Taking the next step with a Idea

[Weddings]

Evening,

I am new to this forum but having had a quick browse I hope to become 'part of the furniture'

I am wondering if you can help, I have an idea in my head that I want to become a reality but I don't know where to start. Basically it is a toy/game so I guess I need have a prototype made. I have already done my market research and I have designed a basic prototype myself on the old PC but now I need to take the next step.

Any advice on who would I contact about this? Would I need to approach different people for each part of the game e.g a box maker for the box, a plastic maker for the toy part or are there companies out there who will create the whole thing for me?

Any recommendations?

Thank you so much.
Sam

 

[coxdabd]

Hey bud, I'm presuming the game is a physical game? Or is computer based? Welcome to the forums

 

[Gint]

Do some research, find out how each options cost. And then decide. But I think it is better when everything make one company, because then it is easier to find who is fault for mistakes.

 

[LeanneMacco]

Have you protected the idea? It's not my field but I'd say that's an important early step if you're going to be showing manufacturers and such.

 

[Weddings]

Thanks for your responses an in answer to the questions...

coxdabd - It is a physical game

LeanneMacco - Do you know if I would need to patent the idea for a physical game or would it just be copyright?

Many thanks and any more advice or recommendations appreciated

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Look at this site.
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/

 

[LeanneMacco]

Thanks for your responses an in answer to the questions...

coxdabd - It is a physical game

LeanneMacco - Do you know if I would need to patent the idea for a physical game or would it just be copyright?

Many thanks and any more advice or recommendations appreciated

Very good question and one beyond me Maybe post in the legal section for info on that one.

 

[red-source]

Hi Sam

There are plenty of options available to you and most development companies would be able to offer something for a complete prototype including packaging options. I suggest taking it in stages though, get your plastic components prototyped properly first and worry about your packaging later.

If you can do 3D modelling on your pc then you could get rapid prototypes knocked up in just a few days ( I regularly send 3d Data to be prototyped and I get my finished model`s back in 3 working days on average! ).

Have you considered tooling fees and development costs etc ? Plastic components ( usually injection moulded ) are cheap and can be manufactured in thier thoughsands, but the tooling to do this can be expensive.

If you are stuck and dont know how to get to the next stage drop me a PM and I will gladly offer more advise and may even be able to give you some basic costs if your information is all in place.

Best of luck with it !

 

[All Seasons IP]

Hi Sam

A scheme, rule or method for playing a game is excluded from patentability as such. Though if a new and inventive "gadget" is used in the game, it may be patentable.

However, design right and/or copyright may subsist in some of the components of the game. Design rights may be registered to enhance the level of protection. Also, you may be able register the trademarks associated with the game.

Get in touch if you want more specific advice.

Best wishes and good luck

Mitch

 

[Senington]

Definitely patent you idea, research into manufacturing companies. Cheapest place would most likely be an Asian country. You will have to order quite large quantities though. What is your budget?

 

[David Warrilow]

A scheme, rule or method for playing a game is excluded from patentability as such. Though if a new and inventive "gadget" is used in the game, it may be patentable.

Hi

I'm a patent attorney.

The above applies to UK and Europe.

In the US (amongst other countries) you can patent methods of playing a game per se. For example in the US even new and inventive card games can be patented.

If you need any help feel free to pm me.

Cheers

David