Inventions and Marketing

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Permalink Reply by Erik Deckers on February 1, 2008 at 12:11am

A few years ago, I became a BIG fan of Doug Hall and his radio show, Brain Brew. He did it for three years, and several different times,discussed the importance of patenting and marketing new ideas and new products.

While I've never invented my own product, I've been responsible for nine different product launches and re-introductions over the years. If you'd like some help and advice, let me know. We can sit down for coffee one day, and I can give you some ideas.

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Permalink Reply by Bonnie Benshoof on February 1, 2008 at 7:07am

I just might do that, it sounds like you've been through the muddy water of it. I know it's not an easy process, but I really think it is a great idea. So, we might have to talk.thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Ken Zweigel on February 1, 2008 at 3:31am

Applying for a patent ultimately involves some research to determine the uniqueness of your products or processes, along with a patent attorney to file the application properly, and who would also be glad to do the research for you for a fee. You may be able to find a law firm that has a basic starter package that begins the application process so you are in the patent pending stage, which lasts for several years. That shouldn't be too expensive, but that is a relative term. This is of course just surface information, so you should find much more in-depth advice.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Pincus on February 3, 2008 at 3:43pm

In my day job I do business development. I evaluate, manage, protect, market, and license technical and scientific inventions. The way to proceed depends on your idea, whether you have reduced it to practice, and whether you have filed a patent applciation to protect it. A good book to help you learn about these topics is Patent it yourself by David Pressman (Nolo Press). You can buy it on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Patent-Yourself-David-Pressman/dp/1413305164/.... David Pessman is a patent attorney who has written a very good reference whether you proceed on your own or retain an attorney. Besides describing the patent process, Pressman's book also has suggestions for evaluating inventions, dealing with companies, and has model agreements that you can use.

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Permalink Reply by Arlan Landey on February 4, 2008 at 9:12pm

I have invented a couple of items. I have applied for a provisional patent myself without the help of an attorney on one item and have been granted the provisional.

I have three other items that I will be seeking a provisional patent on, but learned with my first item that I need to pace my product introductions to the time needed for creation of packaging, merchandising, UPC bar codes, etc.

The main thing to keep in mind is that only about 2% of the items that are patented ever make it to market. Even great ideas have a tough time breaking in if you are unaware of the channels of distribution that are needed to get the product to the consumer in a manner that doesn't break the bank -

Drop me a note sometime.

Arlan Landey

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Permalink Reply by David Schoenenberger on February 12, 2008 at 4:37pm

Bonnie,

I see you know Cindy. I was going to give you Matt's name. So it sounds like you are in good hands. He is good. I think you will enjoy the conversation too. Please let me know if you need anything else.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Hall on February 13, 2008 at 7:50pm

I haven't, but I recently redesigned a website for a customer that patented a financial process; I had always thought patents were pretty much applicable to just products, but I guess not. Apparently it is a good idea because he has a lot of manufacturers jumping on the bandwagon.

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