do i need a patent?

[Dall]

What is the name of your state? New York

I've come up with a new flavor/style potato chip, which I intend produce privately and distribute to local vendors. Is a patent needed? If not, what if anything would I need to do before I sell to the public.

Thank you in advance for your attention.

 

[divgradcurl]

What is the name of your state? New York

I've come up with a new flavor/style potato chip, which I intend produce privately and distribute to local vendors. Is a patent needed? If not, what if anything would I need to do before I sell to the public.

Thank you in advance for your attention.

A new flavor or style of potato chip is almost certainly not patentable subject matter in the first place. There probably isn't any way to really protect your new flavor or style other than trying to keep the recipe secret, and trying to establish your "brand."

As far as what else you might need to do to sell to the public, you will need to abide by federal, state and local food safety regulations, you might want to start by checking out the FDA's website, then see what resources your state has -- there are probably labeling requirements, testing, all that sorts of stuff. I'm not an expert on any of this, maybe someone who is will chime in.