Top 5 Invention Myths

1) The first thing an inventor must do is file for a patent on their idea before someone else does it first.

Ignoring the oversimplification of simply “patenting” an idea, as if it were so easy, this line of reasoning is nonsense for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being, once patented, your invention becomes publicly available to be scrutinized, reverse engineered and designed around – allowing the possibility of beating you to market, if you’re not prepared to go to market before they are.

2) You can "sell" your idea without putting forth any real effort or money.

Nobody is ever going to know your idea even EXISTS unless YOU make them aware of it, much less somebody wanting to license or otherwise acquire the rights to it.
Can you really expect anyone to put up all the money, take all the risk, do all the work, and then pay you for the privilege - simply because you thought up the idea? Think again.

3) An invention or new product idea has to be completely original in order to get patent protection.

While true that an invention must be novel and unique (as well as non-obvious) to be patentable, the US Patent & Trademark Office files contain millions of patents, and many of them are surprisingly similar.

Indeed, one of the major and common gripes with the US patent system is the granting of so many similar patents. Another centers around too many patents being granted too easily, with claims too broad in scope, effectively requiring patent holders and those seeking new patents to duke it out. This in order to clarify what should have been considered by the original patent examiner.

4) Your idea, gadget or gizmo will “sell itself” because it's so revolutionary, unique, and wonderful.

This is the fatal mistake that far too many inventors make, believing that the sheer ingenuity and cleverness of their invention will overcome their own unwillingness or inability to effectively develop and promote it for commercial gain.

While all marketers seek to reach critical mass, the point when end users and consumers fall in love with a new product that works well and begin to spread the word, it is an indisputable fact that first the public have to be able to buy your invention.

5) Anyone with a toll-free number or who advertises their services to assist inventors is a scam and/or their services are worthless.

We’re going to buck convention here and tell you to do your homework and be honest with yourself. Do you have the ability to develop the assets you need to pitch your idea to companies in a professional and compelling way? If you’re like most inventors, you’re going to need some help. Be smart about it.

You will probably be surprised by the costs of putting together all of the promotional and marketing materials you’ll need. You'll need to be able to demonstrate your invention's usefulness and profit potential.

You should talk to computer illustrators and web developers. You should talk to animators and those who put together compelling electronic presentations and downloadable information.

By the time you've located, consulted, hired and paid everyone involved, it can really add up, trying to do everything on your own, ala carte.

The point being, if you're in the driver's seat, in control of what is happening with and for your invention, you may find that an invention company or one of the many service companies that cater to the independent inventor offer a convenient and cost-efficient way to produce the materials you'll need to tell your product's story.

Read the contracts carefully and price out the work doing things for yourself. You may be surprised by what you find.



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