What if you have an idea for a new concept for a folding knife?

[Radioactive]

Where do you go from there? I have an idea for a new and useful way to open a folding knife but I have no idea how to get it started. Who knows about patents, etc? Thanks.

 

[bobofish]

The first questions you need to ask yourself are:
Realistically, how much money can this make? Is it the bee's knees, or is it a new twist on an old design? Is it a blockbuster or a sleeper that some people will buy out of curiosity but not much else?
Are you willing to devote your life to this thing? Are you willing to either spend every moment of your free time working on this, or making it your livelihood altogether? Or are you interested in seeing it happen and making a few bucks, but your free time is important to you for other things?

Once you answer that, then you can either go whole hog and patent, etc. or quietly present the idea to a reputable knife company (with a "good faith review") or knife maker to figure out if you can share or sell the idea.

 

[Absintheur]

If your idea is unique then obtaining a patent is not that difficult. Once you have a patent you can then try to decide to manufacture yourself or you can sell it outright or accept a lower amount and receive royalties. Making it yourself on a production basis is going to involve capitol and you do not want partners, nothing kills a company faster than cutting the pei into little pieces. If you don't have he capitol you will need to peddle the design. If you have the skill to make the prototype yourself then do so but it needs to be very well made, on par with Benchmade or a similar production knife. If not then pay a custom maker to make one for you. Then take it to Blade and talk to every maker you can showing them the prototype. If it is a good workable design it will sell.

 

[orthogonal1]

Whether or not it is patentable, I'd still file an application if you think it is new, since it'll probably prevent some yahoo from patenting in your stead. The US currently publishes patent applications (US PG pubs), so the info becomes public knowledge.

That "public knowledge" is a two edged sword, but its better than sitting on an idea for more than a year and potentially loosing the right to patent.

BTW, are new designs "money makers". I doubt it, personnally. Patents seem more for recognition purposes, and recognition in the industry can be a money maker.

 

[Lycosa]

It's a lot of work and a long road your on but if your idea bears fruit, it will be worth it! Good luck!

 

[Radioactive]

Thanks for the replies. More advice welcomed.

 

[shecky]

Forget about patents. They're only good if you want to pad your resume. And they're worthless unless you have deep pockets to defend the patent. Which is all it really gives you the right to do.

If you want to offer the knife commercially, do it. A good design wins customers. Good business practices wins loyalty. If it's a good idea, you will be copied, patent or not. You can look at it this way: a successful knife will allow you to draw a paycheck and tool up for your next design. Very few makers can survive on a solitary design. Innovation, via new products, is the long term strategy.

 

[Radioactive]

I'm thinking of trying to contact the big-name knife companies out there to see if they're interested in hearing the idea. Is this a good idea? How would I protect myself if I were to go this route? Thanks.

 

[idevist8]

I'm thinking of trying to contact the big-name knife companies out there to see if they're interested in hearing the idea. Is this a good idea? How would I protect myself if I were to go this route? Thanks.

the cheapest and easiest way to protect yourself without going through the patent process is to write down your ideas, using as much detail as you can, even include detailed pictures or drawings. Then put it in an envelope and mail it to yourself. When it arrives, leave it sealed. You now have a sealed envelope containing your ideas that is federally marked with a date. This can provide a little bit of protection while talking to knifemakers.

 

[brewthunda]

the cheapest and easiest way to protect yourself without going through the patent process is to write down your ideas, using as much detail as you can, even include detailed pictures or drawings. Then put it in an envelope and mail it to yourself. When it arrives, leave it sealed. You now have a sealed envelope containing your ideas that is federally marked with a date. This can provide a little bit of protection while talking to knifemakers.

You could also mail yourself a bunch of empty envelopes, so you can backdate stuff in the future. Seriously though, the "mail yourself a letter" thing is silly. You could always get it notarized for $20.

 

[CWL]

Don't contact any of the Big Buys yet because they can easily run with your idea and leave you no recourse. Legally, you cannot prove whether you had the idea first or not.

even if you patent the idea, if it is a good one. You WILL be ripped off by other makers, both domestic custom guys and by knife companies in China/Taiwan/India/Pakistan. Good luck trying to sue anyone overseas and win (good luck trying to sue & win locally as well).

Your best bet would be to first make a few handmades to prove your concept. Then you may want to find & pair up with a local knifemaker as a custom collaboration (go online & visit local blade shows to scout out talent). If you do have a winner, you can make a name for yourself with this as a custom offering -and customers will line-up at your door. At this point, you are patenting what you can of the design. Now go talk to the big brands and discuss issuing a version of your design.