Alright.  I'm satisfied with my little prototype X2 lure.  I'm wanting to let the cat out of the bag, but I'm worried about a few things.  Because of a few of the components and my resources, I can't mass produce these as fast as other people (strike king, mann's) can.  

The question is...would I be better off approaching the big companies?  If that is the case, then how do I get the lure design patented.  I'd like to leave the concept open enough to where I don't collide with similiar patents, but I don't want one of these companies being like "Oh, that's great."  Then rip me off.  I was thinking about approaching smaller companies, like * or someone like that with it, but I'm worried about that little section always saying "Out of Stock" while I'm in the field.  This is a mess.

I'd actually prefer to make and market the lure myself, but I'm afraid that with 3 kids and the Army breathing down my neck all the time, that's just an unrealistic goal.  

So, here is the big question.  If you had a new lure based on a relatively new concept, how would you market it?  How would you protect yourself?  And who would you get to make/distribute it?

Contact Karl at KaRu:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?action=viewprofile;username=173F2423243116392338500

My brother the attorney tells me that even if you get a patent on the lure the guys in the Orient will copy it and sell it which is a big problem.  Patent attorneys make their money fighting others who have copied your idea. You usually lose if it is an overseas company.

In this month's issue of Bass Times on page 54 is an article about Michael Kane and how he started his business.  

He started out by making and giving a few of his spinnerbaits to friends and then he went to trade shows selling the lures.

He now has a web site and a 72-pate catalog plus a 3,000 square foot store.

He holds monthly fishing seminars and hosts a kids fishing day.

You may want to contact him to find out if he patented his bait or did nothing.

Tournament Force Tackle Systems, www.tfbass.com

Good luck.

Thanks guys.  Any advice is appreciated.  I'm really excited about the nameless lure only known as prototype X2 (probably final phase, X3, tested next week).  I'm wanting to unveil it here, once I get some pics of fish caught on the lure.  Once I have the protection scheme figured out and in place, I'll post it up in tacklemaking.  I might have to get a custom mold made if sales look likely.  That might be my best bet at keeping up with demand, if there is any.  Stay tuned and hopefully, next week, I'll be able to get your opinions.  Thanks guys and any further advice or tips would be appreciated.

Might have a naming contest for a few free ones or something like that.  Sound like a good idea?

Some guys I would PM with this: Redliner,LBH,Brent and KaRu

I hit up KaRu already.  Apparently patents cost a lot  

I'll probably wait a day or two to see if any of those fellas hit up this thread.  If not, then I'll PM them.  Hopefully they respond here though, incase any one else ever needs this type of advice.

I'd also talk to Lane at SureLife and Bobby at Megastrike.  These two really know the business very well.

I also have kind of a prototype lure, two of them actually. They are nothing huge, more of an improvement on another lure, and I still have a lot of refining to do.

If I give my idea to a smaller company like Karu and they like it, what will I get?

So, here is the big question.  If you had a new lure based on a relatively new concept, how would you market it?  How would you protect yourself?  And who would you get to make/distribute it?

I would apply for a patent, using the forms from the us patent office.

but that would not be my major concern...History shows us that patenting a lure in NO way deters knockoffs.

so the real concern is getting it out there.......

I would give em away to local tournament guys, and guys who have a folowing on a popular lakes.....My ole fishing buddy Dennis, who know owns a successful, fly shop and guide service in the Catskills, used to go around to all the tackle shops in the area, giving away samples of his flies to the owners,,, asking them to give them to local guys who could fish.....guess what....these tackle shop owners were glad to have give a ways....and as the customers started catching fish, the shops started placing orders.

Like I said ...he and his wife have a world class business...

http://www.catskillflies.com/

The poor mans patent is to send a registered letter with all of the info and pictures and prototypes to yourself. this way its sealed dated and that will stand up in court if it needs to go that far. This is another thing I do at work I actually illustrate peoples patent drawings, to be approved by the USPTO. Yes it costs allot to get a patent especially if you have an idiot for an attorney that has no idea what he is doing...

Avid is right, a patent is only as strong as your pocket is to defend it.  

Call me, PM with number sent.

It's 8:53, Redline and I will be in the car for the next few hrs, heading to Kelsey Bass ranch.  You can pick both brains with one call.

Avid is right, a patent is only as strong as your pocket is to defend it.  

Call me, PM with number sent.

It's 8:53, Redline and I will be in the car for the next few hrs, heading to Kelsey Bass ranch.  You can pick both brains with one call.  

Yet another example of why this forum is the best 8-).

Russ doesn't answer his phone. ;D  And I think I gave my old number over his answering machine.  I'll try again later lol

My biggest concern is that once I release this lure, anyone can make it.  I guess I'll market it out around here, but I'm going to take some pictures and just post it up on here.  I doubt with my pay, that I'll be able to take anyone, let alone a company, to court over it.  So, oh well.  Expect pics sometime this week.  Hope y'all enjoy.  

Oh yeah, prototype has moved into phase 3, the final phase.  I'm going to make a few and have a naming contest.  Best name gets a freebie. ;D  What forum would that go in?

Brian, all of this talk about your project is getting me excited.

Best of luck to you!

Todays youth: It dosen't take much to get them going

HEY RUSS JUST CALLED ME TODAY< HIS PHONE WAS DEAD< HE LEFT THE CHARGER HOME: REDLINER HOOKED HIM UP :

just to let yall know ima win that contest and get the freebie lol  ...cant wait to see it

One of three things will happen when I post up the pictures.

1.  You will be like omg, I want one.  And you'll contact me and we'll work something out.

2.  You will be like omg, I can't belive I didn't think of that.  And You'll just make your own

3.  You will be like omg, I can't belive he wasted my time with that.  then you join the naming contest and name it the "I can't believe you thought this was a good idea you piece of #$%^ dolt".

I guess we'll find out sometime this week ;D

You got me curious bro... ;D

OMG!

It looks JUST LIKE a Senko!

:

Actually, it's an idea I got when senkos were busting topwater on sammys and the crankbaits were feeding really heavily on jigs.  What a day ;D

Actually, it's an idea I got when senkos were busting topwater on sammys and the crankbaits were feeding really heavily on jigs. What a day ;D

;D ;D ;D

8-)

Prototype revealed already.  Check it out in the tacklemaking section.  I got pics

Hope y'all aren't disappointed lol  Let me know what y'all think