Selling an idea

to a big company

[moltar]

I just had a great idea for a modification of a commonly used house product. Nothing to do with the web. I don't want to produce it myself. I just want to sell it to the company that already produces similar widgets. I am certain it will give them a great competitive edge.

What I am wondering about is how to secure my idea so that the company in question does not just take it and claim as theirs. I'd like to avoid patenting it as well, if possible. I'd rather just sell it once and forget about it.

Did anyone do this before? Do you have any ideas/suggestions where to start?

[grandpa]

I'm immediately reminded of those "Inventors - Patent Your Idea with US!" commercials. While I'd be real leery of those folks, I do think their message is right on - patent your idea and then sell it. The point is that once you tell the manufacturer of your idea there is nothing to compel them to pay you. They simply get a great idea, make the changes you described, and make more money. Chances are good that you'll just get to watch it all happen, grumbling all the way to the poorhouse ;)

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

Moltar I come up with ideas like this quite regularly, particularly with kitchen items and garments and I have never did anything with them. With one of them I took it as far as checking the patent and I found that about a dozen ideas that were the same or similar had already been registered. You should have a look at this first.

I can't remember the web addresses of the relevant authorities where you can look this up but if you Google "checking patents" I am sure you will find them.

Having said that, if you think that your idea is good and it has not been patented then I would definitely go ahead patent it asap. Think about the guy who invented cat's eyes for roads or hair grips, etc. You never know!

[mcavic]

I'd investigate getting a patent [uspto.gov] if possible.

Otherwise, if you approach them, you'd need a non-disclosure agreement or something similar for them to sign before giving them the idea. Best to consult with an attorney for that.

[moltar]

Thanks for great tips. I guess the patent is the only way - that's what I was afraid of. I don't want to go through the whole process of getting the patent and pay $1,000s of dollars for it.

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

It's not that expensive, is it?

[moltar]

I don't think the filing fee is that expensive, but the lawyers that you pretty much have to go thru are very expensive.

[Webwork]

Last time I checked $10,000-20,000 for all reasonable and necessary services of a patent attorney.

[BeeDeeDubbleU]

The UK patent office provides full information on the process both here in the UK and abroad. You may find someinformation here to help you to do it yourself.

[patent.gov.uk...]