How to Patent & Sell an Invention
- 1
Proper research will save you future patent rejections.doing research image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
Research your invention to make sure it has not already been patented. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides online search engines with records dating back to 1790 for your use. - 2
The USPTO recommends using their eFiler system.a file image by Yuriy Rozanov from Fotolia.com
File a patent for your invention. If you are modifying the appearance of an existing article of manufacture, you will file a design form. If you are inventing a new "useful process, machine, article of manufacture" then file a utility patent. - 3
The market today is global.globe image by Du...?an Zidar from Fotolia.com
Define the market for your invention. Use surveys and demographic reports to determine who will be most interested in your idea. Read trade magazines related to the product to better grasp how your target market operates. - 4
Use online and face to face sales methods.sales manager checking the sales image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
Outline your sales strategy. According to Entrepreneur, sales "goals should be specific and measurable, and based on the specific nature of your product." Use sales methods that work best for you, whether direct mail, meeting with local retailers, or using social media. - 5
Grow your success in planned steps.professional sales image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
Build your demand by gradually expanding into bigger markets. Use product testimonies and feedback from your first generation of customers to approach larger companies in planned growth stages.
