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can anyone recommend a good prototype company.. I want to have them make one similar to a rubber bracelet that is very common out there..I have a twist and idea I want to patent, trademark and put out to the world..
should i try to get a patent first?
thank you..
Prototyping comes in various levels of technical competencies. Most all will require some form of drawing or sketch to base the prototype on. CAD drawings will get you the best results. On the high end, there are companies that can perform a 3D scan of a model and turn it into a CAD file, so if you are crafty, this may be an option. You can always hire a drafting student to create the drawings for you if your field of expertise is in something other than CAD. I did.
The United States Patent and Trademark website (http://www.uspto.gov) is an invaluable source for patent and trademark searches. You can do the search free of charge: you can even see the images of related patents. **Something to ponder . . . there are three types of patents: design, utility, and plant. Unless your bracelet is a new undiscovered use, it is likely to be a design patent. You can look up the difference at the USPTO website.
It is sound advise to secure counsel from a local attorney who specializes in patents. The money spent will be worth the headaches you can bring upon yourself if there are errors in the applications.
Once you have the prototype and the patent paperwork started, it will be time to look into manufacturing. You will need to determine what methods are used to manufacture your bracelet to achieve the most cost effective price. Then, you will have to start the manufacturers search and request quotes on specific quantity volumes and material specifications.
Most importantly, are you going to be the manufacturer, or are you trying to get a wholesaler, distributor, or retail to license the bracelet?
You can also contact a local S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corp of Retired Executives) to run the idea passed them. They are associated with the Small Business Administration, and they offer guidance for budding entrepreneurs free of charge.
Good luck in your ventures.
Rocco
A prototype is an early sample or model built to test a concept or process of act as a thing to be replicated or learned from. Prototype takes the complexity out of client side web programming.
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