The process of product development and the creation of prototypes are not always as straightforward as some may assume. The basics of the process can be relatively simple in concept. Namely, you can come up with a creative idea and craft technical drawings. But, this does not mean once you come up with the basic concept development that you would be sending the product illustration to a factory right away. There are other steps in the process that will need to be performed or all the work that goes into the process will be for naught.
For example, prior to any type of product design work has been sent into manufacturing overseas, a patent search should be performed. Yes, you need to make sure any similar patents have not been registered so that you know whether or not you can go forward with the production. This can include searching for a utility patent, a design patent, or even a provisional patent. You do not want to infringe on someone else's patent or else you may discover yourself out of a lot of money and in a lot of trouble. And on a side note, you also need to be sure your own products have registered a patent as soon as possible so as to protect yourself in this regard.
Does this seem like the process is involved? If so, it is because it is! While the basic technical functions of an industrial designer will entail properly and effectively using programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Solidworks, Rhinosaurus, AutoCAD, Bunkspeed Hypershot, and 3D CAD, there are many more facets to the process that are not always so immediately evident. For most companies or individuals that procure the services of a product designer or product engineer, it is understandable that the client is unaware of such things. Someone looking to have a plastic mold produced for a toy design prototype probably is not thinking of a patent registration during the development stage. However, a professional product or industrial designer that has a greater understanding of the overall process will. At this point, the greater value of such a professional truly reveals itself.
It is not enough to simply take part in the process of design. A quality professional designer understands the totality of what the procuring entity will need and inform the client of such things. Whether or not the client follows through with such suggestions (such as the aforementioned patent search) will depend on the client. It would be wise for the client to follow any suggestions or directions that the product designers puts forth. If the product design professional offers the ability to perform such services, then it would be wise to take the professional up on any offers to perform such tasks.
Patent search work is only one example in this regard. Working with Jonathan Globerson many supplemental facets of product design are offered. This can include brainstorming ideation to web development to point of purchase help. To a great extent, you could consider his company a complete, full-service design and engineering business able to handle all manner of needs, a one stop shop of design.