7 Tips to Naming an Invention | MAKO Design

When it comes to the process of how to name an invention, it’s essential to not just have a brand and product with a cool invention name and a supporting tagline, but a name for the invention that stands out to your target audience. Fortunately, in today’s society, there are innovative tools such as invention name generators and thorough guidance from industry experts, like this feature, right at your fingertips.

Use an Invention Name Generator

Namelix is an AI-powered generator that allows you to explore a variety of distinctive suggestions for you within short and brandable business principles. The beauty of using this software is that you will automatically have these recommendations which are actually relevant to the business idea. Namelix doesn’t use common dictionary words and combines them into longer names that can sometimes feel unsalable and discouraging.

Additionally, when you save all the cool invention names, the algorithm studies your preferences and provides even better recommendations over time.

Make Sure It’s New

The most important part about coming up with a name for your invention – whether it be through an invention name generator or not – is having an open mind to various versions or ideas. In some cases, the selected name could already be in use. You can take a look at your region’s Trademark Database to ease any issues moving forward. 

On top of that, it is important to research products and brands in similar industries. This can also be helpful in identifying if the name has already been repetitively circulated or associated with the company’s brand identity, as well as products and/or philosophies your product would like to not be associated with. Take the time to thoroughly research your options and how it will look like long term.

Be Creative With Your Invention’s Brand Name

When choosing a quintessential invention name, you should, of course, take the catchy factor into consideration. However, it should not be at the expense of lucidity. The perfect combination is a name that is pragmatic, noteworthy, and smooth-sounding. 

For example, MAKO’s client Dhérèse invented a product called The Ring Keeper. It’s a simple and elegant fashion design solution that solves a big problem: losing your rings. You have the ability to store your rings safely at the gym, work, and wherever life takes you. The name alone offers an immediate, yet, an intriguing invitation to learn more about the product. 

The makings of a fruitful brand name can also include:

• States information regarding the function and benefits of the product
• Features the product’s optimistic philosophy
• Stands out amidst the current market and competitors
• Allows you to build a household name to expand potential opportunities in the future.  

Stay True To Your Brand

Consumers have an innate intuitive ability to identify if a brand is true blue or not. There needs to be a sense of reliability, pleasant communication, and genuineness. 

Building faith is crucial for a long-term relationship with your consumers. The role of brand authenticity also places an indention on the process of standing out amidst your competitors and consistency through philosophy in an impressible market. Not to mention, your consumers will cherish their experience from start to finish.

Know Your Market

In order for your product to reach a certain market, you must know the market from top to bottom. For instance, if the product is a sustainable invention, you may decide on an earthy colour palette to compliment the invention name or sell the product exclusively in holistic or wellness boutiques.

It simply wouldn’t make sense if the name and or the product coincided with a fast-fashion-like industry. You should consider asking questions that involve what the customers day to day looks like. Additionally, what they like to lay their eyes and ears on in terms of look.

Make The Name Of An Invention Memorable

One of the best ways to make your product and the name of an invention feel special is to include the ambience of an event and or experience that you consider to be memorable. 

For example, MAKO’s client, Alison Brett of Clasp Magic, birthed her invention idea through a found frustration for placing a bracelet on independently with tiny clips. It’s apparent that she was able to provide a cool name for her invention, branding, and product without compromising on anything.

Through this, Clasp Magic creates a sense of excitement for all sorts of women who simply want to be their own arm candy.

Test The Name Of An Invention

Once you have formed the top four names that you feel match your idea’s duties and values, you will be ready to go back and test in detail through a trademark search. Keep in mind not every business name needs to be trademarked. However, you should carefully confirm that there will be no accidental infringement across the board. For this, you should employ an attorney to assist you. 

At MAKO, we provide a patent referral suite for our clients. This means you have access to our network of attorneys. You will be able to ask questions and determine the best steps for all of your intellectual property (IP) needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I name my invention?

There are a few ways you can achieve this. It can include creating a word bank of idioms that come to mind when you think of the invention, conducting competitor analysis, and developing a better understanding of your target market. Additionally, using an invention name generator like the AI-powered generator Namelix can be helpeful. Its purpose is to provide a variety of unique and cool invention names to create a successful business.

Do I have to register my invention’s name?

Depending on the laws in your region, you don’t necessarily need a patent to make, use, and or sell your invention. Although, if the invention is made public, you will need legal protection as an inventor. Not to mention ensuring that the name isn’t already in use. Always consult with a legal advisor in your region to be sure.

What are some good invention names?

This truly comes down to how you would like to create and amplify your invention for the target audience. It can widen the bigger picture for ethics, functionality, and aesthetics to the market as well. After all, it is your creation.

How To Name An Invention: Final Notes

As we have learned, naming your invention is like spending money on a quality piece of clothing that will be passed down for years and decades. When you devote time to really take care of the invention naming process like an heirloom piece, the world will experience the same feeling of oneness as if it was love at first sound.

About: MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry's leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers. Click HERE to learn more about MAKO Design + Invent!