How do I sell an idea to a company and not get ripped off?

Question

How can I sell an idea to a company and make sure that they don't steal it and call it their own?

Answer 1

Get a patent first and then sell the patent.

Answer 2

You don't "sell an idea". Ideas are a dime a dozen. No one buys ideas.

You can sell some or all of the rights to manufacture, you can make a company and sell some of the stock, you can partner with people, you can negotiate it for whatever you want.

No matter what, you end up with a contract that covers what everyone agrees to.

I tis not necessarily bad for them to call it their own.

I guaranteed you that 99% of the movies you see are not the ideas of the studios that you think made them. they are made by independent and semi-independent companies built around the idea of th film, and the studios agree to pay for the production of the film in exchange for the right to distribute it.

Then they market it using their name, which is better know then the original company.

They generally get to keep the majority of the revenue or a bigger chunk of stick then you think in exchange for financing, and even more for distribution.

Like I said, ideas are a dime a dozen. Execution is what matters, and if you are not prepared to execute anything beyond "providing an idea" you haven't provided much if any value at all.

In the end, if you don't want to be ripped of, then seek professional advice form people who are used to putting deals together n the industry of your idea.

Answer 3

Consult with an attorney who specializes in Intellectual Property first. Patent or copywrite your idea if appropriate.