Lure Invention/ Idea...?

[Flips]

Hello. Has anyone here ever pursued a fishing lure idea and know the proper steps to get it possibly recognized and produced...? Basically, a good friend and I came up with an idea and technique that caught tons of really nice largemouth and a few smallmouth this year... It has worked very well for a few friends of ours that used it all the way down to Okeechobee and up to Champlain! The few guys that we did show it to were blown away by the idea and thought it was incredible.

Now, we don't have the resources at home to build our own supplies, so we have been modifying other lures and borrowing other accessories to build these. We are just regular fisherman with very little connections but I have been talking with a new tackle company about becoming part of their Field Staff but I'm afraid to pitch the idea to them then lose it all. Can anyone suggest the best possible way to get this lure recognized and not get burned by a tackle company or anyone else that loves the idea...? Thank you very very much.

[SenkoSam]

To get a patent can be expensive and fighting infringement cost even more . Don't believe that any company won't screw you if the lure is truly one that will sell and hang on like the Senko. Gary Yamamoto never even bothered getting a patent and everyone has copied it, but the lure keeps selling after all these years and 70 cents a stick.

The only thing you can guarentee protection is the copyright of the lures name.

Good luck.

FrankM

[mauro]

If you would like help with implementing the idea, drop me a message as I know someone who has just gone through this process.   I am happy to sign an NDA if you like, I just want to help and maybe catch more fish myself :D

[LURECOLLECTOR]

google the idea and description of how it works and see if there is anything like it  on the market if you cant find anything your ok but trying to get something going will be $$ and like everyone said they will steal it  or you will be sued by them make a couple hundred open a youtube channel and start selling i heard take a pic and drawing                  Firstly, the poor man's copyright explained in point format:

i) Place the work that you want to copyright, into an envelope (music, scripts, websites, software, architecture etc...)

                        ii) Seal the envelope

                        iii) Mail the envelope to yourself through your country's postal service

                        iv) Do not open the mail when it arrives

                        v) Keep the mail that arrived, unopened and safe - in case you need to prove it was your work.

[fishin-family]

If you have any for sale I'll buy a few from you. I'd love to give them a try. Also you could try selling them at a local tackle shop that's what this 1 guy by me does with his spinner & buzz baits.

[Austin34]

I am in the middle of this process right now. I have a several baits already designed and am in the process of trying to make molds for them. I also have friends (some are lawyers and others in high places) who are going to help me with protecting me against those who would steal the designs and are also going to finance getting them mass produced. I just have to prove to them that they all catch fish and lots of them. I will let you know how this goes and be able to tell you what they do for me.

[DanielR]

Through Business Law classes, I've learned quite a bit about patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The biggest thing you need to take into consideration, is the patent fees and process. It takes time and can be quite expensive.

A patent lasts 20 years in the U.S., but if you don't have the resources for fees and other costs, you could always look into applying for a "Provisional Patent". This is a cheaper alternative for those who do not have the upfront resources to cover thousands of dollars needed.

The above recommendation of creating a file for your patent from "Lurecollector" is what we call an invention disclosure. It is a combination of your drawings, and a general statement describing your product in a manner that any ordinary person can understand. Sign each page, and get it notarized. <--Helps big time just in case someone steals your idea. Keep all documents in a safe place.

This invention disclosure doesn't last forever, but it allows you to get your products out on the market without the fear of some big company copying your idea. After a year, you either file for a traditional patent or lose all rights to the design. It basically lets you test the market to see if a patent is worth the money and time.

Sounds like you have a plan already in the works, but hopefully this helps a little bit when others need to research the same question. Good luck with your design!

[OHSKS]

You are taking on a process that really isn't fair and will cost you big bucks for little return.  I know all about this because I own a small lure manufacturing company.  Patents are costly, takes awhile to get, and really don't do much in my opinion  One thing you have to understand is that a patent only protects the exact same lure.  I guarantee you that there are many Japanese and Chinese companies that are looking for new products to copy.  All they have to do is change it just a hair and they got them a new lure that they can mass produce and leave you in the dust.  We were told by a rep that is a "go between" between american and chinese companies that if you have them made in China they will ship your lure to you out the front door and ship a knock off out the back door.  A small company just getting started will be out of business in no time.  Then there is marketing.  You will find that it is very hard to compete with established companies.  They get their lures made in China but don't have to worry about being knocked off because they have already established their name.  The name of your company is what sells the lures.  If you figure out a way to over come all these obstacles, let me know.  I need all the help I can get.