How do I present an idea to a company without having them claim the idea is theirs later on down the road?

Answer 1

Go to a local college or university and investigate the copyright process. If it is a device, apply for a patent...that's a little more complicated.

Answer 2

If you believe your idea has the potential of being worth a considerable amount of money you need to first determine if no one else has already submitted the idea.

You can do your own research if you have time and resources. The problem is that you cannot patent protect an idea. You will need to contact the company and describe what your idea is about, only using generalities. You may need to tell them only what the end benefit would be.

An Example: I have an idea of how to use Hydrobutol-diethanol in a way that allowed you to build a refrigeration generator that doesn't use electricity. Something like a refrigerator that didn't need electricity to work.

You would not mention the chemical or even that your idea had anything to do with a chemical and only tout the benefits and results.

Hire a lawyer to assist you and have the lawyer draw up proprietary information protection and non-disclosure agreement for the company's representatives to sigh.

Only then should you get into details.

IF you are already working for the company. See a lawyer FIRST.

Answer 3

The best companies welcome new ideas, and have systems in place to ensure that employees can get appropriate credit for suggestions are inventions. One thing to do is probably to find out whether your company has this kind of system - what does it do with employee suggestions, for instance?

Even the best companies can have people who are willing to claim other people's credit for themselves. If your idea is really special, it could be worth while considering copyrighting or patenting it. Copyrighting is not very secure. Patenting is, but costs a huge amount - something like $30,000 or more for a worldwide patent, so I was told.

It's a difficult thing to judge. Good luck!

Answer 4

first put it out in writing like you would a business plan. In fact you should treat it like a business plan , introducing a new idea, a new way, a new methodology, an innovation.......with a preface, contents page, executive summary, introduction and the rest. when done in word format, make sure you incorporate your name and address on every page and not to worry cos your windows word will store the exact date you created the document
sign the final document in long hand and distribute several copies to the relevant key persons so no one person can claim your idea.

Answer 5

Take your idea to a public notary at city hall and have it notarized. Then take the idea to the company. You don't have to let them know your idea has been notarized. I hope the best for you and I hope the idea sells.

Answer 6

Very accurately describe your idea on a document with a heading of your name, address, age & social security number, seal it in an envelope addressed to you at your lawyer's office.
Go to the post office and mail it to yourself at your lawyer's office by certified mail, return address to you at the address of delivery.
The lawyer keeps it secure.

Answer 7

Have them sign a confidentiality agreement that states your idea and date of it..