How To Invent

"I have a great idea, but I don't know how to get started. What do I do first?"

There are early steps to take in order to protect your idea and begin developing a prototype. But, even before you do that, we strongly suggest that you look over the criteria listed on the website to help you determine if the idea will be profitable.

Some ideas that are wonderful solutions to a particular problem will not appeal to a wide enough market to make them profitable. Or, they will have too many inherent problems, such as cost of production or consumer education, to make them workable.

Also, a thorough market and patent search is extremely important to make sure the idea is really yours to pursue. Once you have determined that it is a marketable idea and has not already been patented or marketed, it is time to begin with the journal and follow the outlined steps from that point.

We have put together the following steps to How to Invent in order to help you through the invention process. 

The steps we took when we invented Ghostline. You may wish to use them as a guideline or blaze your own trail.

1. Get mentally prepared to Invent
2. Research your Idea to see if it already exists
3. Develop a Prototype of your Invention
4. Get an Invention Evaluation
5. Protect Your Idea
6. Determine Your Marketing Plan (License or build a business around your invention?)
7. Find a Manufacturer who will License your Invention/Patent
8. Or, find a legitimate licensing agent to help you find a licensee for your product* (We found our licensee ourselves and negotiated the licensing agreement with the help of our attorney.)

*   If you wish to find a legitimate agent we can help you. Click on the "Licensing Referrals" link on the left and choose the appropriate category from the pull down screen.

If for any reason you do not find the answers to your questions on these pages check on our Frequently Asked Questions page.