Bethany and Brody Rathman have spent nearly ten years building custom dog kennels after a project for their own dogs went viral and opened the opportunity to start a business. One of the first steps they pursued was putting a patent on their idea, which Trenner Law Firm helped them to secure. Since then, the Rathman’s business has grown from production in their basement and garage to a licensing deal and multiple other patents.
Keep reading to learn more about their business and patent journey from Bethany.
What made you decide to start your business?
We adopted our dogs, Gracie and Piper, when they were eight months old, and they were struggling to be in a wire crate. They had separation anxiety. We decided we wanted to make something that could house both dogs so they could be together, but we didn’t want it to be ugly like wire kennels. Brody and I wanted something that was like a piece of furniture. We posted a picture on Facebook that went viral, and we realized quickly that we had something unique on our hands. I’m not sure why maybe God probably prompted me to try and protect the idea that we had come up with. So I started calling around to patent attorneys and found Mark. We were actually planning to start a business – it kind of fell in our laps.
When did you realize you would need a patent?
When our picture was going viral on Facebook. It had reached 8 million people and was shared around 26,000 times. We knew that there was nothing else like it on the market because we couldn’t find it anywhere for ourselves. That’s why we had to create it.
How did Mark best help you in the patent process?
I still remember when I called Mark: he helped answer questions, gave me advice, and really helped us realize that we had a unique idea and invention and helped with the process of going through and creating a provisional patent! He can give you tips on what to actually file. The provisional patent was great because we could protect our idea and also make changes to it before it was solidified.
What would you tell a potential client about working with Trenner Law Firm?
Mark has been really pivotal in our business with helping us secure a licensing deal because of our IP. He takes time to listen – I know that I can call him anytime and he’ll give me his best advice and doesn’t try to nickel and dime you for every minute he’s on the phone with you. I feel like he’s very giving of his time. He will walk through and talk through the idea with you and then give you options.
How has your business grown since the beginning?
We manufactured kennels for about seven years on our own and then we were able to secure a licensing deal with a large furniture company because of our IP that we had. We have two utility patents, four design patents, and multiple trademarks as well.
What advice would you give to other business owners creating patented products?
Call Mark : ) Ask lots of questions and do your research. He’s able to do Patent searches for you and showed me how to check the trademark PTO website for previous trademarks. Mark also does a flat rate price so you know what you’re going to pay.