Many people believe that you must get a patent before you launch a product. I say...forget it. UNLESS you are actually inventing something. Which is extremely rare, given that in this day and age, almost everything has been "invented". Ask yourself...Am I merely "re-inventing"?

I did not invent insoles. I came up with an original design. Just like a million other designers out there that eventually get "knocked off" everyday...Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Coach. Yes, it is illegal, but do I really want to spend all of my hard earned working capital on lawyers fighting for something that is already done? Frankly NO.

I am in business to do business. Think about UGG boots, everybody knocked them off, but they are doing better then ever -Simply because they are the best.

Don't waste time. Because you have a patent pending, waiting for legal validation-seriously, it doesn't mean much when it comes to fashion.

You can spend too much time worrying about all the little details, and next thing you know someone else has just shipped your idea.

Trademarks however are something all together different, this protects yous "brandname" or product name(s) which I feel is very important. I'll be Coca-Cola agrees.

Also, don't be deterred if your product gets knocked off- eventually it will. If this is a product you believe in; GET INTO THE MARKET- be the best and be first.

Great retailers like Nordstrom have a "no knock off" policy- if you are their original supplier, theu often won't carry a similar product. Think about Foot Petals, I didn't invent insoles I just did it in a 'better way', Spanx didn't invent pantyhose, she just did it in a "better way".

It's all about establishing yourself as a brand and creating a customer following.