While working on a task, have you ever thought or said, “there has got to be a better to do this”.  Sometimes people will say, “somebody should invent something that can do this”.  All the while, the person thinking these thoughts or making these statements does not realize that they are that somebody.  To some people, these thoughts are mere passing thoughts, however to other people, these thoughts are the births of new products.  Many new ideas for products begin with the initial recognition of a problem.  Once someone recognizes a problem, the solution can be straight forward.  Unfortunately, some people do not recognize an idea through a problem or need.  Others recognize the idea, but pass it on and thereby pass on the blessings and benefits associated with the idea.  Passing on ideas leaves many people thinking about what might have been.  Sometimes a person will see a product and say with regret “I thought of that idea years ago”.  If a person does not develop an idea, it remains just that an idea.  Several reasons account for people not pursing their ideas.  The process of developing an idea can be challenging, time consuming and expensive.

            Even though there are obstacles when developing an idea, many people who have conceived ideas in response to a need have persevered and developed their ideas.  Consider Robert Kearns, the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper system.  Today, this system is a standard feature of most automobiles.  Like many people, Mr. Kearns probably had to constantly turn his windshield wipers on and off during a light rain.  He recognized a problem and conceived an idea for a windshield wiper system that could automatically and intermittently turn windshield wipers on and off without the assistance of the driver.  While in college, another inventor, Gary Clegg, liked to wrap up in a blanket while watching television.  However, when he moved his arms, for example to channel surf, his blanket would not stay up over his upper body.  To address the problem of his blanket falling, he put sleeves in the blanket and created a product known as the “Slanket” or “Snuggie”.  This idea made Gary Clegg a multi-millionaire. 

            These examples show that people can have ideas for all types of products.  Ideas can be simple, such as the “Slanket” or more complex.  In addition, an idea does not have to be completely novel.  It can be an improvement of an existing product.  Need is the primary force behind developing new ideas.  The old axiom “necessity is the mother of invention” is true.  It is also important to know that if one person has a need, it is very likely that others have the same need as well.  When you say or think “there’s got to be a better way”, you are on your way to developing a product that could make you the next millionaire.  Each day provides an opportunity to pursue ideas.  If individuals do not pursue their ideas, the ideas may pass by them and on to other people.  Don’t become a person that sees a successful product and says “now why didn’t I think of that” or “I thought of that idea years ago.” 

Darcell Walker has over 20 years of experience practicing law.  His specialty area is Intellectual Property law (i.e., patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and product licensing).  Attorney Walker is licensed in Texas and registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  In addition to his law practice, he conducts workshops on various topics related to developing and protecting ideas and inventions.  Attorney Walker is also the author of two books in this area (“Godly Ideas” and “Turn on Your Power”). 

Visit www.dwalkerlaw.net and www.youtube.com/user/godlyideas.