Protecting a game-changing DIY invention
Having been in pest control for around 20 years, James Kerman noticed a problem. In the summer months, when wasp nests appear, some customers try to treat them using products like foam and powder. However, these DIY methods often fail because customers can’t apply them accurately.
A pest controller himself, James wanted to help customers apply DIY products more successfully. “I knew my idea could be a game changer,” he admits. “It could help people deal with wasp nests efficiently themselves and reduce their chances of getting stung.”
When James started developing his new product about five years ago, he came to Grey Wolf to see if his idea was truly innovative (and potentially profitable). “Phil was one of the first people I went to speak to,” he explains.
“I took drawings and we chatted for an hour. I asked him if he thought the idea had legs and was something we could get IP on. He said it was a good idea, very niche and that he could help me out.”
A new approach to pest control
Currently, there are two main options for DIY treatment of wasp nests. “Cans of foam work ok if you can see the nest,” James explains. “But usually you can’t if it's in a wall cavity, under guttering or behind tiles. You can use powder to contaminate the nest. But you have to turn the container upside down and can’t target it accurately because you’re squeezing the bottle and throwing the powder up at the nest at the same time.”
With James’ invention, the Kerminator Wasp Lance, people can disperse the insecticide directly into the entrance of a nest without getting close to it. This targeted approach means wasps can be dealt with more effectively and safely than other DIY methods.
See exactly how the invention works below:
Getting the right protection
Working with product design consultancy Smallfry, James brought three product concepts to the table. He explains, “Phil came to our design office in Coventry and looked at the designs and how they worked. He gave us his opinion on whether we could get IP. We then decided on the product we wanted to run with and Phil prepared a patent for us.”
The initial patent application had broad claims covering the pump and valve arrangement alongside the function of the cartridge housing. It was filed in the UK, followed by Europe and the US. James outlines, “The American patent office said it wasn’t new and inventive because someone else had invented a similar design to treat mausoleums for flies.
“Phil examined the complaint and we went through a few rounds of revisions. Phil looked into it in more detail and created a new patent with a slight design change on the housing. He was regularly in contact with me on how we were progressing.
“Phil was great at looking into different design alternatives and reminding me of what was needed to update our claims. We managed to register claims in Europe and the UK’.
Turning a patent into profit
After securing all the claims James is now looking to benefit from the exclusivity of his invention. Selling directly to the public via kerminator.co.uk and through resellers like B&Q Marketplace, Amazon and specialist DIY pest control retailer, Pest Control Direct, his £125 product is already attracting sales. Estate managers, roofers, window cleaners, tilers and other trades as well as homeowners are buying it to deal with problem wasp nests every year.
He explains, “Getting all the claims we were after was fantastic, I’m thrilled about that. No one has anything quite like this product in the UK or in the worldwide DIY market. I’m sure there will be some mainstream pest control companies who might like to copy it and add it to their portfolio so I would be nervous if there was no patent in place’
Having this legal protection means James has exclusive rights to the invention and its potential profits. Working with Phil helped him benefit from the competitive advantage of his invention.
He said, “Phil has a professional attention to detail and was always on the end of the phone if I had any questions. He put himself out for me, is diligent, works hard and has been perfect for my needs. Without my patent, I couldn’t operate. If you’ve got an idea and want to protect it, you need someone who knows what they’re doing. I’d definitely recommend Phil.”
