So I have a new invention related to the outdoors that I think will really be a big seller.
Prototype is in the works and should be finished by the weekend.
Has anyone invented something, produced and sold it? I really don’t want someone to steal my idea so I’m curious as what to do to protect it. I suppose I need to get a patent huh. Anyone ever done this?
Any help would be great!
Thanks,
Dave
You may also consider talking to a patent attorney in your area…Good Luck!
Don’t forget to check for existing patents that may interfer with some of your product. One reason this product doesn’t already exist may be that someone has a patent on some part of it and is looking for too much $$$ for it’s use, or is using the patent to block compeditors. That stuff happens a lot more than people realize.
Dave- run your invention past me, and I will let you know how to protect it… 
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Dave- run your invention past me, and I will let you know how to protect it…
Maybe you’ll get to be a tester for this Luke, it is an ice fishing product after all! Whoops! That’s all I’m saying! 
Do you own search online.. you can also search off the US Patent site. Then, if you don’t find anything close to what you have.,,contact a patent attorney and they will run another search for you (usually 500$). From there, you apply for a provisional patent which will last you a year so you can get your idea into the market and get a feel for it’s value.. From there, you apply for your final patent. But to answer your question, the only safe way to protect it is to keep your mouth shut, even buddies, and get the provisional filed. Good luck! 
If you would like more info shoot over PM.
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Do you own search online.. you can also search off the US Patent site. Then, if you don’t find anything close to what you have.,,contact a patent attorney and they will run another search for you (usually 500$). From there, you apply for a provisional patent which will last you a year so you can get your idea into the market and get a feel for it’s value.. From there, you apply for your final patent. But to answer your question, the only safe way to protect it is to keep your mouth shut, even buddies, and get the provisional filed. Good luck!
If you would like more info shoot over PM.
Thanks for the advise WB and others. Right now there are only 4 people that know about this. My dad, my brothers, and my wife. I think I’m safe. I am a little hesitant at this point to even bring it on the ice. May have to do product testing on some private ponds! 
Thanks again to all for the advice!
Take pictures of this product and e-mail them to yourself, this way you will have some dated proof, of when you first had it.
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Take pictures of this product and e-mail them to yourself, this way you will have some dated proof, of when you first had it.
I saw somewhere that you should put some pics, the parts list, as well as the product diagram in a envelope and mail them to yourself. It was in court-case that honored the date of the US Post Office.
Ron
Xpress-
Here is a detailed article on this topic: Inventor Beware: How to make Millions on Fishing Make sure to follow all the links at the bottom of the article for all the pages.
Good luck.
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Actually from what i have heard/read, you mail the product and parts list as well as pictures to yourself and once you recieve it pack it away somewhere UNOPENED, the postmark and sealed box are the proof, so obviously you need 2 working prototypes in this case.
To add to that, I would send it certified, so you have to sign for it. Even more proof that you received it.
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At least that’s what the guys in the little black helicopter’s told me.
Are those the guys that hang out at Brian K’s house? 
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