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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

How do you know if your invention has market potential?

Hi, I’m JD Houvener, founder and patent attorney at Bold Patents. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve helped inventors secure nearly 500 patents. I’m also the author of Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents. If you’re interested, you can download a free PDF of the book as part of the Bold Inventor Kit—just click below.

Let’s dive into the question: Is your invention worth pursuing?

It’s an important thing to ask before you start. Securing a patent isn’t cheap—it requires not just money (USPTO fees, attorney costs) but also years of your time and focus. So how do you figure out if it’s worth it?

Start with Market Research

As the inventor, it’s your job to understand the market. This means answering questions like:

  • How big is the market?
  • Who are your competitors?
  • Are there barriers to entry like regulations or compliance hurdles?

If you’re working in a field you already know, like healthcare or agriculture, market research may come naturally. You probably already understand what customers need and what buyers or companies will pay. But if you’re branching out into a completely new area, research is essential.

Think about industries like fintech or aerospace. They often come with regulatory challenges, hefty investments, and established players. Understanding these dynamics can help you decide if your invention has real potential.

Don’t Overanalyze

While research is critical, don’t let it paralyze you. You don’t need to know every last detail before moving forward. Focus on the basics:

  • Is there demand for your idea?
  • Can you create something better, cheaper, or faster than what’s out there?

Test the Market

The ultimate way to measure market potential? Sell your product. No amount of analysis can match real customer feedback. Start small:

  • Create a prototype.
  • Get it into customers’ hands.
  • Listen to what they want and adjust accordingly.

This feedback is pure gold. It tells you what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve. Plus, it helps you identify unique features worth protecting with a patent.

Leave Patentability to the Experts

While you handle market research, let a patent attorney focus on the legal side. A professional can determine if your invention is truly novel and non-obvious, which are key requirements for a patent.

Bottom Line

Market research and patentability go hand in hand. But at the end of the day, your invention’s success depends on how it performs in the real world. Test it, refine it, and keep learning as you go.

If you have questions or want guidance, click the link below to grab the Bold Inventor Kit and schedule a free discovery call.

I’m JD Houvener with Bold Patents—helping you go big and go bold.

About the Author
J.D. Houvener is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who has a strong interest in helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. J.D. leverages his technical background in engineering and experience in the aerospace industry to provide businesses with a unique perspective on their patent needs. He works with clients who are serious about investing in their intellectual assets and provides counsel on how to capitalize their patents in the market. If you have any questions regarding this article or patents in general, consider contacting J.D. Houvener at https://boldip.com/contact/