Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I didn`t get any feedback in the other forum so I thought I`d post here:


I could use some help with a concept I`m about to put together. I have an idea for a board game (not technically a game).

Well, without going into the details, I`ll use something from another industry. Say you wanted to create a "Goals Board". Some type of board you hang on your wall and you chart your goals and the steps required to achieve each goal.

Each time you achieve a goal, you reward yourself with whatever and you document that reward on the board. Each time you fail to do something you outlined you`d do, you`d lose some points.

Now that you have a general idea, is this something that can be patented? Or would this fall under trademarks.

I`m looking at developing a system for families that uses a board to chart certain things. The board will have different areas for each person involved where you can visibly see the progress of the individual. It`s more of a "rewards type system" but it`s on a board.

I`m having a design drafted and I`m testing the model with my family over the next 60 days to get the kinks all worked out. I believe their is a huge market for this product but don`t know the process to take to protect my idea.

Also, any ideas of where one could start to get these "board games" created? I have designers, I guess I`ll need to have someone manufacture them.

Any advice is appreciated.

Cartess


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Website Startup Coach: Step-by-Step Coaching to Help You Build a Profitable Business Online!

I`m sorry that I can`t answer your questions, but I`ll provide you some encouragement. I like this idea, and even though you were intentionally vague about it, I can see its application, especially for kids. If this will take the form that I think it may take, I can see myself buying one of these for our family, and I think it would work well for kids. Keep us informed.

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Brian O`Keefe
Web Designer & Writer @ YiNZCO
Athlete & T-Shirt Guy @ STR!VE NATiON

I think I have an idea of what you are doing and I think it is a great idea. Instead of a patent, which for this type of product would be easy to maneuver around, I think you should find a niche and trade mark a name that plays to that niche.  Once that is successful you could create different versions and names with the same basic idea and designs for different niches For example you could focus on saving money as a family, for vacation, and call it Trip Saver (sorry I can`t think of a better name right now)  Then set it up for different goals for each family member, the adults can have the traditional money earning and saving goals by sticking to budgets, working ot, or whatever and the kids could have goals revolving around turning off lights or whatever might help save the family $.  Other things I can think of off the top of my head are family fitness goals, recycling goals, reading goals, healthy eating, church or community service, college saving..