Any inventors out there? Tips? Where to begin?

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

Hey guys,

As the title states, I'm looking for any advice and/or information I can get about inventions. My girlfriend and I have a great idea (of course we think so), specifically in regards to furniture, and we have no idea where to begin.

So, yeah. Thanks

[Burgold]

Might start with a patent search. Otherwise, make a practical version to consider costs. Also, be a little paranoid. Lots of idea thieves out there

[Kosher Ham]

To go along with Burgolds suggestion, I will say to (if you have a trademark) make sure you can trademark whatever it is.

And do not use Inventhelp. I have read some pathetic stories about them.

This might help also... http://www.looking2license.com/

[renaissance]

Also this might sound dumb, but make sure someone else hasn't already had your idea.

[Kosher Ham]

Also this might sound dumb, but make sure someone else hasn't already had your idea.

If it is not patented...it doesn't matter.

[ldysknzfn1]

I also have an idea that deals w/guns & safety...BUT I think it wouldn't be cost efficient and probably too cumbersome to implement..of course I would have no idea how to do it..but I know the technology exist...I'm sure it would make prices go up...but it would be a great safety aspect of a gun..aside from the safety already on the gun now...I don't know how gun people would feel about something like this tho...I have been thinking of this for quite some time...the logistics and such would overwhelm me..lol

[Kosher Ham]

Another thing...

Start to do research on costs of materials, production, etc.

You need a business plan for any of this type of stuff. Getting that patent and such won't kill you pocket. But the other upstart costs can be astronomical.
You need to throw your heart and soul into this type of stuff usually... unless you get lucky.
Again take into account your marketing, packaging, and all that other stuff that I said before also.

[zoony]

Love seat toilet? Already been done

[Corcaigh]

If it is not patented...it doesn't matter.

Eh, no. You can't patent something that has already been invented. A 'novelty search' will be conducted by a patent agent or attorney to determine that they are not wasting their time..

[Kosher Ham]

Eh, no. You can't patent something that has already been invented. A 'novelty search' will be conducted by a patent agent or attorney to determine that they are not wasting their time..

That's what I said...right ?

If the invention is not patented...if you patent it...it's yours. Right ?

I could be wrong for sure. But that is the way I understand it.

[Corcaigh]

That's what I said...right ?

If the invention is not patented...if you patent it...it's yours. Right ?

I could be wrong for sure. But that is the way I understand it.

No. If it has been invented (and is known of), you can't patent it.

The wheel and the hammer existed before society was assigning patents. You can't go back and patent them now.

EDIT: although apparently the Australian Patent Office did do this by mistake. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/1418165.stm

---------- Post added January-28th-2013 at 12:14 PM ----------

My hunch, and it's only a hunch, is that you would want to create prototypes until you had refined the concept to perfection. And then take the idea to appropriate manufacturers.

[Riggo-toni]

Love seat toilet? Already been done

Damn...3 sketch books and 6 months of research down the drain.