Presenting An Idea To Large Corp.

[weplumcrazy]

What is the name of your state? TEXAS

My husband has a great idea for a television commercial for a very large corporation. He has been granted the opportunity to present his idea to them. What steps need to be taken to protect himself and his idea before he goes to the presentation and at the presentation? We don't want the big company to take advantage of us, steal the idea, etc. etc. . If the company decides to develop the idea into a real commercial how does he ensure that he is credited and compensated for his idea? Can't really affford an attorney right now so help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[divgradcurl]

What is the name of your state? TEXAS

My husband has a great idea for a television commercial for a very large corporation. He has been granted the opportunity to present his idea to them. What steps need to be taken to protect himself and his idea before he goes to the presentation and at the presentation? We don't want the big company to take advantage of us, steal the idea, etc. etc. . If the company decides to develop the idea into a real commercial how does he ensure that he is credited and compensated for his idea? Can't really affford an attorney right now so help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

There probably isn't a whole lot you can do. You could simply document the ideas, perhaps with a notarized signature showing a date, but that's about the extent of it. If the company decides to use the idea without compensation, maybe the dated documentation can be used to help support a lawsuit if it becomes necessary down the road.

 

[14-O]

Depending on the size of the company and the worth they perceive in your idea, it could be very difficult to effectively litigate and collect anything, even if you're in the right. I'm familiar with one small inventor who even went so far as getting a patent before presenting his invention to one of the major auto manufacturers. When he demonstrated his invention to the CEO, he was told it would be too expensive to implement and was sent packing. Some time later, his invention showed up in their cars and is now available on all cars everywhere, but he could not find an attorney who would take his case against the auto manufacturer. He just plain got stiffed.

 

[freeadvice4ted]

You can write your idea twice ( 2 duplicates) and send them with a check for $10 plus a self addressed - stamped envelope to :

US PATENT OFFICE
Superintendant of documents
Washington DC.
(not sure about the Zip, Call and ask them, also ask if it still costs $10.00)

They will stamp them with the date they receive them and will number both duplicates then return one to you in the self addressed - stamped envelope.

They'll keep on file one copy for 2 years.

If the large company produces it and doesn't pay, you can apply for a patent (if patendable) and prevent them from using your idea unless they pay you.
If they try to present the idea as their own, you take them to Patent court for infridgement (or something like that), and the court will accept as patent owner the one that has the earlier date of conceprion.. That's when your copy comes handy, you refer to the date on that copy.

CAUTION: The Superintendant of documents keeps their copy for only 2 years, so you should renew it (resend it at least every 2 years) so they have it on file to presend it if you ask them to.

Good Luck!