Avoid the Potholes

When pursuing an idea for a new invention, unforeseen obstacles may surface along the way, causing you to lose time and momentum in trying to get it off the ground. The following are some common obstacles people can face when pursuing an idea for a new invention on their own:

  1. Not conducting thorough pre-development.
  2. Not allocating enough money for the new invention.
  3. Receiving help from people who aren’t trustworthy or experienced.
  4. Underestimating the time needed to develop a new product.
  5. Attempting to patent an idea for a new invention that is not fully developed.

Clark's Speed MachineFor example, John Clark, an experienced track coach, faced such obstacles in developing his speed machine, a new invention for exercise equipment that would change the way athletes trained. He began to pursue his invention idea in 1985 but encountered several challenges and had to educate himself about how to develop a new product, so it wasn’t until 1993 that he received a patent.

Trying to get the idea off the ground was a continual struggle for Mr. Clark. He was unable to find the right people to assist him, and it cost him approximately $100,000 for a professional prototype to be built.

Columbia News Service – April 10, 2002

If you Have an Invention Idea, Help Is On the Way

You don’t have to try to do it all on your own, as Mr. Clark did. We can assist individuals with new product ideas in developing their ideas into finished product samples that are ready for presentation to a corporation. When pursuing an idea for the first time, it is best to work with a company that knows the process in order to avoid the common mistakes.

Unless you’re experienced with new product development, knowledgeable about taking products from concept to market and have successfully repeated the process many times, you may want to consider advice from experienced professionals. Having the right mindset is also important. You need to be prepared to invest time and money into your invention.

If you have an idea for a new or improved product and would like assistance from a company that has placed products on the store shelves, we recommend that you fill out a free information form. We will send you information on how to pursue your new or improved product idea.