Which Comes First – the Product Prototype or the Patent

When it comes to the product prototype and the patent, it can sometimes be hard to decide which should come first. This concept of which comes first often comes as a misunderstanding to companies. However, in this article, you will find out when a prototype should come before the patent and when a patent should come before the prototype.

Which Should Come First?

When it comes to which should go first, it all depends on you. There are several factors that you need to take into consideration. Those factors will tell you which should go first and which should go second. You need to carefully analyze your situation.

When Should A Prototype Be First?

You are not always bound to have a prototype before a patent. However, if you are a startup or if you have a limited amount of money, a prototype should come first. Patents can be quite expensive. If you are just a beginner in the industry, it is best that you start with a prototype.

If you build a patent and it fails, you will lose a huge amount of money. Additionally, if you are just a startup and you lose a lot of money, it could lead to your failure. However, this can be avoided. Instead of going straight for a patent, you could have a proof-of-concept prototype. Once that is done, you could tailor the patent to fit.

When Should A Patent Be First?

Although going for the product prototype may sound safer, sometimes, it goes the other way around. There are times when it is best to have a patent before the prototype. A situation in which the patent would go first is when you want to protect your idea.

If you have an idea and want to protect it, your best option is to file for a patent before engaging in any work with third parties. Going for a patent first is usually best for larger companies. When going for a patent first, you risk a lot of money, which is why it is best for larger corporations. However, if your idea is not too complex and if it is straightforward, you could also go for a patent.

If you are going to file for a patent before a prototype, you need to keep in mind the amount of money you will be risking.

Conclusion

There are times when it would be best to have a product prototype first, and there are times when it would be best to have a patent first. Those times will depend on you and on your situation. Sometimes, it would be more favorable for you to have the prototype before the patent, and sometimes, it would be more favorable for you to have the patent before the prototype.

In order to make the best decision, you need to carefully analyze the situation you are in. Once you have analyzed the situation you are in, it will be easier for you to decide which should come first. Thankfully, with the help of this article, you will be able to find out which is best for you and why.