Expert: Marty McCrea - 6/28/2009

Question
I have an idea for a new tool to help the do it your selfer cut tiles to the exact angle and shape required. I have look around and have not encountered anything like it on the market. It is simple to use and cuts down on costly mistakes. Where Do I go from here?

Answer
Hi Ralph;

Firstly, congratulations on coming up with an improvement idea! What I would suggest is doing a patent search on your idea just to see if someone else hasn't thought of the idea first.  You can do a search for free at these two places:

1) http://www.google.com/patents

2) http://patft.uspto.gov/

Both are free, but please note, your search will not be as thorough as a patent attorney doing the search for you so keep that in mind as well.  So you do not find anything in your search, you can more forward with the research and development phase.  You have much work to do, so get ready for it.  Invention is a game that you need to just take one step at a time.  So here are the first few steps that I would recommend:

1) Patent Search (as described above)

2) Market Research:  Is there anything 'close' to your idea already on the market?  If there is, write some information down about how your idea would be different or better or more cost effective.  If there is not anything close to your idea already in the market, then try to document why your idea is unique, why would people love to use it.  Write a fictitious case scenario about a home builder who is wasting 10 tiles a day because of the tool he is using.  Extrapolate that out into 300 tiles a month, 75,000/yr.  Average cost per tile is say 1.50.  Your idea can save that company $112,500 per year just in material savings.  Put stuff like that in your case scenario.  
    
3) Do you want to sell the idea outright or do you want to license it to a company?  Research the difference between those because your answer will determine the next steps you take in the invention game.

4) Either way, you will want to look into getting a patent on  your idea or design.  This is essential.  You don't have to do it right now, there are plenty of other things to keep you busy, however I you are able, find a local patent attorney and pay to have them do a professional patent search, then file your patent for you.  Do not go to an invention submission company, 99.9% of them are scams.

These steps should get you started.  If you have any questions, please come back and find me.  Hang in there and Happy Inventing!

Highest Regards;

Marty McCrea