| 1 |
DO check the originality of your idea. If it isn't original
it isn't an invention. |
| 2 |
DON'T immediately rush out to patent your idea. Without due
care and a patent attorney's advice, that could turn out to
be a very expensive mistake. |
| 3 |
DO think 'business opportunity', not 'great invention'. Few
companies or investors are interested in technical ingenuity
for its own sake. |
| 4 |
DON'T say 'There is no competition for my idea'. Whatever
is done in its absence is competition. For example, a cat is
competition to a mousetrap. |
| 5 |
DON'T disclose your idea without some form of protection such
as a patent application and/or non-disclosure agreement. |
| 6 |
But DON'T be too secretive as this will get you nowhere. Saying
what your idea does is usually safe; exactly how it does it
is what you need to protect. |
| 7 |
As soon as you seek funding, DO expect the spotlight to shift
from your invention to your business abilities. |
| 8 |
For that reason, DO consider building a team (if only of one
other person) to develop your idea. Investors may stay away
if you're seen working alone. |
| 9 |
DO minimise risk to all stakeholders (including yourself)
at all times. Some risk is inevitable in any invention project,
so make every effort to keep it as low and controllable as possible. |
| 10 |
DO buy a copy of A Better Mousetrap: the business of invention. It could save you a LOT of money, time and effort! |
