Inventions

[Tha-Flash]

I have tons of ideas for new inventions, i'm sure many people do but that's as far as it usually goes.

I want to sell my ideas (UK) but I don't understand the process of it all.

I know you need some kind of copyright. I have read many websites about it (I couldn't find many) but I don't understand them really?


If anyone has done this or has knowledge of how it works please respond :)

[joko]

you cannot copyright ideas unfortuantely, only designs and products.
you would need a patent for each design, so you have rights over it.
the problem with ideas is you cannot prove or deny someone else hasn't had the same idea independantly of you.

another issue is who would purchase an idea off someone without knowing what it is first? who would purchase unknown ideas from someone with no proven track record of having brilliant ideas?
your word will not do i'm afraid.

and once you have told them its too late, they can go off and produce their own version - and without the design patent you can't stop them - and even if you have it, they just have to alter it somewhat to then apply for their own patent.

also you must search other patent to make sure there isn't anything already patented - you'd be surprised how many great ideas have already been thought of.

as i said you cannot own ideas - only designs and prototypes so i am afraid that is the only way anyone will buy your ideas.

it's a real bummer.

[Tha-Flash]

This is the thing you see. I was thinking, would I have to make it all myself?

I wonder how people like Thomas Edison did this.. He had so many inventions, a lot weren't successful but a lot were.

Do you know if there's anywhere on the internet where you can search inventions that have been patented?

[joko]

you would likely have to do it yourself -or advertise for a local inventor type person to assist. depending on your invention, perhaps an expert in electronics would be helpful & could become a partner - they will be able to get the thing to actually work.

you must organise funding -perhaps ask for sponsorship from a local relevant company who'd want the rights to produce the item once you have got it going.

be careful not to tell them how you intend to make the item, just what the item is -its ok to say " a machine that can turn cotton wool into detergent" because that doesn't give the game away of how its done -thats your power.

you may have to self fund most of it i am afraid, get a loan, borrow whatever, though the prototype just has to work - it doesn't have to look good or be manageable -that can be worked on later -if you can show a company this prototype, this is whn they will perhaps buy the rights.

also if you can enlist a partner with various skills they may be able to thrash out the designs on paper, technical plans and theory - which will explain everything -though with this ther is a risk of theft.

i woul dsuggest doing some kind of mini course or buying an extensive book on patent law, business dealings, contract etc - & consult a lawyer - because if these companies suss out that you are new to this they may sting you.

the patents office will be able to help check out existing patents but their may be a fee -i think to register your own designs there is a fee too.

as i say the best route at this moment is amateur local enthusiasts & inventors i think -& get it all in writing and a contract etc so they cannot steal it either

also do the old post it to yourself, or take a photo beneath the bank clock holding the designs, just as extra back up

as long as any partner you have is aware you have made a lot of effort to

[Brickbat]

You may already be aware of this, but it`s worth repeating because lots of people have lost thousands of pounds. Whatever you do DO NOT part with any money to "Invention agencies" who will screw you for ALL the money you can lay your hands on. They will come up with fantastic promises which have no value at all. In fact, say your invention is to do with computers, they will come up with a list of companies who "are waiting NOW to get your invention manufactured and make you millions" . However, you will find that the people "interested" are such as shoe makers or butcher, baker, candlestick maker. These cheats have been exposed on programmes such as Watchdog - perhaps other ABs will remember more about them.

[Hamish]

I was at a meeting on commertialising ideas/inventions - stratup companies etc.

The easiest part is the idea, the next is getting money for it, the next getting it to work, but the hardest is making money out of the final product and this is where most ideas/inventions collapse.

[Tha-Flash]

I Appreciate all the posts people.

Thanks :)