When you have an invention idea, but no idea how to create it..

[robincj91]

As per the title, where do you start?!

I have an idea for a variation of an electric cigarette aka an 'e-cig', but I have no idea how you'd create it. Nor if it's actually possible!

Where would YOU start in this situation? I don't wish to post the specific idea, for reasons I'm sure I need not explain.

I came across a company awhile back when I first had the idea, they claimed they'd do a patent search, then the R&D, create prototypes etc all for reasonabley large fees (understandable) ,but are these companies genuine?

They claim to be genuine and only back ideas they believe are worth looking into etc, but they first advise a patent search before any R&D. If the idea is patented, it must be executable, so surely it would make sense to do the R&D first? (I.e. I got the impression they just wanted their large patent fee £500+ iirc!)

Help!

 

[vvaannmmaann]

Seen this?
http://www.ipo.gov.uk/

 

[robincj91]

But can you protect just an 'idea'? I figured for this it'd need to be patented, and a patent covers the execution of an idea, rather than the idea itself?

Sorry if I sound really naive!!

 

[10032012]

I don't want to stub your e-cig idea out... but I think you will find it tricky with the original patent for an e-cig its a growing big business in that industry, they will likely throw a lot of resources, potentially objecting to your patent application.

 

[robincj91]

Love the pun.. But can a patent be applied for without even knowing how to make the product.. surely not? And if so, any suggestions on how you go from where I am now, to finding out how to execute the idea so a patent can be applied for?

 

[10032012]

I am not an expert at patents but I don't think they need to be that strong as many think, I have seen patent design plans which don't look like they could withstand objection at all. Obviously, if its not water tight its likely you will be challenged, be copied by a competitor or the patent not be granted.

 

[terry54661]

The idea is good if you can make it unique and something totally new and prove to people your E-cig is better then the many out there. I think a Patent would be very hard to obtain as others have said it may be challenged by bigger players in the market already. If you are worried about costs and how to get your product made at this early stage I would step back and have a long hard think about why you are doing this in the first place. Have you done a business plan and researched your competitions! have you got thousands in cash to advertise and market the idea! If you get a patent and someone copied your design would you have the money and resources to make a challenge against them!. I think the ideas is good but the funding and business contacts you would need would be massive.

 

[robincj91]

The idea is good if you can make it unique and something totally new and prove to people your E-cig is better then the many out there. I think a Patent would be very hard to obtain as others have said it may be challenged by bigger players in the market already. If you are worried about costs and how to get your product made at this early stage I would step back and have a long hard think about why you are doing this in the first place. Have you done a business plan and researched your competitions! have you got thousands in cash to advertise and market the idea! If you get a patent and someone copied your design would you have the money and resources to make a challenge against them!. I think the ideas is good but the funding and business contacts you would need would be massive.

The is is GOOD, I know that. It WOULD sell, IF it can be created and for the right cost. The latter 2 things I don't know, this is my real question. Who can I turn to/speak to find this out?

I know what the idea is, and how the end result would work (I.e. what the product function is), I don't know how it would work though it terms of what components would be required etc!

I'm confident the idea is so good that if it is do-able, you'd have no problem finding financial backing on he premise of the idea.

 

[robincj91]

Any more help on this? Ultimately I need to know how I can go about figuring out HOW to turn the idea to a real product, before I could even consider a patent, so I need some advice on conquering this step!

Any reccomendable agencies etc?

 

[CSharpwise]

Any more help on this? Ultimately I need to know how I can go about figuring out HOW to turn the idea to a real product, before I could even consider a patent, so I need some advice on conquering this step!

Any reccomendable agencies etc?

If you have an idea but don't know how to make it then I think that is a real problem. I think you are wasting your time and effort.

Good ideas are two a penny.

However with that said, what I would do is read up about product engineering, and also ask around in some of those product engineering chat rooms and forums, they'll be able to tell you how realistic your idea is to create, the technical challenges, etc.

 

[robincj91]

"I think you are wasting your time and effort." An attitude that will get no one anywhere worthwhile in life if you ask me, but each to their own!

I'll look into the second part, thanks!

 

[CSharpwise]

"I think you are wasting your time and effort." An attitude that will get no one anywhere worthwhile in life if you ask me, but each to their own!

I'll look into the second part, thanks!

What I'm suggesting is that you either learn about the technical aspects or risk wasting wasting your time and efforts.

 

[robincj91]

Sure, it just came across a little more blunt to me, maybe I mis-interpreted!

 

[Adam.Vause]

I would have a look at product prototyping. http://www.bangcreations.co.uk/

I don't have any experience in this area but a friend of mine had an idea and was directed to having his idea designed, patented and then having a prototype built.

Once you get to that stage you will know what components the device needs and then its a case of getting the product manufactured.

I don't believe this process is cheap and you may need investment to get started which will be the triky bit without a solid business plan. From a quick search in Google it looks like Bang Creations help you through the whole process.


I know what you mean though, It's really hard when you have an Idea and don't even know where to start.

I had a good idea once, but after wasting good money in building and protecting the idea I realized after putting a few focus groups together that there wasn't a strong enough market for the product.

Thing is i thought it was a really good idea! Not all was lost as i still continue to use the product on a daily basis as it helps me run my business.

 

[beasty]

Any more help on this? Ultimately I need to know how I can go about figuring out HOW to turn the idea to a real product, before I could even consider a patent, so I need some advice on conquering this step!

Any reccomendable agencies etc?

IF it is good, make a business plan

make it look the best you can look for investors, protect yourself by sending the plans through the mail to yourself in advance of any approach.

Ensure you clearly show how your investor will make a profit
.
Get NDAs signed
pitch them
do not make them directors seriously do not

do not give them shares (if you can help it) seriously not advised if you can avoid it


Or

Go to a government agency, you are already protected as the people you meet will be thick as pigshit and unable to steal your idea but probably they have a form to give you that explains the process of what you should do..

If you post an application for patent protection then do the above.. you have plenty to protect you