New Invention? Protect It Without a Patent
Get a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) from anyone you tell about your invention
If you're inventing something, it's important to keep it under wraps until you're ready to reveal it to the world. The last thing you want is for someone to steal your idea before you have a chance to patent it or pursue other legal protections.
One way to protect your invention is to get a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) from anyone you tell about it. An NDA is a legal contract that requires the person you're sharing information with to keep that information confidential.
It's important to have a well-drafted NDA in place before you reveal any details about your invention. Otherwise, you could inadvertently waive your right to keep the information confidential.
If you're looking for a sample NDA, you can find one here.
Build a prototype and get feedback from potential customers
Building a prototype is one of the best ways to get feedback from potential customers. It allows you to test your product with a group of people who are representative of your target market, and get their thoughts and reactions.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you're building a prototype:
- Make sure it's representative of the final product. You don't want to create a prototype that's too different from the final product, as it will be harder to get accurate feedback.
- Keep it simple. Don't try to include too many features in the prototype, as it will be more difficult to get feedback on all of them.
- Get feedback early and often. The sooner you can get feedback on your product, the better. It's often helpful to get feedback at each stage of development, so you can make sure you're on the right track.
Building a prototype is a great way to get feedback from potential customers. By keeping these things in mind, you can make sure you're getting the most accurate and helpful feedback possible.
Document everything about your invention (e.g. drawings, notes, prototypes, etc.) in a scientific or engineering journal
Assuming you have already invented something, it is important to document everything related to your invention in a scientific or engineering journal. This includes drawings, notes, and prototypes. By doing this, you will have a record of your invention that can be referenced in the future. Additionally, others may be able to learn from your documentation and build upon your invention.
