LooksLikeSinbad Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 I have an idea for a fishing product that I really think is worth pursuing. I've had lots of ideas in the past but this one seem like it's worth investing a little money in and trying to get it out there. Right now I just have the idea in my head. I'm planning on using a cad or 3d modeling program to develop some computer sketches of the design. But what do I do after that? I assume I need to have someone run a patent check and make sure no one owns a patent for it already and then patent it myself. Does that sound right? What about manufacturing prototypes? Is that really expensive? The product will be mostly plastic so I don't think the materials would be too expensive. Any advice, tips, links, book recommendations, etc. would be greatly appreciated. I know there are companies that walk you through the whole process but I believe that they are expensive and take part ownership in your product, right? Thanks, Zak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dampeoples Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Take a look at just about any other fishing product, and how many copies of each exist, before you sink any money into a project. I don't mean to not make it, I mean the protecting it part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piddler Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 patents can cost upwards of $7000 and you have to get an international patent too or china will rip you off which they will probably do anyway. if they think they can sell enough of your product, they will produce it anyway and take their chances. your patent lawyer should be willing to prosecute infringements. injection molding tooling is relatively expensive depending on complexity of your parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Yes, patents are expensive, but it is ramped over a couple of years. This gives you immediate protection for development of your idea and showing your baby to potential manufacturers or entrepreneur buyers, without shelling out a small fortune. The initial fees of a few hundred will allow you about two years breathing space before the big fees are due. If it doesn’t work out, you can let the patent go and not pay any more. If the product makes it, then the few thousand due after two years will be small potatoes as you will be raking the dosh in by then. There are plenty of www articles out there that will explain all the details. Best advice is to keep your mouth shut, read and make a plan. If the idea is that good, it may be the best plan to sell it and let the big boys develop it, but make ‘em pay BIG. I really hope that it works out for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sidewinder Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Just my 2cents worth, but don't make the same mistake I did. I applied for a design patent for a weight. I was getting everything ready to manufacture when a family illness caused me to postpone my production, not to worry I have a patent.WRONG:censored:.When my patent was approved it goes across the internet and the big guys have people see whats new ,if they like it they make their 15% or 20% change and beat you to market. And there is THE OKEECHOBEE RIG. Just make sure you have all your ducks in a row and be ready for some highs and lows. In my opinion a design patent is worthless,if you can do a utility patent $$$$$$ it may hold up better. Good luck sidewinder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LooksLikeSinbad Posted January 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Thanks for the responses. I have to admit this all sounds pretty discouraging. It sounds like if I don't patent it I'll get ripped off but if I do patent it my idea will be put out there to get ripped off too. So is there a better solution? Has anyone here successfully created a new product, patented it, produced it and brought it to market? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dampeoples Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 I don't think anyone meant to discourage you, I didn't. Just wanted you to think before you dropped any money into something that will potentially be a waste in the long run. I think your best bet is to speak to a patent attorney, get real advice, not internet advice, and go from there. In the entire process, keep your ideas, drawings, photos, etc to yourself, and base your actions on his advice, and your outlook on the fishing industry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spike-A-Pike Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Dampeoples is damright on this matter. A patent attorney is the person that is supposed to protect your interest. None of us is trying to jump is and rip you off, but how well do you know any of us? Mr Peoples advice is right on the money. Protect youself and your interests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muskyman Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 I agree with Sidewinder, as I patented my product & before I even had it into mass production the Chinese had ripped it off by altering the look just a bit. I found that if your going to do it, a patent doesn't seem to really make that much of a difference as others will rip you off anyway at least that was my experience. The best thing to do is design your product in such a way it's not easy for others to copy, & even if they do yours can be made in a way that works better or looks better. An example of this is what happened to the floater by Rapala, loads of look a likes out there by the Chinese but it doesn't look as good, hasn't the quality or the performance. Just my experience, for what it's worth, hope it helps you out. -The Muskyman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogajiga Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Yup, not to put anyone down, but a good idea will be immediately used by others with just enough alteration to avoid infringement. For example, look at the recent "Chatterbait" and the older "Roadrunner" designs in my particular area of tackle focus - the only thing enforceable might be the trade name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 Every now and then I read about a big company getting fingers burned by a little company, for patent infringement. This gives me a warm fuzzy feling inside. If you do not have any protection, they will walk all over you. They may even patent the idea and stop you from using it! I agree with the above, get professional advice and have a go. There are no bad posts on this thread, no one is trying to discourage you, just trying to arm you for the fight ahead. I wish you success. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LooksLikeSinbad Posted January 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 There are no bad posts on this thread, no one is trying to discourage you, just trying to arm you for the fight ahead. Oh, I didn't mean that anyone was being negative. I appreciate the honesty. It's just frustrating to think that if you have a great idea, patent it and execute it your likely to get ripped off. But I do agree that the best option would be to contact an attorney and get some professional advice. Again, thanks to everyone for the responses. If anyone knows of a good patent attorney please pm me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smirkplug Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 For no additional costs i use the term "the origional" on my products. Everyone knows the Kastmaster, but how many of us know or remember Mr Champ a very close knock off. If i was really smart or sucessful i would knockoff myself off, by making my origionals, then going to China, making a knockoff under a different company name, then complaining to other fishermen about it all the way to the bank. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 Smirkplug, neat idea, devious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
