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I have an idea for a product that I know will sell well, but how do I produce a prototype while protecting my idea?Depending on the nature of your idea, you don't necessarily have to build a prototype in order to obtain a patent on your invention. In some situations, for example, in demonstrating your invention's uses to a potential licensee, prototypes can make sense.
You need to be careful of two things. First, you want the comfort level of knowing that the company producing the prototype for you is reputable and willing to agree to strict confidentiality and nondisclosure restrictions. Second, you want to be sure that any improvements that the company makes to the product remain your intellectual property.
Otherwise, you could find yourself midway through a patent application, only to find you have an unintended co-inventor. Ideally, you'll want to speak with a patent attorney in your area from the outset so that you can map out a strategy for how best to proceed.
