How to start a supplement company???

[Tumblinablue]

I am interested in manufacturing an herbal detoxification supplement that I've developed (I'm a chemist) but I don't know where to start. I have already set up an LLC and I have a list of potential names for the product. Do I need a trademark on the name and manufacturing process to protect my idea? If so, what is the cost of getting a trademark and patent?
Anyone have any suggestions?

[kamakiri]

There are companies out there who will manufacture your product with your label. Here is the first one that came up on google: http://www.nutritionmanufacturer.com/privatelabel.html

Manufacturing your product and getting the name trademarked/patented are two completely different ball games. You really should trademark your intellectual property, and if you can get a patent, you are safer as well. Both of those processes would require some cash and a good lawyer.

[Marcie]

Can you patent an herbal supplement???

Trademarking the name is a decent idea, I would research the costs and see if its worth it though...

There are some other threads on this here, use the search feature and see what others have said :)

~Marce

[kamakiri]

You can patent ingredients, just look at hoodia. You you would have a tough time patenting a supplement.

Trademarking the name and a slogan, like 'Faster Minds / Stronger Bodies' is also a good way to protect your market.

Google insurance is also a must.

These forums might be a good place for advice, but if you are really serious and ready to go live with your muse, you need the help of a competent lawyer.

[Tumblinablue]

Kamakiri, What do you mean by google insurance?

[kamakiri]

...Try reading Tim's blog...

[Marcie]

...Try reading Tim's blog...

Yes, here is the permalink to the post Kamakari is referring to:

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2008/01/28/tips-for-personal-branding-in-the-digital-age-google-insurance-cache-flow-and-more/

:) ~Marce

[TheBaker]

I believe if you have a unique formula then you can make it a proprietary formula.

[kamakiri]

you can make anything a proprietary formula, but only with the company you are dealing with. ie, you outsource a product, they manufacture it, and with a contract stating it is proprietary, they are prohibited from re-branding and selling it under a different name. This really offers no protection at all, because anyone can just copy your label and make it somewhere else.

To supplement savvy customers, type like that is meaningless.

[Loni123]

I am interested in figuring all this out, too... haven't gotten very far is overwhelming. Am trying to manufacture a pet supplement and I am also looking for a chemist to help me formulate it... Any suggestions?? thanks- Does anyone know a freelance chemist?:)

[Ian Bradley]

It is extremely difficult and expensive to get a patent on any kind of product, especially if you manufacture dietary supplements (http://www.nutricaplabs.com/contract-manufacturing-nutritional-supplements.aspx). You would need to conduct several clinical trials with your product and it would have to meet the strict requirements stipulated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

I would suggest you get in touch with an experienced supplement manufacturer who can give you some expert guidance. They can help you get your formula patented or suggest other ways to protect your formula.