DO YOU NEED A PROTOTYPE?
The first thing all inventors should know is that you do not need a prototype to file for patent protection. Many inventors mistakenly believe they need a working prototype prior to filing for patent protection. However, prototypes can be extremely useful when determining whether your invention will work properly or to determine what modifications you will have to make prior to filing the patent application.
Prototypes can be costly if you hire a prototype maker to make the prototype. We have a list of companies that have reputations in the prototype making business.
If you plan to license or sell your “patent rights” to your invention, there is no need to build an expensive prototype unless you need to determine if your invention will work properly. Obviously if you are going to manufacture products under your patent rights you will need to design a working prototype prior to manufacturing the product.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This web site provides general information only, not legal advice. You should not act upon this information without independent legal counsel. You must read and agree to the Terms of Service before viewing this web site. The NIFC is not associated with any Federal or State government agency. If you have been harmed by an invention marketing company or patent attorney, you should immediately seek the legal assistance of a reputable attorney licensed in your state. Michael S. Neustel is licensed to practice law only in North Dakota and in the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Michael S. Neustel is the owner of Neustel Law Offices, LTD and Neustel Software, Inc. Statements made in this web site are merely opinions of the National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc. and should not be interpreted as factual. Neither Michael S. Neustel nor the NIFC market inventions, provide market analyses or provide marketability analyses for inventors. You are strongly encouraged to investigate any company or law firm you plan to work with and do not rely solely upon this web site when selecting a company to work with. Only you can determine if the companies listed on this web site are reputable or not.
Copyright 1998-2023 National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved.