Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Imagine your product
• Method 2 of 3: Patent your invention
• Method 3 of 3: Make your invention come true
• Tips

Are you convinced that you can make an insanely popular and life-changing product? Don't wait any longer! Follow these simple steps and create your own invention, market it and create products that change the world.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Imagine your product

1. Brainstorm about ideas. The first step in coming up with a truly unique and useful product is brainstorming. Search in your area of ​​expertise - what attracts your attention and what do you know best? In order to invent something from start to finish, you have to stay within your domain of expertise. Otherwise you may have a great idea, but you don't know how to implement it.
   • List all the things that interest you. These can be hobbies, jobs or products that you use regularly.
   • Consider what problems you may encounter in the products. Add that to your brainstorming list.
   • For each activity or object of interest, prepare a list of possible improvements that can be made in the form of an invention. These can be adjustments to the product or activity or useful extras.
   • Make a long list. It's better to have too many ideas than too few, so keep adding ideas until you really can't think of anything more.
   • Always keep a notebook with you, keep adding new ideas to your possible invention list. Keeping your ideas well organized in one place will keep your mind in order and allow you to evaluate your ideas later.
   • Don't rush the brainstorming process too much. Inspiration doesn't always strike like lightning, and it can take several weeks or months to have a eureka moment.
2. Decide what idea it will be. Once you have spent some time considering all possible options, choose your best idea for an invention. Now you need to spend time working out the details of your project. Make some sketches to show what your invention might look like and then consider some important questions.
   • What can you add to these products to improve them? What's so special about your invention that people will want to buy it? Why is your invention so fantastic?
   • Consider whether changes are needed to your product. Which parts of your invention are redundant or unnecessary? Is there any way to make your product more effective or cheaper?
   • Don't overlook any part of your invention, including all the required parts and important details about how it works or what it does correctly. Write down these answers and ideas in your notebook so that you can always refer to them.
3. Research your invention. If you feel confident about your invention and have made useful changes, conduct research to see if your idea is truly unique. If another product such as yours has already obtained a patent, you cannot mass produce your invention or obtain your own patent.
   • Search online for products whose description resembles your product. If you have already found a name for your product, also check if this name has been used before.
   • Visit stores that offer similar products. Find out if they are selling a similar product and check with the shop assistants if they are selling items that display the same characteristics as your invention.
   • Visit the Octooicentrum in the Netherlands or the BOIP in Belgium. Here you can check all patents of other inventions that belong to the same category as yours. You are also free to enlist the help of the servants in your quest.
   • This search for existing patents is done to check that there is no other invention on the market that resembles your invention.
   • Patents are issued to the first person to register his invention. This is not always the person who first invented the invention. That is why it is best to apply for a patent as soon as possible so that no one can imitate you. Demonstrating evidence (often in the form of a note book) that you first invented the product is of no help in obtaining a patent if someone else has already obtained a patent for the same invention.

Method 2 of 3: Patent your invention

1. Create a detailed history of your invention. While you don't have to be the first person to invent a product to get a patent, you do need to keep a journal of your invention, including the full range of features and uses.
   • Describe the process of creating your invention. Write down how you came up with the idea, what inspired you, how long it took and why you wanted to make this invention.
   • List all the things you will need to accomplish the invention, such as all possible parts and materials.
   • Keep a journal of your research showing that you have not encountered any other product on the market that has a similar design to yours and already holds a patent. You must prove that your invention is unique to be eligible for a patent.
   • Consider the commercial potential of your invention. Obtaining a patent entails costs, even if you do not engage a lawyer. Before incurring these costs, make sure you consider the commercial value and potential income of the sale of your invention. This way you check whether the potential income of your product exceeds the costs.
   • Make an informal drawing of your invention. You do not need to develop anything expensive, but you must add a correct drawing of your invention to your patent application. If you're not an artist yourself, get help from an artistic friend or an artistic family member.
2. Find out if you want to hire a lawyer who specializes in patents. While such a lawyer can be very expensive, they can also be of invaluable help. The main job of a patent attorney is to obtain a patent for you and to deal with patent infringement.
   • Patent attorneys provide advice on the most recent changes in patent law so that you are always aware of the latest changes.
   • If someone infringes your patent (once in your possession), your patent attorney can assist you in the legal action you need to take, or sue the person.
   • If your invention has been categorized into the “technology” category, a patent attorney can be very useful to check that similar technological developments are not already under development at other companies. Technology is one of the fastest growing areas of development and one of the most difficult areas to obtain a patent.
3. Apply for a temporary patent application. A temporary patent application shows that your invention is in the process of obtaining a patent. This means that you are protected from stealing your idea while your patent application is being examined.
   • This step is not mandatory, but it will give you peace of mind and avoid frustration if someone were to get a patent for the same invention right before you.
   • You have to pay a price for this that depends on the domain in which you work and the object you wish to patent.
4. File a patent application. Once you have organized all your information about your invention, you can submit a patent application to the i-DEPOT in Belgium or the Patent Center in the Netherlands. You can inform yourself on their websites about the steps to be taken when submitting your application.

Method 3 of 3: Make your invention come true

1. Make a prototype. With your patent in the pipeline, the time has come to create a working model of your invention. You don't have to work with expensive materials or turn it into an elaborate process, just make a version of your invention yourself.
   • Your prototype should not be made from the same materials that would make up your invention if produced on a large scale, unless this is necessary for the creation of your product.
   • If you can't make the prototype yourself, you can pay a company to make one for you. This can be an expensive process, so it is best to try it yourself first.
2. Make a presentation. With your patent and prototype in hand, you are well on your way to success! The next step is to create a presentation that fully presents and explains the basics of your invention. You can use this presentation to persuade potential producers and buyers. Don't forget to adapt your presentation to your target audience.
   • Make sure your presentation looks professional no matter how you create it. You can use a PowerPoint, video or physical presentation on paper for this.
   • Include lots of useful information, diagrams and images. Make sure to add the properties, uses, and long-term results or benefits to your presentation.
   • Although this is an option, you can choose to hire a graphic designer to create a spectacular presentation. You can make her as visually appealing as possible, encouraging producers and buyers to join the adventure.
   • Make sure you have mastered the oral part of the presentation. It is not enough to show great diagrams and images, you also have to be a good public speaker. Do not memorize note cards, but know (with the help of notes, if necessary) what you want to say and provide answers to questions that may be asked.
3. Present your invention to a producer. Find local producers who develop similar products and ask them if you can imagine their invention. You should write an introductory letter explaining who you are and why you are contacting them.
   • After you receive an answer (by post or e-mail), it is best to prepare your presentation. You will probably have to introduce your invention to the producer and explain what you expect from their company.
   • Make sure you can provide them with a copy of your presentation and additional information so that they can read it once you are gone.
   • Emphasize why and how your invention can help people, but also how the producer can make a lot of money with it. They are business people, just like you, and want to know what's in them at the end of the day when they do business with you.
4. Produce your invention. Once you have a producer on board, you can start producing your invention en masse! Although it is best to start in small batches (the manufacturing company will discuss this with you), you can produce your invention in hundreds or thousands of numbers.
5. Promote your invention. You have everything in your pocket: your patent, your prototype, a producer and finally your invention is mass-produced. Now you need to find ways to advertise your invention to sell as much of it as possible.
   • Meet local entrepreneurs and store managers and discuss how you can sell your product with them. You can present your product and explain why it is a fantastic opportunity for their business while at the same time supporting a local entrepreneur.
   • Design an advertisement for your invention. Pay for the help of a local graphic designer to create images and videos that will make people rush for your product!
   • Find a way to show your ad in your area. Many newspapers, TV stations and local radio stations promote your product for a small price.
   • Provide word of mouth. Start with your closest friends and family to spread the word about your invention and reach new communities.
   • Hold local information sessions and stands and attend business conferences and trade shows. Check out the cost of advertising your product at business conferences and trade shows near you.
   • It helps to show a detailed drawing of your invention.

Tips

• Ask your colleagues, friends and acquaintances to give their opinion about your invention.
• Keep your prototype private to prevent someone from stealing your idea.