Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello,

I have an idea for a product line that would be an accessory to an existing product.  We have 6 basic prototypes so far.  What is the next step?  Do we have to patent each of these things?  Then how do you go about manufacturing?  I guess I would be interested in licensing the products also so I don`t even deal with the manufacturing.

I currently work full time in the industry in which I developed the accessory product for. 

Please can anyone help  me?

You may not want to go through the expense of patenting, but only because your product sounds like it`s completely dependent on this other thing. With yours being an accessory to the other product, what happens if that product is discontinued?

Why not just start selling the accessories, see how they do, then consider the patenting idea? Of course you should talk with an attorney as well, to get a sense of how much the overall process would cost you. Then run a spreadsheet and see the cost-benefits. Just a thought, at any rate.