Intellectual Property for a a printer's design and solution.?

Question

I was challenged with finding a solution to a specific problem for a prospective customer. They needed to apply a label to their product that would have bi-lingual instructions available for the consumer. They were currently using a printed and folded instruction sheet, manually placing it onto their product, then manually applying another label on top of that to hold it in place.

I spent a lot of time considering the problem, at the prospect's request, to find a viable solution. I came up with a pressure sensitive label that would solve thier problem. I created prototypes and supplied them to the prospect. This concept was well received.

Now I find out that they took my detailed designs and solutions and gave them to a competitior to quote. I priced this competitively.

Do I have IP protection here? Even though I haven't been paid to find this solution, it was implied that if I solved it, I would get the business?

Thanks

Answer 1

Do you have anything in writing? Even if not a contract or bid, perhaps emails detailing conversations.

Honestly, I'd suggest contacting a copyright attorney. There are specifics to your situation that need to be discussed and really you're not going to get the answer you need in a free forum like this one.

If you'd like a copyright attorney referral, please let me know.

* I do NOT work for these law firms but rather just refer to clients on an as needed basis *

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!