I have a great idea for a product.  Who do I get to help me with the process of invention and patent?
481548
from personal experience-DO NOT I repeat DO NOT send your idea to one of those "help you patent" outfits- I did, and didn't have the money to follow through with a patent on my own- now a major company is making a knock off of my invention! if your idea is something totally new, then you need to figure out how to develop it your own- learn how to build it so you can see if it's a really valid idea. if an improvement to something that already exists you may be able to patent "improvement to prior art"- either way a good place to start is:\n\nhttp://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html\n\nlook to see if anything already exists like your idea, and if not then start development!
1001737
You need a prototype or demo. \n\nDepending on the specifics, a patent may be a huge waste of time and money. \n\nIf you don't have money, you need a partner or licensee. Ideally a company who's already in that business or selling to those cusotmers who would buy your thing.  \n\nYou will need a lawyer. The specialty is called "intellectual property"\n\nYou will have to work hard and be persistent; there are plenty of people like you who think they have the better mousetrap but have no money. You will hear a lot of no's.\n\nIf I may suggest: "marketing" is more critical to your success than "designing" or "making"
1137428
Be careful about the attorneys/agencies that claim they will get your product patented/copyrighted. They usually hide in the fine print something about getting a huge percentage ( Royalty ) for  any product that is a success, and this after they get you to pay them a fee upfront to start the process. DO your own research first on how to navigate through the patent/copyright process.
843093
If you are in the US, you go to the US Patent and Trademark Office to get a patent. http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/howtopat.htm UPTO has a page on the Basic Facts of Patents that you may want to read http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html\n\nNote though that getting a patent is a complicated and costly process. It is best to work with a patent lawyer to help you navigate the process. The cost of filing a patent can go anywhere from $10K to $35K depending on the cost of your lawyer and what it is you are trying to patent
766053
The best thing you can do is get the advice of a qualified patent professional.  If you can't afford to, then for only $100 you can file a complete description of the invention as a provisional application for patent with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (see the link below), explaining exactly how to make, perform, and practice it.  Then you have a year before you have to get a nonprovisional patent (which should only be prepared by a patent professional).  In the meantime you can call your invention "patent pending" and you can show your idea to companies who might want to buy it.\n\nIf they do want to buy it, aside from paying you for it they will probably be happy to prepare, file, and prosecute the nonprovisional patent application (which is very expensive to prepare in a way that will produce a valid and valuable patent) in return for your assigning the patent rights to them.
479617
Your best bet is to sell your idea to a company that already develops new products.  You definately need to get a patent for it from the U.S. Patent office ( http://www.uspto.gov/ ).  This will protect any potentional buyers of your idea from outright stealing it.  Other than this, I think you would be hardpressed to find people who will invest in your idea.
413687
Be very leery of the companies on TV that say they will bring your idea to market.  Most of those are scams.  They will steal your idea and give you little to nothing for it.  Have you considered who you would sell the product or service to?  Depending on the product, you can have your product manufactured by a company that does that kind of stuff, then sell the finished product to a retailer.  You would be the "middle-man" but your only work is finding a good manufacturer with the right price and selling the finished product to the retailer once.  (Think of selling it to a Wal-mart.)  You'd take a nice profit off the top.  Have you considered licensing your product to a distributor thus receiving a royalty.  That reduces a lot of headache and minimizes your liability.  It would be their responsibility to manufacture it and sell it.  Those little battery testers on packages were done that way.  Don't put all your hope in a "company" that will magically make you rich.  You are creative, so think of creative ways to get the product to market.
508060
Protect the idea; get an Intellectual Property attorney; sounds daunting but actually NOT that costly\n\nGordon Waggett in Houston is a good one.  \nwww.bnihouston.com - look under downtown chapter.
60795
From pantent agents call them up and theyll help you get your items patented heres a list of all of the ones in the US\n\nhttp://yellowpages.superpages.com/listings.jsp?SRC=411&C=patent&R=N&STYPE=S&MC=1&OO=1&F=1&CP=Legal+%26+Financial%5ELegal+Services%5EIntellectual+Property%5EPatent+Services%5EPatent+Agents
1096729
A patent is a contract between an inventor and the goverment. The inventor agrees to disclose the invention in its entirety and the government gives exclusive rights to produce, sell, import, and export in return. To obtain a patent, you have to be an inventor or co-inventor. You need to file a patent application with the US Patent & Trademark Office. The best way to do this is to hire a patent attorney or agent (agents are usually cheaper and perform the same function). They can file and argue on your behalf which, given the policies and procedures of the PTO, is extremely beneficial. Even though getting a patent a constitutionally-guaranteed right, that doesn't mean you get it free. Patents can be expensive after attorney/agent fees, PTO fees, and any other fees that may come up. That's why you should get an attorney/agent. You'll spend money, but you'll get the best patent possible. Otherwise you'll spend a lot of money, and may not even end up with a patent because you're not aware of how to write or prosecute a patent. As an example: I saw a patent application that had over 100 independent claim. The fee for this was over $10,000 and will have to be reworked from scratch. That's a lot of money to pay then have to start at square one.
568850
I am unsure where you should look for financinng or assistance, but please make sure that you and your friend don't get taken by some scumbag who tells you he's trying to help, then steals the idea.  I have heard that, that type of thing happens alot with people and patent companies and the like.  Just be careful who you trust, ESPECIALLY if you find them on the internet.\n\nMaybe you should look into the TV Program "American Inventor" website if they have one?  Just a thought though. Sorry I couldn't better assist you.\n\nGood Luck.
340561
Call a patent attorney. Seriously.
26833
Khristophoros,   Obtaining a patent may or may be possible in your case, seek the advice of a patent attorney if possible, they may give you a few minutes of their time free.  The biggest issue you may face is defending your patent once established.  \n\nWhy not simply build a protoype of your product, take it to a manufacturer and see if they would partner with you in launching your company?  You gotta start somewhere, your garage is good a place as any to launch from.  Afterall that's how Apple started. ;-)\n\nGood luck.
701026
Get a patent on it first. If you send the idea to a developer or a car manufacturer they will blow you off and steal your idea.
651444
first of course be sure your product has a patient, and is also not violating someones patent\n\nYou then would contact companies that manufactor items like or simular to what you need to have made.  \n\nOr even several factories that may make seperate parts.\n\nYou get prices for manufactor and the min quanities that they have to make.\n\nYou sign the contrcats, buy the material, and go from there.
142851
If it's a really good idea, I'd get a patent on it first... If you call carrier all those dirty crooks will do is steal your idea and make tons of money off it.
254903
It sounds like you created a new product and you're getting ready to put it on the market. That's great! Here are some steps to consider assuming you have completed the patent process:\n\n1. Create initial prototype in order to check if it works\n2. Prepare a non disclosure form to protect your invention before it hits the market when you show it to prospective investors or dealers or marketing partners\n3. Analyze costs to produce\n4. Evaluate the benefits and features of your product as this will shape your marketing strategy\n5. Get a professional prototype that you will show to prospective retail buyers\n6. Apply for provisional patent\n7. If you want to license the product to a manufacturer, find a licensing agent in your industry (Typically, an inventor can expect to receive royalties of between 3 to 7 percent of net sales)\n8. If you decide to manufacture and market the product yourself, you stand to profit more but will require greater capital