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.

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