by Myra Roldan

Created on: January 14, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The Importance of Research for Inventors

So, you have a great invention and you are all excited about taking it to a manufacture for introduction to the market. STOP! Before you take another step, you need to make sure you did your research. Many times people will submit their inventions for production only to find out that there is a similar product in the market already. Unfortunately, this is the worst time to make such a discovery.

In order to be taken seriously, it is imperative that you take the time and make the effort to conduct your research before you make your next move. Research will definitely help you save face, as well as, money. Why would you want to spend money and time developing a product that is already in the market (unless you are improving on an existing product). Your research will help you make some important decisions regarding your invention: (a) drop the project, it's already invented and you can't improve upon it, (b) make modifications to your invention to make it unique, (c) proceed with your invention as it.

Your research should consist of a combination of online and live in-store visits. All the information you gather should be written in your inventors notebook. You will be able to use this information in your marketing and sales efforts.

By the end of your research you will be able to answer a few question:

1.Does your invention already exist? If so, what is it?
2.What other products are out there that are similar, but not exactly like your invention? You should be able to list their features and benefits to know what sets your invention apart from the others?
3.What makes your product different? Again, list YOUR product features and benefits.
4.What retailers carry similar products to your invention? You should have collected names, addresses and other contract information
5.What is the price point of the similar items? This will serve as a guide for your own product pricing.

When conducting your research you should look for items use your everyday shopping skills. Remember all the effort you put into finding the right car to buy? You research all the safety features, gas to mileage usage, and more; use these same skills when conducting your invention research. You can start your research by simply sitting in front of your computer with Internet access. Search engines will become your best research tool. You will need to search a variety of keywords related to your particular invention. Browse through all the links that appear in

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