LOCATING MANUFACTURERS

Step 1 involves searching for manufacturers that might be interested in your invention.  When locating manufacturers to send your marketing letter to, you should search for companies who already make products similar to your invention.

You should attempt to locate at least 20 to 100 manufacturers in the field of your invention.  There are four places you can search for potential licensees:

  1. Your Local Store.  You should search your local stores for manufacturers that make products similar to your product (i.e. if you product is a new type of toothbrush, you should go to Wal-Mart and get information about all of the manufacturers of toothbrushes and other similar dental products).
  2. Companies Seeking New Ideas.  We have a list of Companies Seeking New Ideas that you should look through to see if there are any companies that are looking for products like yours.
  3. Trade Shows.  Visiting a trade show with products similar to yours can be a very valuable resource for you not only for selling your idea, but also for getting suggestions on how to improve it.  The Trade Show News Network is a good place to search for upcoming trade shows.
  4. Local Governmental Agencies.  Local economic development agencies can be extremely helpful in locating regional manufacturers that might be interested in your idea.
  5. Magazine Advertisements.  You should look through magazines that are in the area of your invention for manufacturers who advertise similar products (i.e. if your invention relates to golf, you will want to purchase various golf magazines which have many advertisers within).
  6. Internet Search Engines.  Utilize a search engine to search for companies that make products similar to your product (i.e. if your product is a new type of toothbrush, you would type in “toothbrush” in a search engine such as Alta Vista).
  7. Local Library.  Go to your local library for reference books on different types of manufacturers.  There are several books that provide a wealth of information about manufacturers across the United States (e.g.  American Business Directories;  Thomas Register).
  8. Free Internet Databases.  There are many good databases on the Internet that you can search for free, such as:

You should have no problem locating 20 to 100 manufacturers with these resources — for free!  After locating 20 – 100 manufacturers that would potentially buy or license your patent rights, you should then rank the manufacturers into a list based upon which manufacturers you want to approach first.

You should also contact the companies and ask if there is a specific person or department you should mail you marketing letter to.   The second step is to prepare your Marketing Letter.

 

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.

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