Phone Accessories Business

[JohnW94]

Hi everyone,

Apologies if I'm posting this in the wrong section, this is my first post of the forums, please let me know if it needs to be moved.

Anyways, I have not long graduated from my postgraduate degree, since I was child, my ambition has always been to work for myself. I have come up with an idea centred around phone accessories that enhance privacy, they're rather simple designs however I believe they would enhance security whilst simultaneously protecting the hardware of the device, an added bonus!

I've been extensively researching how to go about this, getting it designed and having a prototype made as well as the manufacturing process (either manufacturing it myself or having someone do it for me), however, I've become stuck on this. As a cash strapped (former) student, it seems that the startup costs needed to design and manufacture a product is astronomical and this is simply something I cannot afford to do. Does anyone know a cost-effective way in which I can design and manufacture a prototype? As well as a cost-effective way of self-manufacturing or a manufacturer who can produce the products again in a cost effective manner?

I'm happy to answer any questions, if the above isn't sufficient.

Thanks!

 

[fisicx]

Hi John and welcome to UKBF.

Does anyone know a cost-effective way in which I can design and manufacture a prototype?

Buy a 3D printer.

The cost of manufacturing will be tiny compared to the cost of marketing. And within days of your launch, a chinese factory will already be tooling up to copy your designs.

You say you are cash strapped, how many jobs do you have? Are you working during the day with a pizza delivery job in the evening and a job in a bar at the weekends? If you aren't then that's why you are cash strapped. If you need cash there are loads of jobs you can do.

 

[JohnW94]

Hi John and welcome to UKBF.


Buy a 3D printer.

The cost of manufacturing will be tiny compared to the cost of marketing. And within days of your launch, a chinese factory will already be tooling up to copy your designs.

You say you are cash strapped, how many jobs do you have? Are you working during the day with a pizza delivery job in the evening and a job in a bar at the weekends? If you aren't then that's why you are cash strapped. If you need cash there are loads of jobs you can do.

Hi, thanks for the advice, genuinely appreciate it!

I have been considering the 3D printer option, my issue again would be the design aspect.

In relation to being cash strapped, I work full-time however live in an area where approx. 55% of my income goes on rent alone and I care for my father in the evenings, who has recently undergone a major transplant.

 

[fisicx]

That sort of stymies your spare time employment.

As you say, it's the design element that could be the problem. Are you any good at crafting? Could you make a prototype out of cardboard and plastic?

 

[JohnW94]

It's okay - I'm trying to make the best out of the hand I've been dealt.

I'm not, however my girlfriend is certainly competent. If we design something out of cardboard/plastic, how would you recommend transferring that into a design that would be suitable to be printed on a 3D printer?

 

[Mr D]

Once the gubbins has been sorted out, crafting the material around it to protect it should be fairly easy from a design point of view.
The electronics can be more expensive part of the design.
You have figured out what you need, what components etc?
Even a basic mock up that can be made to work could be useful as a basis for showing it.

 

[JohnW94]

Once the gubbins has been sorted out, crafting the material around it to protect it should be fairly easy from a design point of view.
The electronics can be more expensive part of the design.
You have figured out what you need, what components etc?
Even a basic mock up that can be made to work could be useful as a basis for showing it.

Hi Mr D, thanks for taking the time to respond, I appreciate it!

In terms of components, I wish to focus on phone cases with security features to begin with, essentially whilst I find my feet with this. The mechanisms need for the security features are simple and I know the type of material I would need to produce them.

 

[fisicx]

Is there anything in your design that could be patented?

If not then you will struggle. There are hundreds of phone case/accessory makers and thousands of suppliers. They will copy your design in days and make it cheaper and sell it cheaper than you.

This doesn't mean you won't get a lucky break but it's very unlikely to make enough to live off. In fact it might not even break even. But if you can patent it then you stand a better chance of success.

 

[JohnW94]

In short, yes. The three mechanism that enhance security would be able to obtain a patent. I studied law at undergraduate level, however I didn't specialise in IP. I have spoken to a close friend who is currently training as an IP solicitor at a specialist IP law firm and he believes that the merits of the idea would satisfy the tests, that would then grant a patent.

 

[fisicx]

So that's your first action. Apply for a patent.

Then get out the cardboard and stickybacked plastic and make a prototype.

 

[Mr D]

In short, yes. The three mechanism that enhance security would be able to obtain a patent. I studied law at undergraduate level, however I didn't specialise in IP. I have spoken to a close friend who is currently training as an IP solicitor at a specialist IP law firm and he believes that the merits of the idea would satisfy the tests, that would then grant a patent.

Then all that would be needed is defend the patent against those seeking to make the items for free.

A lovely job. How is your Chinese language skills?

Seriously, with patent and prototype you would have more to offer companies capable of producing the item than 99% of those who come up with a great idea.

Phone cases are a crowded market - seems like every seller and their granny has gone into that in the past 15 years. But new feature not offered as common or as good elsewhere has potential.
And the bigger companies have the abilities you do not.

 

[MBE2017]

Before considering going to the expense of applying for a Patent, you should first research if there is a potential market. You might think it is a good idea, it might be a good idea, but if people are unwilling to pay for it then little point making it.

 

[Mr D]

Before considering going to the expense of applying for a Patent, you should first research if there is a potential market. You might think it is a good idea, it might be a good idea, but if people are unwilling to pay for it then little point making it.

Yes depending on security features it could be a massive market or total flop. Or anywhere in between.

 

[NathanGrieve]

3D printer and a student lisence to CAD software if you're eligible - can take you a long way

 

[Panoramix IP]

I would echo that a patent should at least be considered at an early stage. If you have spoken to someone who knows a little about IP then you will know that a patent application needs to be applied for before publicly disclosing the products. Filing a UK patent application will only provide protection in the UK. If you want protection other countries then you will need to file further applications later that claim priority from the UK patent application. Researching your market is indeed a good plan before incurring costs on a patent application. Having a patent attorney prepare and file a UK patent application will likely cost between £3,000 - 5,000 and that is just the start of it. If you are thinking of filing a patent with the sole intention of using it to sue infringers then you might want to think again. You would need very deep pockets. There are other IP rights you can rely on such as design rights or you could seek first market mover advantage with a limited patent filing strategy. You really need to speak with an IP monetisation and strategy expert for comprehensive advice.