How to find out if your business idea already exists

[Jessen]

Hello, I have decided on a business idea that I wish to persue. I do not think that it exists already but I want to be sure. How do I go about finding out?Would the patent website be of any use and do companies house have information that I can access?

[MailOrderCo]

Hi and welcome

Just keep searching the internet, I do not think just an idea can be patented it has to be a product or design to be patented as far as i am aware.

good luck

[freeform]

If you've invented a great new product or process then a patent search is your likely best bet.

However, if you've got a good business idea then I'd have to ask, does it really matter if you're the first?

You don't have to be the first to have a great business.

McDonald's wasn't the first hamburger place
iPod wasn't the first mp3 player
Google wasn't the first search engine

Being first can, of course, be an advantage but it can also mean years of trying to educate your market.

It's more important to be better - the best if you can.

Having said that, you should still be looking for potential competitors to learn from, improve on and possibly even work with. That I'm afraid, is just a matter of doing your research - online, industry publications etc.....

[hellerooo]

Originally posted by textstart.com

You don't have to be the first to have a great business.

McDonald's wasn't the first hamburger place
iPod wasn't the first mp3 player
Google wasn't the first search engine

Thanks for that ... you've cheered me up for the day! :-)
Sorry to hijack the post!

[Jessen]

Thank you all for your advice, it is very useful. I will give it my best shot. Thanks again.