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Abstract:
If you have an idea for a new product, consider the following steps. Carefully research your product idea before looking for a company or research office to market it. You will save yourself a considerable amount of time and effort if you find that the same or a similar device is already on the market. Check to see if you signed a patent policy when you were hired. Some employers claim rights to discoveries made on the job. Obtain legal advice. A lawyer can provide information about nondisclosure agreements, patents, and other forms of protection for the inventor. Most major cities have a lawyer referral service offered through the bar association. They will answer some questions and will provide names of lawyers who specialize in that area of law. Before submitting your product idea to a company for evaluation, evaluate the company. Make sure they are a reputable medical supply company. Find out such things as how they plan to research your idea, and what your share as the inventor will be. Take notes when surveying professionals from other hospitals about your idea. The information gathered can be used when writing your product proposal. Submitting a list of hospitals experiencing problems that your device could solve is a good selling point. Keep records of all phone conversations and copies of all written correspondence between the inventor and the company or research office. Always try to get commitments in writing, and keep the lines of communication open. Major cities offer different sources that the inventor can turn to for help. Check around. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you have carefully researched your product idea and really believe it will improve patient care, go for it! It might be a long hard road, and despite all your efforts, the device may never make it to the market. But if it does, seeing your device used to enhance patient care makes it all worthwhile.