Worried
about how to protect your idea? Here's a great article with advice
for the new inventor. It covers a wide range of topics - all good food
for thought. (Inventors Digest)
Patent
It Yourself by Nolo Press. I strongly recommend this book. It is
what I used as my guide for getting a patent for Easy Book Clip. It
gives great advice, instructions and forms. Nolo press says: "Whether
you're new at the inventing game or a grizzled veteran, Patent It Yourself
will save you grief, time, and most importantly, money." There's
some good "free" information on this site to help you, even
if you don't buy the book direct from Nolo.
Even if you decide to use an attorney or patent agent to patent your
idea, it is good to be informed about the patent process.
Find
a local inventors' organization - I found it helpful to spend time
with other inventors and learn from them, and to share my ideas as well.
Attending inventors meetings can help keep you on track and inspired
to make a success of your idea. (Inventors Digest)
Check
out your local SBA - The Small Business Association offers free
counseling and assistance in starting or improving your small business.
InventNET
- Inventors Network on line. From their inventor help page: "Educate
yourself about the entire inventing process, read books, network with
other inventors and stay informed. Watch out for invention promoters
and specially for those that advertise on TV - 99% of them are fraudulent."
I think the important message here is to become informed, and don't
give away your hard-earned or borrowed money for promises of success.
"The
honest marketing company" Helpful article for understanding
what marketing is and isn't. (Inventors Digest)
United
Inventors Association - This
organization has a wealth of information for the inventor. Read about
the UIA Innovation Assessment Program. I have not used this service,
but you may find it helpful. UIA and Inventors' Digest are related organizations
and have affiliations with the Academy of Applied Science and the Dial
Corporation (that's right - Dial soap).
These
are just a few resources to get you started. Use them if you wish -
in combination with your own good judgment, inventiveness, vision and
hard work.
I
wish you success and joy in your creative adventures.