How Do I Become an Inventor?

To become an inventor, you will basically have to come up with an idea to meet a need and then bring your idea to life. Seeking financial success as an inventor, however, typically requires more work, including choosing a product that will prove to be in demand, creating a workable design and prototype, obtaining a patent, and implementing a plan for producing and marketing your invention. In the end, you may make money from your invention, but if not, this doesn't mean you're not an inventor; it just means you might have to go back to the drawing board.

When you want to become an inventor, you might want to start by learning about successful inventors. For example, you can research their inventions and why they were helpful as well as any challenges the inventors faced along the way. The processes they used from brainstorming and researching to creating prototypes and eventually marketing their inventions may help you better understand what you can expect and help you avoid potential pitfalls. If, for example, an inventor had a brilliant idea but others copied it, reading his story may give you an idea of how to protect yourself.

Coming up with ideas that are actually useful or novel is important if you want to become an inventor. If no one has a use for your invention, you likely won't experience success. As such, your first steps may include researching and brainstorming. First, you might want to research to figure out areas in which there is a need for a new invention. Once you've identified such areas, you can then take the next step to brainstorm ideas for meeting the need. You should also research to make sure no one has invented and patented the idea before you.

Once you've settled on an idea and are ready to become an inventor, you will then have to make plans and move forward with designing it. Your plans will likely include a business plan for how you will design, produce, and market your invention, including details about handling the costs associated with doing so. They will also likely include sketches and materials lists for creating and producing your invention. With all this in hand, you can then start designing and perfecting your prototype.

When you are satisfied with your idea and feel confident that it is workable, you can then seek a patent and market your invention. It is important to keep in mind, however, that patent applications can be expensive, and the process from application to approval can take a long time. Additionally, you are not guaranteed to have your application approved. If your patent application is denied, you can still market your invention, but you won't be able to stop others from copying it.