Case Study: Chemical Coating Product Development
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Product development and intellectual property go hand-in-hand. Solo inventors seeking to bring their idea to reality must balance development efforts and IP acquisition to protect that development. This article describes some of the efforts we take to help facilitate an inventor with an idea.
Goal
We were approached by a customer seeking to research and develop a hypoallergenic coating product usable for metal and non-metal surfaces. An integral part of the project was the development of a strategy related to any intellectual property (IP) that may be needed for such a product.
Team
Given the multiple facets of this product development project, we prepared a team of multiple experts who could be simultaneously used to research various facets of the project. Specifically, our team consisted of experts in chemical engineering, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, IP strategy, IP search, and manufacturing. In addition to our experts, we used a state-of-the-art chemistry laboratory to analyze the composition of various products.
Approach
Our initial meeting was to discuss the inventor’s idea and determine how we could add value to the overall vision. From this discussion, we developed a multi-step proposal including: (1) a landscape analysis, (2) product research and development, (3) product prototyping and manufacturing, and (4) IP development.
Our chemical engineering expert and our IP search expert collaboratively conducted a landscape analysis of current coating products available on the market and any related active patents and patent applications. Given the broad nature of coatings, the IP in the field appeared to be primarily driven by trade secrets. As such, our chemical engineer worked with the client to review currently available products on the market.
We created an analysis report, which detailed the chemical compositions of the available products on the market and determined the most popular coating chemicals and methods. In addition, the report described the pros and cons of each method utilized and provided suggestions on how the formulations may be improved to reduce irritation, augment durability, enhance bonding, and diminish strong and unpleasant odors, all the while remaining a clear coating. We contemplated numerous styles of formulations including various types of resins as well as plating techniques and nanocoatings.
Results
We are now prepared to enter the formulation stage, in which our chemists and laboratories will create and optimize a series of formulations that can be put into production. In conjunction with the formulation, our IP strategists will be able to guide the client in protecting this proprietary formulation. Once this is complete, our manufacturing experts can develop processes to make and package the final formulation in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
About GHB Intellect
While GHB Intellect is a full-service IP technical and business consulting firm, we have also assisted numerous clients in product development and engineering support. Our experts comprise active industry leaders who are up to date with the latest state-of-the-art technologies and practices in order to provide the most useful and practical consultations to firms and individuals. Our ultimate goal is to assist our clients in fulfilling their business objectives and monetization needs. Please feel free to contact us to learn more about our product development capabilities.