What are some suggestions that would help an aspiring inventor?

The first step for all inventors should be to have a patent search with a legal opinion done before spending any money or time on prototypes or market research. If the patent search shows that your idea cannot be patented, you have then spent a small amount of money and saved yourself a lot of time.

Well said misterpatent. Since the patent process and product developement can be the most expensive part of getting a device on the market, a patent search is a reasonable place to start.

I would add that patent searches aren't always cheap and a lot of useful information can be gained by one's own research on the internet even before investing in the legal opinion of an attorney or patent firm. There's a wealth of info at USPTO.com (not to mention a patent database) and other patent search sites, one can discover and distinguish major players in the invention's market, assess consumer demand, and find competing products online. These things can be done for little or nothing at a home computer, and they would be invaluable in formulating a good strategy for the next step moving forward with a new invention, be that a patent search or some other avenue.

A patent search should definitely be your first stop. Even if your product is patentable, you'll be surprised at how often your idea has actually been thought of before (and patented), regardless of whether it's made it to market or not.

Patent attorneys are expensive so start by doing your own research at www.uspto.com . If you find something then you haven't wasted any money. If you don't find anything and you're ready to start spending big then let the pro's take over with the search in case you missed something.

well 3 replies with the same answer don't provide much advice, other than do a patent search.

Can somebody provide any other advice assuming you already have a patent search and filed a provisional???

Based on 30 years experience in international trade and manufacturing, I can tell you patents serve a single purpose. It allows you to manufacture and sell your invention without infringing on someone elses patent.

It only serves to allow you to continue manufacturing and selling your invention without going through legal recourse when someone sues you for patent infrigment.

Without a patent, you are placed on the defense rather than the offence. Even with a patent, you may be put into a position defending your patent rights.

Patents will not stop your idea from being copied, mass produced and sold cheaper than you yourself can sell it.

If you research all the large manufacturers worldwide, you will see nearly all have been charged with patent infrigments. They can afford to keep you tied up in the courts, even to the point you go bankrupt.

NDA's -
Too many inventors feel secure in a written NDA. An NDA is only as good as the party you get to sign it. Many inventors searching for a manufacturer will contact several manufacturers around the world and start faxing NDA's.

Picture this, 20 manufacturers now have your design sitting infront of them. They see the possibility of making a hugh profit. By bringing in a trusted 3rd party, your product in now in production, but the customer is that 3rd party NOT YOU.
I have seen this MANY times over the years.

You say you have a patent? No problem. Patents are easily circumvented. Remember that 90 degree angle you had as part of your design? It was now changed to a 120 degree arc. And was approved for a patent overseas.

Yes, the USA will honor their new patent.

Before sending NDA's to several possible suppliers, do some research on them first. Most manufacturers don't care if your product is successful or not, they just want that first big order.

NEVER NEVER NEVER start out with mass production. Start small. Have samples to show customers and start getting confirmed orders BEFORE placing a large manufacturing order.

Collect at least a 35% non refundable deposit from your buyers. This keeps them from canceling an order you just placed with the manufacturer and gives to the funds required as a deposit by the manufacturer.

Can these things be avoided? No. Can you still make money from your invention? Yes.

Will post more later. Good Luck!