2. Select In determining which ideas are selected for Manifold's portfolio, we look at three primary factors: Technical Feasibility, Market Opportunity, Patentability. In each of these three areas, we try to answer specific questions about the product/technology to determine if it's a good fit for Manifold (see below). For those ideas that look promising, Manifold will do market research, engineering feasibility studies and patent searches before making a final decision. Ultimately, our decision to pursue a project is based on a blend of objective research and our intuition as product developers. Technical Feasibility Does it require new or unproven technologies? Can it be reliably manufactured using existing methods at an affordable price? Will it be robust and reliable in use? How much money and how long will it take to prepare it for manufacturing? Market Opportunity Is the market big enough? (potential for > $15M annual sales) Are there enough companies or customers who are willing to pay for it? Does it require a change in user behavior? Can it be distributed through existing channels? Are there other existing products with similar function? Patentability Is it patented or patentable? How broadly can it be patented? How crowded is the field of existing patents and who owns them?