Not sure if this is the correct forum for this query, but it indirectly relates to bike parts/tech.
I have an idea for a new technology in MTB.
I feel that my idea is worthy of being patented, and am fairly certain that there are no examples of prior art.
I'm keen to get my invention patented as soon as possible, so that nobody else gets in before me.
I've researched the patent process, and visited a patent attorney to discuss the invention. So I understand that part of the process.
Before spending lots of $$ on the patent application, I feel that I need some amount of 'market feedback' to help me decide whether the invention has market potential.
But it's a bit hard to get 'market feedback' without publically revealing the invention.
The patent attorney suggested that I can approach a 'market player' with my idea (and get them to sign a confidentiality agreement) to discuss whether they feel that the invention would have market potential.
However, that option scares me a bit, as a large bike company could easily steal my idea, and I wouldn't be able to afford to sue them.
Plus, I don't have any contacts in the relevant companies.
I also haven't yet developed a prototype for this invention, as that also requires significant time and money, which would ultimately defer the patent application.
Basically, I'm asking whether to go ahead with the patent application, and then follow up with prototyping and market research (which I'll be able to do publically after the patent application date).
Or, do I hold off on the patent application (increasing the risk of someone else inventing it before me), and approach 'market players' for their feedback on whether the invention has market potential.
I would love to get some advice from people who have successfully developed an invention in the bike industry.
Maybe dw has some good advice from his personal experience?
Keep in mind that I'm one person, without corporate backing, so I probably can't afford to take the same approach that a large bike company would take.
Thanks in advance,
Hugh.
I have an idea for a new technology in MTB.
I feel that my idea is worthy of being patented, and am fairly certain that there are no examples of prior art.
I'm keen to get my invention patented as soon as possible, so that nobody else gets in before me.
I've researched the patent process, and visited a patent attorney to discuss the invention. So I understand that part of the process.
Before spending lots of $$ on the patent application, I feel that I need some amount of 'market feedback' to help me decide whether the invention has market potential.
But it's a bit hard to get 'market feedback' without publically revealing the invention.
The patent attorney suggested that I can approach a 'market player' with my idea (and get them to sign a confidentiality agreement) to discuss whether they feel that the invention would have market potential.
However, that option scares me a bit, as a large bike company could easily steal my idea, and I wouldn't be able to afford to sue them.
Plus, I don't have any contacts in the relevant companies.
I also haven't yet developed a prototype for this invention, as that also requires significant time and money, which would ultimately defer the patent application.
Basically, I'm asking whether to go ahead with the patent application, and then follow up with prototyping and market research (which I'll be able to do publically after the patent application date).
Or, do I hold off on the patent application (increasing the risk of someone else inventing it before me), and approach 'market players' for their feedback on whether the invention has market potential.
I would love to get some advice from people who have successfully developed an invention in the bike industry.
Maybe dw has some good advice from his personal experience?
Keep in mind that I'm one person, without corporate backing, so I probably can't afford to take the same approach that a large bike company would take.
Thanks in advance,
Hugh.
