I have designed an interesting device, which has great advertising potential. However, I lack the capital to mass produce and market this device. What should I do? It is something that could be copied asily-should I secure a patent?
Finally, how do I contract to have prototypes made? (I’m afraid the prototype shop might steal my idea!)
The first thing NOT to do is fall for the ads on TV or the internet about services that help you with patents and prototyping. They are all scams, and will string you along and bleed you dry. Just check the Better Business Bureau for the milder complaints. Consumer protection sites have the real horror stories. They are worse than vanity publishers trying to keep you hooked and paying paying paying for evaluations and criticism and focus groups.
Your best bet is the library. Do a little research and you might for example find that what you have isn’t patentable, but qualifies for a design patent or a trademark.
I read a book about this very question like a hundred years ago.
The main things I remember about this book was:
Get a patent
Make sure you have an attractive prototype to present to a potential manufacturer.
Don’t try to manufacture the product yourself. Unless you can afford to carry the business for a handful of years before you see a profit.
Take your research far enough to be presentable. Then give it to a university you don’t like. Let them get screwed instead of you.