Invention Evaluation

Before you spend a lot of money on a patent for your invention it is a good idea to get it evaluated by a professional firm. They can analyze the competition, the market acceptance and the cost of manufacturing your product among other things. There are several places you can go for legitimate invention evaluations (BEWARE OF THE SCAM EVALUATION AND PROMOTION COMPANIES - see sections on scams below). The costs for their services vary generally from around $50.00 (for a very limited study of your invention) to around $600.00 for a very thorough and useful evaluation. You will find a few listed below:

Wisconsin Innovation Service Center

Since 1980, the Wisconsin Innovation Service Center has focused an international network of resources on helping existing and aspiring entrepreneurs and inventors make successful new product and market decisions. A collaborative effort of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers, WISC has investigated over 6,500 product and market opportunities for clients and companies from around the world.

US Department of energy's Inventions & Innovations Program

Offers financial & technical support (grants) & business training for development of energy saving inventions.

I2 Innovation Institute

Invention evaluation and product assessment services offered to inventors world wide. This service is provided by a partnership between the Innovation Institute, the Center for Business and Economic Development at Southwest Missouri State University and the WIN (World Innovation Network) Innovation Center. 

Canadian Innovation Centre's Inventors' Assistance Program Offers evaluation and commercialization services, quarterly newsletter, information and resources.

United Inventors Association The United Inventors Association offers an evaluation for $275 that is based on the PIE system developed by the University of Missouri and Walmart. This evaluation, though not quite as extensive as the one offered by the University of Wisconsin Innovation Service Center, is quite helpful. You may reach them at http://www.uiausa.com/UIAIAP.htm.