Invention, need advice please

[modano]

Hello,

First let me say, im not sure this is the correct forum to ask this on, if not I appologize and hope a mod can move it to the correct one.

I have an idea, an invention, that I want to go ahead with. But I need/would like some help regarding engineering and design. I found this company called 'Innovate Design', and I wonder if anyone here has had experience with them?
Basically they help inventors with exactly what i am looking for, but I have no real information or recommendations for them. Are they legit? are they good at what they do? are the expensive compared to others?

Perhaps anyone has any other company to recommend, that can help someone take take an idea to reality with engineering and design.

thank you,
modano

 

[david poole]

hello there!

i think before you go into production, if you have not done already, you need to see if there is a market.

many inventors, and quite rightly so, get very excited about what they have to being to the market, and often their research consists of "my family like it."

I woukd recommend if you have not done already...

1) go to forums, potential prospects and ask if they would buy it?
2) does it solve a problem in an existing market?
3) how much would people pay for it?

Just 3 simple questions, does it solve a problem in an existing ,market and what will people pay. The latter will tell you have many you have to sell before you break even wth the cost of design an manufacture.

best wishes

david

 

[modano]

hello David,
Thank you for your reply. To answer your questions, yes research has been carried out and there is a potential market for the product. The product is a well improvement of an old product on the market, so the price would have to be considered with competitors.
Obviously a patent search has to be done before moving into any kind of production. But for now, for today, i am looking for companies that specialize in helping inventors with engineering and design etc.

Any recommendations or and thoughts are much welcome,

modano

 

[Moneyman]

Go see a patent lawyer. normally free for first visit. they will probably recomend someone.

i have had a few chats with these guys and they seem to be good
http://www.workingmodel.co.uk/

they will probably be better for getting a first stage working model. you then have something to show investors.

 

[Calibre Designs]

I've not heard of Innovate design having been in the product design industry for over 9 years. Can't help there.

We have helped a few forum members with their invention on here after signing an NDA prior to the development.

Not much help - sorry...

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Do your reserch without disclosing your invention even with a Non Disclosure agreement, Then talk to patent agent and file, then consider making example, Drawings are enough for patent agent

Be wary of offers of "Help inventers" type companies

 

[Moneyman]

Do your reserch without disclosing your invention even with a Non Disclosure agreement, Then talk to patent agent and file, then consider making example, Drawings are enough for patent agent

Be wary of offers of "Help inventers" type companies

I agree do watch those "inventor help" sites except the trevor balis one. Patent lawyers are a speciallist breed. they wont nick your ideas and will help with a NDA.

 

[profitxchange]

Have had contact with this co a few years ago - may be worth a chat

http://www.frazerdesigners.com/home.html

 

[ProductDeveloper]

Hi David,

I run a freelance product developmet company called Aximo Limited. I can help you in this area! Contact me for a chat - I will sign NDA first if you like.
New to this website so not sure if I can receive PM's! see my website aximo.co.uk for contact details.

 

[ProductDeveloper]

Hi modano,

I run a design company (Aximo Limited) who specialize in helping inventors with the engineering and design. I run as freelance so am very competitive and flexible. PM me for a chat and I will sign NDA if you like. I also have a website you can view.

Ps its not always best to get a patent as sometimes your idea can be slightly changed and you have wasted time, money and given your idea away to the world!!...depents on the product tho. It can be sometimes best to be the first in the market and establish yourself as the brand leader.

Thanks - Kevin

 

First thing is to register your invention with the patent office.

Earl

 

[Chris Ashdown]

First thing is to register your invention with the patent office.

Earl

Agreed, if you register it you have all options open, if you disclose it you can never apply for a patent

 

[contingo]

Hi Modano

I'm an inventor like you, with experience of having my rough ideas turned into commercial products, by a design company in London. I would disregard the advice given by sirearl and others above... Apart from a robust non-disclosure policy, a professional, reputable design company will themselves have good links with patent lawyers and can guide you through the application process without risk of your idea being stolen. Indeed, a good designer will be able to guage the novelty of your idea from the outset and design with a view to increasing its patentability.

If you'd like the details of the superb design company I use, or any further advice, do PM me.

best wishes for your invention

contingo

 

Hi Modano

I'm an inventor like you, with experience of having my rough ideas turned into commercial products, by a design company in London. I would disregard the advice given by sirearl and others above.

You can not be serious.This is the real world .

Having had an invention nicked by a company named Noir & Decker.

The idea that someone should discuss what may be a great invention with anyone before making sure they have the fullest protection is as dumb as it gets.

There are many many companies out there that say they will help inventors to bring there invention to the market place 99% are scams.

Now what exactly do you do for a living.?

Earl

 

[Moneyman]

Got to agree. First patent lawyer. then get engineering types to get it working. then design types to make it look good. You can spend a fortune with designers getting the look before you have a working model.

 

[ProductDeveloper]

Patent the idea if the product is novel or unique!!… but if not then the patent not only tells the world what you are doing, but immediately opens the gates to "designing around the patent"…if it's a good idea somebody will want to copy it or mutate the idea into something else.
Engineering and design work hand in hand in most instances!

Anyway back to your original question modano..I can help with the design/engineering.

Thanks