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?
2007-01-25 19:01:58 · 4 answers · asked by marcoporres 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Programming & Design
Are you sure no-one has already thought of it ?
Do some searches on Google & Yahoo-search & wiki in the relevant area and see what turns up.
If it really is unique & worth doing, as others have said, as soon as you try to sell it, any big Company is likely to say 'thank you, we already came up with that idea'.
I assume you don't have funds to pay professional software engineers - so if you want to go ahead, find a couple of friends that can write software (and know a bit about anti-piracy / copy protection) and take them in as Partners ... (i.e. form your own Patnership / Company).
2007-01-25 19:33:10 · answer #1 · answered by Steve B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can sell an idea if you have a copyright or patent registered.
In order to do so you must have at least a plan or specifications on how it works ( not necessarily the working product itself).
If not, then anyone could claim patent rights to all sorts of ideas or inventions.
Example :
The transporter on Star Trek ... just because the producer of the show came up with the idea it does not give him the rights ( or royalties ) should anyone else actually create a working model.
You must prove that you are actually able to make it work.
A patent cannot be obtained based on an mere idea or suggestion. The inventor must supply a complete description of how the invention is implemented.
Source & more info :
http://www.omnica.com/omniview_patenting_your_idea.htm
regards,
Philip T
2007-01-26 03:20:02 · answer #2 · answered by Philip T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As it is an idea then it cannot be patented. If you try and sell to a company they will not part with cash until you tell them the idea but once you have told them the idea you have nothing left to sell. You can do this on your own - ie start you own company - or forget it and move on.
2007-01-26 03:17:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your idea is that good microsoft.com would pay a fortune for it, plus a percentage of all sales.
good luck, good luck.
ps if you dont try you will never know.
2007-01-26 03:19:18 · answer #4 · answered by martino767 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋