I have an idea for a product and thought about sending the idea to a company that makes similar products. How can I keep them from using my idea and not getting paid for it? I know an idea cannot be copyrighted. Does that mean I have to make a prototype and patten it?
2007-01-07 11:59:41 · 7 answers · asked by boysmom 5 in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing ➔ Other - Advertising & Marketing
It is not possible to protect ideas but rather the representation of that idea.
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
NOLO is a great, free informational site. Also, be sure to read what the USPTO (United States Patent & Trademark Office) has to say about patents.
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.
Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:
Getting a Patent:
* Patent It Yourself (11th Edition) by David Pressman
* Patents and How to Get One : A Practical Handbook by U.S. Department of Commerce
* How To Make Patent Drawings Yourself: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Jack Lo
* The Inventor's Notebook: A Patent It Yourself Companion by Fred E. Grissom
There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2007-01-08 07:11:18 · answer #1 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A company can steal your idea.
If your idea can sell, then it will be stolen. Patent it.
You can type out your idea and draw prototypes for it. Make a copy of it and mail it in a letter and send it to yourself. When you recieve it, do not open it. When you take the company/person who took your idea to court for taking your idea, you can submit this unopened letter as an official dated and government sealed document which can be used as evidence in court.
2007-01-10 16:15:34 · answer #2 · answered by dvraptor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should write and outline the development of the product, and perhaps a business plan if you intend on making a business out of this. If this idea is truly unique, patent it.
1) http://simplepatents.com - they charge a small fee to search a patent, but this will save you headaches if someone else already conceived of your idea.
2) http://legalzoom.com - File for at LEAST a provisional patent. This gives you the benefit of putting your foot down as first to file, giving you the benefit of time to create a full patent in the meanwhile.
3) Fine investors, creators, business people. Talk to marketing experts, business experts, and develop a strategy as to how you would sell your product. You can find people on elance.com, guru.com, businessplanposting.com (for investors) and linkedin.com for other business professionals.
Be sure to have filed a provisional patent before telling them your full idea... they can steal it!
2007-01-07 12:11:49 · answer #3 · answered by Jessica L 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you would want to check with the BBB to make sure the company you use will give you the rights! patenit the idea! and then you own the idea and have it protected you can shout it from the roof tops and then if that company steals it sue!
2016-05-23 05:51:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You most definitely need to patten anything before sending your intellectual property to any company.
2007-01-07 12:03:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you will need to either patent or copyright your idea and/or product so you can retain ownership of it.
2007-01-08 00:42:20 · answer #6 · answered by Diaper Delivery Services 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a lawyer and patent it
2007-01-07 15:09:17 · answer #7 · answered by layala74 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋