Getting a Patent and the Global Innovation Award

One of the most exciting parts of having a great team idea is also getting the chance to make our idea into a real product.  Everywhere we have gone,  several different people have come up to us to ask for one of our Epi-Watches.  We've even had people give us their contact information in case we are able to manufacture them.  It has been very interesting to find so many people with allergies everywhere we go.

The first step in the process was to get a patent.  We filed and received a provisional patent before our state championship in the beginning of December.  The LugNuts found it very exciting to be able to have their idea labeled, "patent pending."  I think when the patent went through they thought for the first time, "Hey, maybe we could actually make this product."  Then, over Christmas break, we heard about a new FLL opportunity.

This was the next step for us -- to enter our idea into the FLL Global Innovation Award contest.  The Global Innovation Award is sponsered by FLL, Xprize, and the US Patent Office.  This would be a great opportunity for us because the award is money, which would be very useful, and advice, which would be even more useful.  The award is now in the hand of the judges -- we'll see how we do.

Either way, we have enjoyed being able to share our idea with even more people and have gotten lots of positive feedback, a few suggestions and even a few copycats (it must be a good idea if other people are trying to copy us, but we are glad we filed for a patent already).  The LugNuts have learned a lot about robotics, engineering, allergies, and now business.  Thanks to all of our readers who have supported and voted for us.  This year we decided to focus on having fun -- and lots of fun we did have and still continue to have.

--The LugNuts