Start Up Guide
Should you have a concept or a product that you are planning to produce, this document has been developed to provide you with information that may be of assistance with your project.
The main thing to consider at the early stage of your project is the protection of your concept. We would recommend that you consider the following options prior to investigating funding.
NDA
A Non-Disclosure Agreement or Confidentiality Agreement (CA) is a legal contract between at least two parties that outlines confidential material, knowledge, or information that the parties wish to share with one another for certain purposes, but wish to restrict access to or by third parties. It is a contract through which the parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement. An NDA creates a confidential relationship between the parties to protect any type of confidential and proprietary information or trade secrets. As such, an NDA protects non-public business information.
NDAs are commonly signed when two companies, individuals, or other entities (such as partnerships, societies, etc.) are considering doing business and need to understand the processes used in each other's business for the purpose of evaluating the potential business relationship.
Patent
A patent can protect how your idea works. It can protect what it is made of and how it is made. It does not protect the appearance of your idea, to do this you would need to register your design right.
If your idea has a unique function or any technical features, use a patent to protect them. We would recommend that you investigate this area thoroughly.
Registered Design
If your idea is a new look for a current product with no technical changes then design rights can be a cost effective route to offer you some protection.
Copyright
Copyright is a legal right. If designing a new product then it automatically belongs to you and exists as soon as you create the work. You cannot use it to protect the idea that is described in the work, therefore it does not stop the idea described being used by someone else. By conveying your drawings to paper or typing your product description you automatically have the copyright.
Concept
By conveying your drawings to paper or typing your product description you automatically have the copyright.
• Who would use it?
• What would the potential demand be?
• What sort of costs may potentially be involved?
• Would you use your product?
You need to ensure that your idea is not already owned by anyone else.
Here are a few websites that may be useful sources of information when establishing the foundations of your product:
Once you have decided to progress with your project, you may be faced with some unforeseen costs.
Should you need to source funding, you may find the following websites useful:
We hope that you have found this information useful and wish you every success with your project.
To speak with one of our engineers call us now on 01453 833388.
We would be happy to meet with you for a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your project.
