Okay, so I have an idea for an awesome product

[hyphenate]

What do I do now? Do I need to get the name trademarked? Do I copyright the idea somehow? How do I find a partner to find the best way to proceed?

I can't make a true product copy, but I can describe it well. The technology is there, but while the product is a simple one, it needs some of the current textile technology. Do I go out and buy products that might be similar, and try to perfect my idea to counter the other products?

Anyone familiar enough with current textile design who could steer me to the right place?

I was discussing my idea with a friend yesterday, and he didn't think it would go off too well with most people, but I insisted that the idea would be great for younger people, who love their "on the move" lifestyle. How do you present an idea for a company to perhaps buy the idea, or for at the least, share in the cost of research, and be a partner in the product?

I want to try to make some of these goals soon, as someone else might also end up thinking of something similar, and I'm tired of having someone else get there first! It's happened to me several times in the past, and I know I had the ideas first! I just didn't know how to go and get the product out there before everyone else.

So anyone know how I should get started? I want to proceed with this idea, and really haven't a clue as to where to start.

[gratuitous]

1. Patent attorney

Pay an attorney for his or her expertise, and protect your idea to the extent you can.

[flvegan]

2. Strongly seconded.

[SoxFan]

4. Thirded

Patent law is highly specialized; most lawyers are not allowed to practice it, since admission to the patent bar requires a degree in mathematics, science, or engineering, and most of us studied political science, business administration, or English lit.

[applegrove]

3. I once had an idea that wedding confetti would be better if it was made out of bird seed. Then the

birds could clean up (the seeds would be covered with some white & multi colored food based product). Nobody else thought it was a good idea. LOL!

[havocmom]

5. They tried that at a lovely church in Helena Mt when I lived there.

Church was on a street that went up a little bit of a hill. Several people slipped on the birdseed. They traveled a bit down the slanted sidewalk. There were broken bones. Not as good an idea as you would think ;)

[applegrove]

6. I never thought of that.

[havocmom]

7. Probably could have happened with rice too, if one stepped just so.

That's why I always throw cooked rice :evilgrin:

[siligut]

9. We threw bird seed at my sister's wedding.

It was held in a gazebo in a large park, so it worked perfectly.

[applegrove]

10. Okay so it isn't an original idea anyhow.

[GReedDiamond]

8. If your idea is based in a graphics application..,

...to a textile/fabric, I may be able to direct you in the correct direction.

I have been working in graphics applications to textiles/fabrics since the mid 1970s, with clients ranging from high-end fashion brands to costume graphics in major motion pictures.

I would need a basic idea of what you would like to do, assuming you can disclose enough about your idea without compromising it.

Trademarks/copyrights are outside of my area of expertise.

PM me if you'd like.