The idea for an invention can happen at any moment. You could be in the car on your way home from work, or in the kitchen making dinner, or in your living room playing with your kids. We’ve all had that moment where we’ve thought of “a great idea.” So, when inspiration strikes, what should you do?
First thing is first: write it down. There is nothing worse than forgetting your idea, but it is easy to get distracted and let thoughts slip your mind. Avoid this by simply having a pen and notebook handy at all times. Alternatively, you can write your ideas down or record voice memos in your phone. It is important that you keep your “great idea” to yourself until you can take steps to protect it. Think of your “great idea” as having money in your hands. You do not want to just give it away… you want to hold on to it. (Protect your “great idea” before you start telling the world with some basic steps outlined below.)
Second, start doing research. While your idea might be great, it’s possible that it already exists. Avoid any legal issues and wasting your time and money by doing your own due diligence beforehand. With simple preliminary online research and by checking the stores, you can begin to find out if someone already has your invention idea.
Third, draw it out. It doesn’t matter if you aren’t an artist- a stick figure sketch will do! You want to be able to actualize your idea and start getting a picture of what it actually looks like. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can begin working on a handmade prototype. You can make a quick prototype for free by just using the things that you have lying around your home. Documenting your idea both verbally and visually will help you conceptualize your invention.
Fourth, protect yourself. Prior to sharing your idea with anyone it is important to have them sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (sometimes referred to as an NDA). This agreement can be found online. An Non-Disclosure Agreement is a document that helps provide an inventor with some protection from others taking your idea. Another step in protecting your idea is to file for a patent. A patent gives its’ owner the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, and importing an invention for a specific period of time. It is advisable to seek help from an experienced intellectual property attorney when considering filing a patent.
Turning your idea into reality is very exciting and also a little intimidating. Before you dive into all of this on your own it is important to learn all the steps to getting your idea to market. It is recommended that you take the time to learn and educate yourself on the entire process. Award winning inventor and founder of The Inventors Road Show™ Andrea Rose recently launched her comprehensive online digital course “Inventing to Win ™” www.inventingtowin.com that will help you discover the ways to protect, patent, license, market, manufacture and more.
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