New Product Development

[Alex_Ontario]

I have an idea for a niche product and only have a sketch on paper that was drawn by an artist. While I have found a firm locally in my area to transform this idea into a product, I want to make sure I have some bases covered before I proceed.

I wanted to ask if any members have some first hand knowledge in new product development and what would I have to as an inventor to protect my idea? I realize I will need a patent for trademark, intellectual property etc and will a non disclosure agreement with this firm protect my idea fully while a protoype is being developed? I would also want to market and sell my product in the U.S so would I need an American patent as well? Any links or advice on product development/where to start and/or patent info would be greatly appreciated.

I understand I'm new at this and only wish to fulfill something that I have been passionate about for a while. I have great ideas for something that would be in demand on a smaller scale and want to bring them to life. Thanks in advance.

 

[Sammy the Bull]

I have some experience in that field, if you apply for a patent your idea is protected but you're giving away all your secrets in the patent. The trick is to formulate your patent so that you dont give away too much, yet you still are legally protected. There are entire companies who's main mission is to find ways around patents.

Also if you apply for a US patent you have x amount of years to change the patent. Other countries like Canada dont allow you to change your patent once its filed

What I did was apply for an FDA "Trade Secret": http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/CosmeticLabelingLabelClaims/CosmeticLabelingManual/ucm126444.htm#clgl5

Its basically free (they charge a small amount for paperwork) and nobody can find out what your ingredients are

 

[Rono]

First, check the United States Patent office here at www.uspto.gov and search and see if your idea has already been invented. Then check for the trademark name in the trademarks section. You will also need a patent and trademark lawyer. The whole thing could cost $20,000 over the next 2 years so be prepared. Even after paying all the money you may not even get a patent on the product.

 

[train]

Product Development

There are two types of patents you can obtain. The usual "invention" patent and also a design patent which does not deal with the technical side but merely the look of the product. Applying for a patent will require you get a lawyer to have any chance of obtaining one -he/she will fill you in. You are protected, I believe, once the patent office has acknowledged receipt of your application. This, of course, assumes you eventually do get the patent. Yes you will need a US patent but there are ways to file for almost world-wide coverage.

Get the agreementwith the firm helping with the prototype but have it drafted by a lawyer.

There are many firms in TO that specialize in intellectual property. One that I know is good is Bereskin and Parr. This will cost a minimum of $10 k to do the initial filing.

 

[Kyra.Graves]

Can't help you with patent law but I'm sure one of the good terb legal minds will be kind enough to help you out.
There is a website I often visit for metrics, guides, references, etc. they've compiled a lot of great articles and it might help you out as you develop your project.
http://www.npd-solutions.com/bok.html

Good luck!

 

[serviceman]

I can't tell from your post if this is a physical product, or something like software. Assuming this is a physical product, you might want to have an industrial designer looks at your design. Industrial designers are trained in making concepts become reality, particularly products destined for mass production. Obviously you need to have a non disclosure signed by the designer, but having a professional designer help you tweak the design could save you time, money, and aggravation when you go to mass production.

Full Disclosure: I am an industrial designer, so my opinion may be biased, but all the successful products out there (and many unsuccessful ones) were designed by industrial designers.

PM me if you want more info, I can direct you to some good ID companies, or if you'd like, I will freelance on occasion.