Patents

[sawtooth]

Does anybody on here have experience with patents?

A somewhat crazy idea for a golf aid just popped into my head and I've had a quick look on the internet and there doesn't appear to be anything already made (probably because its a rubbish idea).

Anyway, I did a Blue Peter style mock up in the garden (cant even call it a prototype really) and its kind of helped proved the concept - it might just work. I have no idea how to make the real thing (a bit more science involved) or even if its worth doing it at this point.

Do I need to apply to get a patent before I go around asking people to help me design and build a prototype? Or do I really need to bottom it out and make sure it all works and have a good idea of what the product will look like, etc before I attempt to patent it?

 

[pbrown7582]

ask bobmac he should be able to offer advice for getting a training aid to market.

 

[Ethan]

Does anybody on here have experience with patents?

A somewhat crazy idea for a golf aid just popped into my head and I've had a quick look on the internet and there doesn't appear to be anything already made (probably because its a rubbish idea).

Anyway, I did a Blue Peter style mock up in the garden (cant even call it a prototype really) and its kind of helped proved the concept - it might just work. I have no idea how to make the real thing (a bit more science involved) or even if its worth doing it at this point.

Do I need to apply to get a patent before I go around asking people to help me design and build a prototype? Or do I really need to bottom it out and make sure it all works and have a good idea of what the product will look like, etc before I attempt to patent it?

You need some advice from a professional, and not the PGA kind. Patent law doesn't follow normal everyday logic.

Note also that just because something is patentable doesn't make it a worthwhile commercial prospect.

 

[sawtooth]

ask bobmac he should be able to offer advice for getting a training aid to market.

Yeah will do thanks.

 

[bobmac]

If you want someone's advice on your product, you can get them to sign a Non Disclosure agreement form to say they wont copy your invention.
If it seems like a good idea, try and get a free interview with a patent lawer who will give you an idea whether it's patentable or not.
If it is, hire a patent lawer to apply for the patent.
This will cost anything upwards of £4000 and will take 5 years minimum before patent is awarded.

Lots of info here
https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-overview

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

If you want someone's advice on your product, you can get them to sign a Non Disclosure agreement form to say they wont copy your invention.
If it seems like a good idea, try and get a free interview with a patent lawer who will give you an idea whether it's patentable or not.
If it is, hire a patent lawer to apply for the patent.
This will cost anything upwards of £4000 and will take 5 years minimum before patent is awarded.

Lots of info here
https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-overview

Holy crap! How does anything ever make it to market

 

[bobmac]

Holy crap! How does anything ever make it to market

Tell me about it.

 

[sawtooth]

If you want someone's advice on your product, you can get them to sign a Non Disclosure agreement form to say they wont copy your invention.
If it seems like a good idea, try and get a free interview with a patent lawer who will give you an idea whether it's patentable or not.
If it is, hire a patent lawer to apply for the patent.
This will cost anything upwards of £4000 and will take 5 years minimum before patent is awarded.

Lots of info here
https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-overview

Cheers Bob.

A bit more diy testing and research needed before I go any further methinks.

 

[sawtooth]

You need some advice from a professional, and not the PGA kind. Patent law doesn't follow normal everyday logic.

Note also that just because something is patentable doesn't make it a worthwhile commercial prospect.

It would be commercially viable that's for sure but trouble is I don't know if it can work as I would need it to yet. It would be cheap to make and relatively cheap to buy.

 

[garyinderry]

Wing one over to me. I will test it for free.

 

[sawtooth]

Wing one over to me. I will test it for free.

If it ever gets made I promise to send you one.

 

[rob_golf1]

I have a degree in Product Design (currently working freelance) and could help you with pretty much every stage of the design process; ideation, concept development, prototyping, CAD modelling and marketing. I also have various contacts that could help develop the product commercially. If your interested PM and we will go from there!