How can someone sell an idea for a new invention?

Question

A friend has a brilliant idea that would require computer programming and/or engineering to produce (something neither of us has a clue about). It is not a game but a serious business tool that he has found a need for and roughly designed. Can this idea be sold directly to a company or does somebody have to do a working prototype before marketing it?

Answer 1

It'll be nice if you have a business background. There are several things you can do. First what you'll need is a case study. You can then give this case and market it to a company in the field, or you can market it to a venture capitalist. If they like it they'll come up with a payment solution for you. If you're afraid they'll steal the idea, you might want to patent it.

Answer 2

Check out the patent office to see if it's actually an original idea. I've thought of things before only to find that someone else has too. Just because it's not on the market doesn't mean that it isn't patented. Some people patent ideas in the hope that another person will develop it and they can make a claim on it.

Answer 3

You would have to market it to a company that thought it a good investment they would pay you for the rights if you register the idea then they would develop and sell it,it would most likely be a one shot payoff for you unless you got royalties worked into the contract make sure you patent /copyright the idea before proposing it or they can just steal it

Answer 4

you should consult an IP or patent attorney. Ideas in and of themselves are not protectable under the law...seems wierd...but it's the truth. So keep it yourself for the time being.

Answer 5

I think you have t apply for a copyright so no one can steal your idea,watch dragons den on bbc 3 that programme is all about it.