HELP ME PLEASE ???????

[ZZRBlokey]

Hello Inventors Club,
Can anyone help me push me in the right direction,

Firstly would not class myself as an inventor, but a creator, such successful projects created by me, to name 1 would be a single wheel trailer for my zzr1100 motorbike. old idea with a new concept, other items can be viewed at http://sporttourersmc.forumup.co.uk/index.php?mforum=sporttourersmc my alias ZZRBLOKEY.

I have extensively searched the web, looking for a gaming accessory, to play games, on a well known games console, that not only gave a bit of realism, but also practablity when using the item, the items I had found on the web, to me, I think were designed by a bunch of complete T##t's, that had no idea what people really wanted.

Anyway to cut to the mustard, I got of my arse, and made a prototype so that when Missus Clause ( the better other half ) gave me my Xmas present I could test it, finding some flaw's in my design I set about rectifying them for the next prototype, and I was so confident of this new and far superior design (of those found on the web), I created 2 fully functional working items. 1 for her, and 1 for me, so that we could play together at the same time without having to pass it to and fro. Friends and family who have seen my creations have all said that this project is the "ONE" and I need to get it out there. Unfortunately with the advance in technology it would have a short but great fun life time.? so time is short.
SO
If, for a "EXAMPLE" the item in question was a GOLF CLUB ACCESSORY or TENNIS RACKET surely these cant be patented or copyright because they already exist. ???????? as most of us is finding at the moment money is a bit tight. what else can I do to try to protect myself before I take this idea to a manufacturer apart from a NDA.

Where do I go from here, again searching the web the only thing that I could find to do is a REGISTERED DESIGN of which will only cover the uk and a bit of the EU, I am currently awaiting the result.

Many thanks for any help that you could provide, to point me in the right direction.

[engineertony]

Hi ZZR,

This is the lone inventors eternal quest, patent agents cost a fortune, manufacturers and venture capitalists don't want to know, and you've got a brilliant idea and no money.

Over 40 years I have been on this sad road, patent agents have had thousands of pounds of my hard earned money. I've spent a fortune visiting manufacturers, TV personalities, famous inventors, technical directors, patent racketeers and venture capital firms, even contacted MPs and ministers. I once sent letters to Margaret Thatcher and later to Tony Blair, David Blunket and many other top people. Out of a hundred letters I would estimate one or two replies is good going even though they say get lost.

It is possible to submit a patent yourself, and avoid paying anything for a few months while you approach a few people. I got good advice in that direction from ICASS run by the Scottish government (icass.co.uk), if you are not in Scotland then maybe there is something in your part of the UK.

What is needed is a fund which can allow your idea to be tested, proven or rejected with some secrecy & confidentiality, and if it is a loser then they are happy to have given it a chance. Alas, our financial sector is riddled with selfish, greedy racketeers and spivs who would sell their mother if the price was right.....we ahve no chance.

Last point, don't be enticed to spend even more money with the army of hangers on, offering to develop your patent for a slice of future profits and a payment by you to them of a couple of thousand...........that's the last you will hear from them!

Never give up, I am still plugging away with lots of ideas, but I have let about 20 patents lapse through lack of funds. Good Luck..

Engineertony

[KevinFoleyUK]

Hi
Personally I would go for a Patent.
It sounds like there is something unique about your invention and as such it's this uniqueness that makes it different from all the other/similar game accessories out there. In drawing up the patent application you must emphasis this uniqueness because this is what makes your invention stand out from the others.

Next I would list the benefits that your idea has over the others on the market, why - because benefits are the selling factors that turn an idea into reality, because this is what people want.

Once you've done the above, research the existing game accessories market to establish the potential.

Benefits + gap's in the market = a saleable product.

Come and chat more at the Inventors Club; on the last Thursday of each month, details on main web page.
Kev