In Idea to Invention, inventor, author, and motivational speaker Patricia Nolan-Brown reveals the steps needed to turn a concept into a profitable product. The ideas that evolve into useful, sought-after products can come to anyone, but they will not progress beyond mere thoughts unless inventors use their confidence and inquisitiveness to propel them to fruition. Inventors’ ideas are precious, and to protect them from intellectual thievery, they need to be safeguarded with Non-Disclosure Agreements, Provisional Patent Applications, trademarks, and consultations with patent attorneys. Nolan-Brown addresses these issues as well as the decision process behind choosing a licensed manufacturer to make and sell the product or operating a home-based fabrication site. Product promotion is also described, including crafting an effective sales pitch, locating store buyers, utilizing trade show exposure, and optimizing online marketing.
• Technology attracts innovation and different versions of existing products. When coming up with ideas, the inventor should remember that many inventions are variations on existing things.
• Research is an essential inventor skill. Inventors must determine the need for a product, the potential customer base, and the existence of products that are currently available and patent-protected to best determine whether further resources should be directed toward a proposed item or if another creative direction is advisable.
• Using social media networks provides inventors with a tremendous advantage. They can not only promote the product to enormous numbers of people, but also facilitate actual sales.
• Being first-to-file is vital for inventors’ efforts in patent protection, but inventors need not go through the whole complicated and expensive process of standard patent application. It is relatively easy to file for a provisional patent that will achieve filing primacy and protect the idea.
• Filing for a full patent can be done by nearly anyone, but it is advisable to hire a registered patent attorney for this task because of patent laws’ complexity and specialized terminology. InventHelp
• The decision whether to manufacture an invention domestically or abroad takes careful thought. Foreign manufacturing is generally only inexpensive when huge quantities are involved, and some countries do not protect intellectual property. Ordering components from U.S. companies and assembling them in-country is often the most advisable strategy.
• Using a licensee to manufacture and distribute the product can relieve the inventor of the tasks of manufacturing, packaging, advertising, and sales. The licensee assumes those burdens and the inventor collects royalties from the sales. InventHelp
Idea to Invention illustrates how ordinary people can become inventors by identifying needs, developing concepts, and inventing useful and popular items that can be marketed through profitable business enterprises. The book was written for those wishing to turn an idea into a practical item, and it provides both inspiration and step-by-step guidance. Patricia Nolan-Brown uses actual examples of her ideas in action and provides several quizzes for readers to assess their inventive qualities. It is best read in chapter order to benefit from its systematic flow.