Help! Advice on possible venture?

Question

I have seen two wonderfully clever and simple idea s whilst on my travels abroad, and KNOW - well am pretty - that these are not marketed in England, and would like to venture to introduce them here. By making and marketing them myself at home. How do I stand about copy rights and stuff like that, where do I go from here, having recently taken an early redundancy I am looking to TRY and earn a living by working for myself. All advice greatfully received.

Answer 1

British law states that an individual's work is placed under copyright law as soon as it leaves that person's mind and is placed in some physical form, be it a painting, a musical work written in manuscript or an architectural schematic. Once in physical form, as long as it is an original work (in the sense of not having been copied from an existing work, rather than in the sense of being novel or unique), copyright in that work is automatically vested in (i.e. owned by) the person who put the concept into material form. There may be exceptions to this rule, depending on the nature of the work, whether it was created in the course of employment and the purposes for which the work was created. The UK copyright distinctively emphasizes the labour and skill that has gone into the work, which is why some of its basic principle are sometimes referred to as the 'Sweat of the Brow' doctrine. This stands in contrast to the usual emphasis on creativity—most countries have adopted copyright laws that do not consider labour and skill as relevant. The term 'Unfair Use' is sometimes used in this context to refer to the use of a work into which somebody has invested a lot of skill and labour, but where little or no creativity is present. This is mainly relevant for reproduction photography and retouching of public domain work and for 'simple' databases, where, in contrast to collections, no creativity was involved in selecting the records.

Evidentiary issues may arise if the person who authored a work has only their word to prove that the work is original and their own work. The author of an unpublished manuscript or little-known publication, which is remarkably similar to a popular novel, will have an uphill battle convincing a court that the popular novel infringes the copyright in their obscure work. Taking some precautionary steps may help to establish independent creation and authorship.

For example, when a web designer designs a webpage (based upon his own work) under a contract for services, the webmaster owns the copyright in at least the underlying code of that website. A common and simple practice to obtain evidence in favour of authorship is to place the copyright material in an envelope or package together with a document signed by several people stating that they have examined the work prior to it being sealed and that in their opinion it is original. Once this is done the package is mailed to the owner by recorded delivery, which helps to establish when the work was created, who the originator of the work is and that there are signatory validators prepared to state that it is original. Once this process is complete the package and contents may be able to be usable in a court of law as evidence of date of creation (and so priority) if necessary.

Good luck!

Answer 2

It appears that the products already exist, thus you can't patent or copyright them. Things may not be as simple as you think. You may be opening yourself up to litigation by using someone else's ideas. For example, "photo cakes", is a patented technology, and you would have to buy equipment from an authorized manufacturer (who holds the patent). If the things you're talking about a pretty simple and are "public domain" (like a custom bracelet with a child's name), then you don't need to worry about copyright laws - just do it. Contact your local business organization (I'm from US, so I don't know what they are called in the UK, but it might be something like 'economic development authority' or 'small business administration') - they should be able to help you register your business and set you up with tax/VAT license.

Answer 3

You have to check to see if they have taken out a patent. If they have you may need to seek a licence from them to create a similar product here. That could be costly. Or you could approach them to see if you could be an agent for their product in this country. That way you don't have the cost of making them and you get to start selling and making money straight away.

Answer 4

You should contact a company called Inventerlink in London. They help small companies with new products. Dragons Den is for brand new inventions that the dragons can take your idea and make themselves richer on your back. They will not be interested in an item that will not make millions.

Answer 5

in all probability the main severe ingredient... detect the final VCs. you do no longer decide for to popular to truly any VC. you decide on for one it extremely is in touch on your particular type of employer. Networking with executives that have won investment or pitched to a undeniable VC could right be with the purpose to place across collectively perception. VC's information superhighway content is likewise useful at indicating their investment concentration (and could coach you in the experience that they already invested in a aggressive project) yet they are many circumstances very huge on the same time as truthfully they choose particular sectors that variety over the years with the employer climate. 2d, attempt annoying to get a very own referral. you may understand that VCs in maximum circumstances positioned money into great administration communities, extraordinary technologists or merchandising professionals. So, in case you haven't any longer have been given the history your self, I strongly advise you place across it into your team in the previous pitching your concept. regularly, you (or your team) needs to have the two dissimilar years of senior employer experience in the final area on your project or be a technical or merchandising expert in the container of your products/employer form.

Answer 6

Become a window cleaner in or around the Drumnadrochit area of the Highlands of Scotland. You'd be swanning around in a Rolls Royce in no time as window cleaners are rarer than gold bars up here! You could name your price lol

Answer 7

......Contact the patents office to see if your idea has been copy written yet. If it hasn't do so. Then speak to friends to see if they think you have a good idea. Who knows you may be on TV soon on the Dragons Den??? Good luck

Answer 8

If you look here, you will be able to profile yourself and your business to 1000s of business contacts worldwide. Its FREE to register too...good luck. Plus if you would like more info that you can evaluate for yourself, send me a mail...

Answer 9

go on Dragons den, or at leaste watch a few episodes, that will give you some ideas on copywright , distrobution rights etc.

Answer 10

check with the patent office.