AboutPaul J. Zepf Expertise I can answer any questions reguarding the design, operation, efficiency and effectiveness of most packaging production lines and their equipment found in the pharmacuetical, health care, home care, food and beverage industries. My specialty is Quick Change Processes and tooling.
Experience
Organizations SME, IoPP, ISPE,
Education/Credentials Masters in Engineering in Design and Manufacturing
Question My mom has an idea about a new home care product how does she get it out in the market. what to do first,patent?
Answer A patent is only as good as your ability to defend it, in terms of time and money. Also the product has to be innovative, unique or a leap above what is presently done. Patents cost from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars depending on lawyer and details required for the patent. Best is to build a prototype and use it yourself to test it out. If it doesn't work for you how are you going to sell it. As long as the product is not put in the public domain such as give it or sell it to your neighbors, you do not have to patent it first. Some people sell their ideas to companies or some patent it and sell their patent to companies and a few patent, build and sell the product. Whatever your choice, each has its own risks and rewards. If it is not patantable and if you can make money on it then go for it, otherwise it is something that personally helps you. In my house I have many things that personally help me that are not worth the risk, effort and potential rewards in producing for the marketplace.
