Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I have a new invention in mind, but where do I begin to find someone who can help me with the prototype design as recommended in one of your recent articles? 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

 

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R. Kakar, MD

There is a company in Pasadena, CA who I have worked with who does this kind of work.  They are:

Keck-Craig Co.

695 South Raymond Ave.

Pasadena, CA 91105

(800) 659-3625

www.keckcraig.com

You might be able to find others out there on the web.  But why exactly do you want a prototype?  If it is to get a patent (which may be a good idea, I cannot tell without knowing more about your invention) you should know that prototypes are no longer required in applying for patents.  You do, of course, need drawings sufficient to make the invention clear to someone knowledgable in the field.

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Norton R. Townsley
Patent Attorney/Professional Engineer
The above message is provided for general information purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

What industry and technology?  It is very important to work with design and manufacturing companies that have direct experience and credibility.  not to mention capabilities of using specific technology.

I would imagine you would get more feedback if you could provide a little more info with out revealing your masterplan.

I have worked with agencies and design centers that basically teach you how to develop your product from a sketch to detail line drawings, CAD systems, to protoype and sample development.  I wish I could offer recommendations but I have no clue what industry you would connect your product to.

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sagaouterwear.com

DallasMD,

Please be careful who you contact and talk to . I say this so often and I cannot say it enough.  Protect your intellectual property. Don`t trust just anybody and have everybody you tell sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. (NDA) 

A simple web search will help you find dozens of companies that purport to design and build prototypes. They all come at a price.

Your options and cost are always dependent upon the complexity of your invention. It`s entirely up to you how much you will pay or save. Fortunately the DIY method is both the most secure and the least expensive (unless you are doing ridiculous things to achieve the building of your prototype) 

Use a local firm if you must find somebody. Being there makes a big difference in how they will handle your project. I`m sure there are more than a couple in your area. Visit them and you`ll get a good idea of how they operate.

Be deliberate about your actions but don`t make any sudden moves. This is going to take a very long time.

BTW. I`m assuming that you have already done the requisite patents and publications searching and have checked into the filing of any product that is remotely similar to yours? If not....that`s your next step.

Best of luck to you.

~Eric

 

 

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~Eric
JE Design Group, LLC
If all you do is what you`ve done, then all you`ll get is what you`ve got.
www.jedesigngroup.com

I agree with Eric.  Protect your intellectual property!!!  Even if it expensive.  And do not overlook confidentiality agreements, trademarks, and copyrights.  It is best to file a patent application before disclosing the invention in any way.  Not searching and protecting your trademark at an early stage can damaging and costly. 

On the other hand, the patent and trademark systems are so complex that you are much better off hiring an expert (like myself) to do the work for you.  But you do not need to be in close proximity to your lawyer to get good results.  In these days, with e-mail, telephone, FEDEX, faxes and even snail mail patent lawyers and their clients can be far apart.  We have clients all over the world. 

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Norton R. Townsley
Patent Attorney/Professional Engineer
The above message is provided for general information purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

Thank you all for the good advice.  I will keep this in mind.

 

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R. Kakar, MD

Nothing beats a patent application filing date with the patent office.  While promises from others to keep things secret are nice, they can be very difficult to enforce and know if they are being violated.

Yes, all patent attorneys can represent clients all over the world - and most (including me) do.

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com

I`m working with Synergy Consultants out of Texas right now.  I`m in the middle of design concepts and marketing analysis.  They aren`t the cheapest, but they`ve been around for over 25 years and only deal with the best ideas that pay out the most.  I`m having good luck with them and they are on the up and up.

It couldn`t hurt to check them out.  I like them for their guidance thru all the BS.  They take you step by step and have all the contacts for commercializing too they`ve developed thru the years.  Good luck with your invention.

jerik

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Cu Gelert - The Legend ... If you`d like to know the value of money, go and borrow some... It is especially hard to work for money that you`ve already spent, on things that you never needed... Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!

If you are interested in doing this and are serious, you can email sidney or ron at www.manufacturingchina.com or www.etraay.com . These are the people that can help you.

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SO Products Inc (Etraay) We also help inventors with the manufacturing and developing of their products.www.etraay.com

Suggestions for your next steps:

1.  Decide what you are trying to accomplish with your design.  State your goals with as much detail as possible.  Review these a number of times to get them as accurate as possible.  Review with a trusted partner.

2.  List your design benefits and weak points.  Be honest and critical.  Decide what areas you need to concentrate on.  Are there a few problems or do all areas need to be improved?  Think about Safety, Quality and Cost.

3.  Determine what type of services are required?  Do you need Design reviews, analysis or drawings?  Don`t throw money at your design until you determine what needs to be done.

4.  Find the right services.  There are one stop Companies that can assist you or you can go to specialists for the service you require. Be wary.  If a Company says they are going to make you rich, look elsewhere.  You may make money, but lot`s of hard work comes first.  There are honest and dishonest Companies.  Make sure you get a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) signed to protect your interests (as noted by Eric) 

Above all.  Enjoy what you are doing.  Good luck.

 

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Transform Your Product Design
White North Design
www.whitenorthdesign.com

T5Five