Beware of Scoring an Own Goal
Hello Friend, today I will explain why manufacturing the prototype is a process that must be done in parallel or before the Utility Model or Patent.
If you want to avoid having a goal scored against you, listen up!
A couple of weeks ago, we received a client with a Wonderful idea.
Let’s call him Paco, as usual.
Paco presents a solution for the restaurant industry which, if feasible…
will be “the bomb.”
I was NOT able to send a quote to Paco to manufacture the prototype.
Let me explain the two reasons why:
1. To make Paco's prototype work, you have to use infrequent technologies.
By uncommon, I mean that, although there are articles online confirming their existence, there is no product in the market that actually uses them.
2. We are sure that there are options for this project, but, we cannot at this point, guess what the process will be like.
Up to now, we should be on the same page regarding two premises:
1. Paco cannot be certain about his invention’s feasibility.
2. Paco’s invention requires research.
Put yourself in my shoes! I had just two options:
1. Quote an inflated budget for manufacturing the prototype.
It would have to be sufficiently inflated so as to cover my back for all possible changes and errors.
In other words: a goal….
2. Budget a technical feasibility study and an engineering project that would allow studying alternatives, testing in the laboratory and defining how to implement them at the time of manufacturing the Paco prototype.
Plainly speaking:
5,500 euros is the budget we quoted for the second option.
The first doesn’t seem honest to me, so I don’t even consider it.
Of course, this has been frustrating for Paco.
He sees the budget quoted for the study as an additional and unnecessary expense.
While we can understand Paco’s frustration, beware repeating his errors.
Stopping to research and investigate does not mean putting the brakes on your invention.
Todo lo contrario, si se requiere, los resultados de este proceso suelen ser clave para el futuro prototipo.
Justo el viernes supe de Paco, aunque no hablé con él de forma directa.
A patent agent (regular client) has asked us to quote a budget for drawing up Paco’s project, without considering whether it can be manufactured or not.
No doubt about it.
Paco has chosen the shorter and cheaper path, although I still have serious doubts about the future of his project.
Otro Utility Model que nace condenado a estar tirado en un cajón con polvo.
What’s your opinion of this case?
Remember... With these tips, I don't intend to sell you anything.
I fulfill my commitment to support our community of inventors.
Tell us your idea
Business Director - Inventors' Advisor at Let´s Prototype
Erick Remedios has been involved in entrepreneurship, private investment, and the launch of innovative projects for over a decade. He began his career at Business In Fact, S.A.—a private investor network specializing in high-risk investments—where he rose to the position of Managing Director, participating in more than 40 investment deals and advising early-stage entrepreneurs and investors. Since 2012, he has participated in investment forums, served as an advisor and board member, and engaged in teaching and outreach activities at universities such as the University of Seville, Málaga, Cádiz, Granada, Pablo de Olavide, Huelva, Almería, and Jaén, as well as at business schools like IT Aérea Business School (where he leads the Business Model Design module) and ENyD. Throughout his career, he has advised startups and companies such as Baby Radio, Neurobia Research, HitsBook, Bit Credit, Tu Fábrica de Eventos, and Graffos, among others. He currently leads Let’s Prototype’s international expansion in the United States and guides companies and inventors through the design, prototyping, and industrialization of innovative products (hardware and software), as well as commercialization and licensing strategies.
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