Got Ideas?

Patent Registration

A patent is the government’s way of granting you, the inventor, the exclusive right to make, use, or sell your invention. In the United States, “utility” patents — those that protect the way an article is used and works — are issued for 20 years.

This protection is important, because under US Patent Law ideas are owned (if a patent is issued) by whoever is “First to File.” If you approach Mission Rubber or anyone else with details of your invention without taking the initial steps of the patent process, you are effectively releasing your product into the public domain without any protection.

While Mission Rubber cannot help you with patent registration directly, we can point you in the right direction. Before contacting Mission with your idea, you should at least have filed for a Non-Provisional Patent (preferably with the assistance of an attorney), plus have a full set of drawings and functional prototypes. It’s even better if you already have a patent issued to you before you approach Mission.

You can also streamline the process of partnering with Mission by developing working prototypes, listing the features and benefits of your invention, making preliminary company and product comparisons, and calculating suggested pricing information.

To protect you and your invention, Mission will not review any details of your invention without a signed Non-Disclosure/Confidentiality Agreement (NDA).

Market Research

Market research is the process of determining who needs or wants a product and is likely to buy it. This is a critical step in determining whether any invention will be produced, because those with strong buyer appeal are far more likely to repay the investments made by you and Mission Rubber.

While Mission Rubber excels at market research, decades of experience prove that inventors “in the trenches” are often first to spot new trends and demands that current products don’t satisfy. For this reason, any market data you can provide when submitting your invention can help Mission Rubber perform due diligence faster, reducing the time needed to make a decision about your submission. The internet provides an excellent resource for obtaining this data, but don’t overlook other sources as well.

Good questions to ask when beginning market research include:

• What problem does this product solve?
• Who will buy this product, and why?
• Will this product be for wholesale or retail distribution?
• Does this product fit into any of Mission Rubber’s existing product lines?
• Does this product replace or compete with any existing product? If so, why is it better than the existing product(s)?
• How much will it cost to manufacture the product, and will that cost be low enough to justify its tooling cost?
• How are end users likely to perceive the product?

Prototype Development

A prototype is a working version of your invention, though it may be a rough or hand-made model. Prototypes are the bread and butter of invention, because they allow ideas to be put into practice and tested. Prototypes that pass the testing process and comply with any applicable regulations pave the way for your invention to enter full production.

If your invention will be made of rubber, Mission may be able to improve on your existing prototype. We can also refer you — confidentially, and without liability — to many resources to help your invention along, including in-house and outsourced machine shops, providers of engineering drawings, and 3D modeling companies.

Engineering Drawings

Engineered drawings are a step above concept drawings. Prepared by an engineer, they contain all the necessary measurements, technical data, and details necessary for a machine shop, rubber shop, plastic fabrication shop, or other manufacturer to bring your product to life. This is a critical phase of the process, because any errors in the engineered drawings can result in a faulty prototype.

If you believe your product is a good fit for Mission Rubber, we can refer you to a qualified professional with the necessary expertise to create engineered drawings of your invention. Mission Rubber cannot be held liable for any such recommendation of outside parties.

3D Modeling

Modern 3D printing technology has dramatically reduced the time and costs needed to create rough and even functional prototypes. If you don’t have access to the 3D printing equipment you need, Mission Rubber can recommend a professional resource. Engineered drawings are typically needed before proceeding to the 3D modeling stage.

Manufacturing

Mass-producing flexible rubber products for the plumbing and sewage industry is what Mission Rubber does best. By partnering with Mission to manufacture your invention, you’ll get the full benefit of our years of experience producing products, saving yourself considerable time, hassle, and costs.

Publicity and Marketing

Despite the old saying, building a “better mousetrap” isn’t enough to get the world to beat a path to your door. Every part of the sales chain, from distributors to end users, needs to find out that your product exists and be convinced that they need it before they’ll buy.

When you license your invention to Mission, you get the full benefit of our experienced publicity and marketing team. Your invention will be promoted in the media, on our website, in our catalogs, at major industry trade shows, online, on social media, and anywhere else we reach out to our customers.

Sales and Distribution To Our Loyal Customer Base

You don’t have to start the sales process from scratch when you license your invention through Mission Rubber. You’ll become part of a long-standing network of loyal customers who already trust the products we make. There’s no need for you to spend years of time and money before you see a profit. Your invention will enjoy the trust and credibility that leads to stronger sales from the day it rolls off the production line — just because it carries the Mission Rubber name.

Licensing Negotiation and Agreement Administration

If you and Mission Rubber both agree that your product is a good fit for our company, the next step is to begin the licensing process. This is where you start making money by partnering with Mission. You can choose to license your patent, giving Mission Rubber permission to develop your idea in exchange for a fee and a share in any future profits. Another option is to sell your patent to Mission outright for a one-time purchase price.

There are many details to consider in a licensing agreement. Mission Rubber encourages you to seek legal counsel to act on your behalf and make sure you understand everything.

That being said, inventors like you are key to our success, so it’s in our best interest to strike a deal that benefits both parties. We want you to come to us with your next invention too, and to tell other inventors how great we are to work with!