Does anyone know steps to inventing a product?

[Minnie824]

Ok, so I have an idea, I want to get made, but I don't know where to start. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Do I need a patent first?
Do I need to actually have the product made?
How do I contact the company I want to it?
If, the idea contains another idea from that company, legally, can I patent it?

Thanks if anyone has any information on this subject.

 

[kdibattista]

My mom is actually going through this process now... she was going to sign with a company to get research completed (is there a market, would people buy, who would be interested, etc). However, she is now in talks with attorneys to see what they suggest because she wants to get the patent first.

I will check with her and see if I can find anything more specific out.

 

[Minnie824]

Thanks! Please send me a pm if you get more information from her...that would be very helpful!

 

[grlpwrd]

I'm bumping this old thread up since I am interested in this topic.

Anyone?