Protecting a toy and marketing idea

[strawberries]

What is the name of your state? AZ

I have an idea for a toy that would include a book and a video. The main focus of the concept includes providing the children and their parents with educational information related to the subject matter. I would like to query major toy manufacturers with this idea. The specific toy design is easily changed. It is the related stuff that is the bulk of the idea. I know in the writing industry most writers query their ideas to publishers and do not worry about copywriting the material. Do I need some sort of patent or is the toy industry fairly safe to query?

Thanks

 

[divgradcurl]

Do I need some sort of patent or is the toy industry fairly safe to query?

Well, you can't patent an "idea" by itself. I suppose you could try and get a design patent on the toy itself. As far as whether the toy industry is safe, who knows? I'm sure it will depend on which companies you query -- I doubt they are ALL "safe" or "unsafe."

If you want some protection for you idea, you could have an attorney draft a nondisclosure agreement, which you would have the toy companies sign before showing them the goods.