About James K. Hays, P. E. Expertise Owner of Hays Engineering, a licensed professional engineering firm located in Broken Arrow, OK. Product and process development and technical services supporting non-recurring projects and development for companies and individuals. We ARE NOT patent agents or attorneys, but can assist in marketing, commercialization, funding and prototyping, and can provide assistance in evaluating ideas and sourcing patent assistance.
Experience 24 years of product development, machine design, engineering analysis, operations and training.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Science - Oklahoma State University Licensed Professional Engineer - Oklahoma
Awards and Honors 2007 Design News Golden Mousetrap of the Year Finalist - Thomalawk® device.
Past/Present Clients Everything from Fortune 500 companies to individual startups. Work closely with Oklahoma initiatives for business development, including OCAST (Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology).
Expert: James K. Hays, P. E. Date: 7/1/2008 Subject: prototype
Question I have been working on an innovative pottery design now for 5 years and I believe I have finally perfected it. I have tested it time and time again myself, reproduced it and sent it to many people, received feedback and suggestions and now I am ready for the next step. I would now like to sell this product to a company ex.(denby pottery) because I do not have the means to mass produce it myself. Unfortunately, I do not know what steps to take in order to do this and what is required of me. I have tried calling denby pottery to receive feedback from them but did not get anywhere. Thank you!
-Kevin
Answer Two things come to mind...
You need a copyright or design patent on the pottery so that it cannot be legally replicated. if the uniqueness of it is not merely a look, but a function, then you need to investigate a utility patent.
The other thing is that you might have to "make" a market for the product. This is done by going to art shows or other events where items like your might be sold, and selling the items and building a following. A big company might be interested if you could point them to a market. Retailers do not make markets - they service them. There is a big difference between the two.
