# Electronic devices and invention.

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-devices-and-invention/322879>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [September 22, 2005, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-devices-and-invention/322879 "2005-09-22T13:54:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Agent\_Foxtrot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc29f/32.png) [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2005, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-devices-and-invention/322879/1 "2005-09-22T13:54:35Z")

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I have several ideas for inventions that I think would be very well-received by consumers (though I won’t be posting them here, not that I don’t trust y’all :D). However, these inventions are electronic (about as complex as an average alarm clock), yet I have zero electronics background. How would I go about getting a prototype built for a manageable cost, and still take credit for the patent?

Adam

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**Author:** ![Fridgemagnet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/22d042/32.png) [@Fridgemagnet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fridgemagnet)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2005, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-devices-and-invention/322879/2 "2005-09-22T14:14:30Z")

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Lawyers and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

There are companies who act as agents for inventors (for a fee or cut), and if you need anything electronic designing then you can either approach an established design house (expensive) or you could put the job out to tender (risky without technical-competence vetting and proper contracts).

It depends on how much of the tedious paperwork you want to do yourself…

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**Author:** ![Crafter\_Man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crafter_man/32/458_2.png) [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2005, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-devices-and-invention/322879/3 "2005-09-22T15:15:32Z")

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If you’re not in the industry, and consider yourself a “lone inventor working in the garage,” then your chance of receiving a patent, selling the device, making money, _and_ using the patent to sue successfully someone are essentially nil.

My advice is to build a prototype with the help of a buddy who’s well-versed in electronics. After that, become a part of the industry where this device might find value. In other words, you’ll have to go to trade shows, subscribe to trade journals, make contacts with people in the industry, etc. If after all of that you think your invention is still worthwhile, consult a patent attorney.

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**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\
**Post date:** [September 22, 2005, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/electronic-devices-and-invention/322879/4 "2005-09-22T20:40:47Z")

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I could probably design a prototype for you. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested.