How do you submit your automobile concept idea to auto manufacturers?

Question

what patent(s), copyright(s) and/or trademark(s) are necessary to legally submit your vehicle idea to automakers? any requirements for such a submission?

I have had this idea for about 18 months, but I am lost on how to make my idea a reality and not be taken for a loop or have my intellectual property stolen.

Answer 1

It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.

Here's a quick description about the three branches of IP; this should give you a good idea about where to go from here.

PATENTS:
To protect an original invention OR a significant improvement to an existing product, a patent would be filed. Here's the USPTO's definition: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/index.html#patent

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

COPYRIGHTS:
Copyrights can be obtained for things of an artistic nature. This includes, of course, poetry, films, sculptures, music, fiction, etc. But can also include things that may not necessarily seem "artistic" in the general sense of the word. Copyrights can also be obtained for advertising copy, games, software programs and blueprints, to name just a few.

TRADEMARKS:
Trademarks can be names of products or services, logos, slogans, packaging and even sounds and smells. In essence, a trademark can be almost anything that is used to identify a particular product or service. Registering a trademark grants the owner exclusive rights to the mark within the specified industry.

Of course, it's necessary to research the mark comprehensively prior to filing to ensure that there is no possibility of infringing upon another party.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

Likely you can not submit your automobile concept to an auto manufacturer. You could sue them for making any car that resembled your idea even if they have had their own idea on the drawing board for years. They won't take a chance. Perhaps by "automobile concept" you mean the body design rather than the engine and mechanics. In that case you should study design patents. For example, if you designed a novel handle for a fishing knife, you could obtain a "design patent" (good for three years?) such that no one could use your handle for the protected amount of time. You likely would need to make (or have made) a good scale model of your design and perhaps a set of drawings. A patent attorney can advise you on the procedure and fees required. Of course there is no guarantee that you have not infringed upon someone else's design. The patent attorney should advise you how to shop around your design patent. Good luck.

Answer 3

Somehow, automobiles have special status than cameras or DVD avid gamers. Of the gigantic three, GM, Ford and Chrysler. GM is almost always the least incompetent. Ford had the Pinto, the Escort and the Taurus. I purchased an '87 Escort in 'ninety six. It was once not up to 10 years historical. When it had a mechanical difficulty, I could not uncover one mechanic who inspiration the fee of maintenance was once justified when compared with the marketplace importance. At the time, the Escort was once my NEW automobile. Here's my fleet. I possess five automobiles that are pushed through four drivers, myself, my spouse, my son and my daughter. '86 Toyota MR2. Paid $550 6 years in the past. 37mpg. Daily utilization through my son. '88 BMW 735i. Bought on eBay for $2400 three years in the past. Nice automobile however no longer gasoline effective. I purchased to interchange my 'eighty two BMW 733i which I purchased for $six hundred. '88 Volvo 240 wagon. My daughter drives it. Just handed experiment-best smog in California. She drives it day-to-day. 'ninety one Toyota Tercel. I simply changed the top gasket. It was once valued at solving. 'ninety one Honda Accord wagon. That's my day-to-day driving force. In the present situation it might with ease run three to five extra years. My annually upkeep invoice for five automobiles is not up to $a thousand. Back to my story of woe approximately American automobiles. A loved ones buddy purchased a brand new Chrysler or Dodge minivan. The transmission failed. They had been stranded at the part of the highway. They now force a Toyota minivan. Live and be trained. - - - Subversive? For a long time the one factor maintaining the democratic celebration was once the hard work unions, mainly the autoworkers. Where do you suppose men and women like Bill Clinton get their votes?

Answer 4

Very important: get your ideas patented first before you submit to anybody. Get advice from your nearest legal firm

Answer 5

I suggest being very careful when it comes to this. STAY AWAY from a company called Davison In--something. i forgot the rest of their name, but they will scam you. Be very careful about companies that say they will take you through the process. I'm sure someone else will answer your question about what to do.

Answer 6

unless you can get a paten on the idea it will be stolen. Try Invent1

Answer 7

Maybe you can hire an agent of some sort?