utility patent or a design patent. You can fill out the registration application yourself – but it is still recommended that you don’t submit any documentation before a patent expert looks at it. Most inventors also have their patent agent, which is extremely useful. Not only will it help you with excessive documentation, but the agents will help you in legal matters related to the protection of your patent.
The Bottom Line
At the very end, another ‘new beginning’ starts. Now you have to think about placing your product on the market. Of course, you have already recorded something about this in your inventor’s playbook – but now is the time to start actively working on it. If you are not able to do everything yourself – hire an agency. Keep in mind that professionals will greatly help you and relieve your stress. We wish you the best of luck in the next part of your inventive journey.