Where do I start w/ my invention 'idea'??? (format, internet, program)

[Liza54]

I'm a nurse in a hospital that thought of a very simple idea stemming from a 'need' that I had in my everyday work. It can be used in any department of a hospital that uses stretchers or beds and does not seem like it would be complex in manufacturing.
I seriously want to run w/ this idea. Where do I even begin? what are the steps of an idea getting to the market? Internet search leads me to various companies that want at least 3k to 'help'. I'm interested I suppose in royalties, letting someone else find the designer, manufacturer and marketing team.
Please advise, I'm quite serious about this!!

[Nic.]

I am not too familiar with this but this is coming from stuff I have read here and there on the internet and from talking to people about stuff like this.

You would want to look up first if there is someone out there that has a patent for your idea already. If not then you would want to go about getting one yourself.

It can be really tough to find investors for an idea without having a working prototype already that would grab their interest unless it is a really solid idea and you can bring them in with just what you have on paper.

Brings to the "paper" part make sure you have all the info they would ask covering all costs and how much profit they can make from it.

[thecoalman]

I'd be very careful who you deal with, research thoroughly. It's not cheap to obtain a patent becsue of all the legal mumbo jumbo and a lot of these comapnies will prey on people that don't have one. People steal patented ideas all the time, stealing one without a patent is that much easier. If you don't have one filed it would be very easy for someone to steal your idea. You might want to start your research here before contacting anyone.

General Information Concerning Patents

[JustNobody]

I'd get a free consult with a patent lawyer to start with. Preferably you have a working prototype.

[moonshadow]

Lisa this is a program we have here in Australia that has launched a lot of fabulous new inventions. I realize you're probably in the US but I thought you might like to check it out as they have a lot of resources and information about getting your invention out there.

New Inventors - ABC TV

[dspguy]

Originally Posted by JustNobody

I'd get a free consult with a patent lawyer to start with. Preferably you have a working prototype.

I'd second that. I worked on an idea when I was younger. I needed a "rough" prototype first. It didn't matter how it looked, only that it demonstrated its use. Part of what you pay a patent lawyer is for the work of checking if what you are doing has already been patented.

Be wary of those "$3000 we help you out" offers. You might be expected to sign over a % of all future proceeds or a lump-sum immediately when/if you manage to patent the product.

Besides, I'd always be skeptical about someone "stealing" your idea when you meet with them.

[RayinAK]

Start with getting witnesses to your invention (on paper, and notarized), followed by a lawyer that deals with inventions. The witnesses can help you in the event that the lawyer (s) steal your invention.