Q: I have a great little box that I have designed based on my own personal need. Upon designing this box, I did some market research and realized that there is a great need for this box. I took my idea to one company which stated that it was too specific. Therefore, they could not use my box. (I did sign a confidential agreement). This is a great idea and I don't have the finances to patent it myself. I really need some advice on other avenues. I can have my box mass produced and sell them locally. However, I would lose the rights if a big company comes along and steals it. Could you provide some kind of assistance?

A: This is a "catch-22" question! Inventors have always struggled with this question: "If I can't afford to patent my idea, how can I protect myself if I take it to market? " The simple answer (and the hard truth) is that you can't. However, when we invent we often become very egocentric with our ideas (that's a plus, not a minus: it motivates us and makes us focus all our energies). We think our invention is the best thing since sliced bread. We think everybody in the world is out to steal it, that someone else will make millions - and get all the glory - and we'll be left out in the cold. I know, because I've felt the same way!

The reality is that the market is huge. Even if someone else copies your idea, there's probably enough business for a successful product to satisfy everyone. So don't let the fear of being copied stop you from getting the product on the market.

The other thing to remember is that even if a product is patented, you can still be at risk of being copied. Products are "knocked off" all the time. Once you've paid enormous legal fees to patent your product, you might have to pay further fees (sometimes much more than the original patent costs) to "defend" your patent. Is it worth it? Sometimes "yes" - if you're a multi-million dollar conglomerate - but sometimes even well-known marketers turn a blind eye to copies, preferring to spend their money and time increasing their own market share than on legal defense costs.

Since I don't know what your "great little box" looks like, I don't know how it is unique in the market , so it's hard to give specific advice. You did write that you had done your own market research, which indicated a need, despite the advice you got from the company you contacted (which told you it was too specific). Clearly, your own research results conflict with theirs. You may have found a niche market which the company has overlooked. My advice would be to go with your own research and tap the niche you found. Turn that company's rejection into an advantage. (i.e. If they didn't think your product was worth pursuing, maybe others won't either...which buys you time).

Pretend you're a submarine! Perhaps you can quietly market your product below the radar screen before anyone else realizes what a wonderful product you have. Go ahead and mass produce for your niche market. Once you have found success there, you can expand. Then, with your profits, you can choose at a later date to patent. Then, it's UP PERISCOPE and, BINGO! You've cornered a market!

Many successful entrepreneurs have done exactly that. A well-known example in the U.S.A. is Lillian Vernon. She started in her kitchen forty years ago selling one little initialed belt buckle through an ad in the back of a fashion magazine. Look at her now! The Lillian Vernon catalogue is everywhere! I wish you much success. Let me know what happens! (By the way - you didn't say what country you're working in. Can you let me know?)

Best regards,
Inventor Mentor