Pitch your invention

Written by on January 19, 2012 — 4 Comments

What a wonderful evening!

Last night the Institute of Inventors tried a slightly different format for their feature presentation at the monthly III inventors’ meeting in Parkview, Johannesburg:

Ken Hawksworth, the inventor of Pool Pilot – a simple device that really does force your kreepy krauly into every nook and cranny of your pool without getting “cornered” – discussed his lessons learnt, successes and failures (including a sliding door lock and microwave mixing bowl).

the audience: inventors, marketers, funders, designers, prototypers, patent attorneys – a mix guaranteed to spark a vibrant discussion.

Is Ken maximizing his market channels? What fears / concerns do potential (skeptical) users have and how is he responding to them? Is he using his customers to market his product? Is he using a website optimally? Quick poll: what would the audience pay for his product – is his pricing right? Is he skimping on design? What …? Why …? Fascinating!

If you have a great product, welcome honest scrutiny and feedback and are ready for the limelight, contact Ravini at the Institute of Inventors for a spot to pitch.

4 Comments on "Pitch your invention"

  1. Malcolm Chose says: February 2, 2012 at 07:41 ·

    We have two automobile design projects that are based on existing automobile chassis by known manufacturers and would like to go commercial and pitch the ideas to a would-be investor. Where do we start?

  2. admin says: February 2, 2012 at 09:00 ·

    Malcolm, first you must perform searches to identify the “features” of your chassis that are “new” and “inventive” – these may be patentable. Also, the shape of your chassis may be protected by a registered design. You can pitch ideas to reputable investors (e.g. Invenfin, SPII, IDC) on a confidential basis – don’t worry. They are not in the business of “hijacking” ideas. As a general rule, if you wish to maintain your right to file patents and designs until after “testing the water” with investors, you should require any person that you disclose information to to sign a confidentiality undertaking. Sample undertakings are available under the “Confidentiality” section of our home page. However, if there are no features of your chassis that can effectively be protected by patents or designs, confidentiality agreement will provide on a thin and relatively momentary veneer of protection. If you would like to discuss this further, please call us.

  3. Buhlebuzile Nhlap says: February 2, 2012 at 11:57 ·

    Good Day, I have an idea that I want to copyright. Can you assist me in copywriting it. If so what docements will you require from me and how much will it cost. If not please refer me to someone who can assist me.

  4. admin says: February 2, 2012 at 11:57 ·

    Generally speaking, copyright protects written/literary “WORKS”, works of art, songs and videos. The good news is that copyright arises automatically – you need not register copyright. It is free … in most countries of the world! Having said this, you should consider putting the copyright logo, name and date on the copyrighted work (e.g. “(c) XYZ (Pty) Ltd, 2012″). But this is not required to secure copyright protection. It is merely added for evidentiary purposes (i.e. to make your ownership easier to prove if called upon to do so in court). Some people register copyright in the US, but such registration is also merely for evidentiary purposes.

    However, should your have created a “PRODUCT” with a new shape, you may wish to protect its new shape by a Design Registration. Have a look at our free Design Toolkit (with forms) on the IdeaNav site, which you can use to prepare and file designs yourself for R240. Alternatively, we could assist. Our prices are the most competitive in SA.

    Of course, should you have created a new “FEATURE” (i.e. something with a”technical” benefit), you should have a look at patents.

    If you are unsure whether you wish to protect a WORK, PRODUCT shape or technical FEATURE please call us. You first step is to identify the type of intellectual property protection that is appropriate.

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