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Companies not requiring agreement prior to idea submission
by ob1 » Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:40 am
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I have a new pet product idea and am looking for companies to license to. Hartz is a major pet product company and on the FAQ's section of their website it states:
Q: I have a suggestion for a new product, who should I send it to?
A: Please send them in writing along with a registered U.S. Patent to Product Ideas.
Is this normal? Don't most companies wish for you to sign something or acknowledge their policies for new product ideas from outside the company?
Q: I have a suggestion for a new product, who should I send it to?
A: Please send them in writing along with a registered U.S. Patent to Product Ideas.
Is this normal? Don't most companies wish for you to sign something or acknowledge their policies for new product ideas from outside the company?
Last edited by ob1 on Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
by makeworldbetter » Thu Jul 31, 2008 10:53 am
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It's the other way around. Inventors want company to acknowledge when submit product so company can't steal. In most cases NDA.
However, this company seems want patented ideas. Means you have to get a patent first. Maybe I read it wrong.
However, this company seems want patented ideas. Means you have to get a patent first. Maybe I read it wrong.
by ob1 » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:43 pm
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Yes, I agree. You would normally want a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement before submitting your idea to protect yourself. My idea is patented, so I think I'm safe sending without an NDA.
Most large companies require the inventor to sign documents to protect themselves from lawsuits prior to accepting outsides ideas. It seems weird that a large company like Hartz doesn't follow this standard.
Most large companies require the inventor to sign documents to protect themselves from lawsuits prior to accepting outsides ideas. It seems weird that a large company like Hartz doesn't follow this standard.
by CriterionD » Fri Aug 01, 2008 2:05 pm
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Just to add, it is not uncommon for a company to only accept submissions from those with a granted patent. It is an alternative method for avoiding liability and/or just avoiding confused and disgruntled inventors creating negative PR.
I am not sure what they mean by a "registered" U.S. patent. It could mean a "filed" patent application, or it could mean a "granted" patent.
I am not sure what they mean by a "registered" U.S. patent. It could mean a "filed" patent application, or it could mean a "granted" patent.
by bottleslingguy » Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:15 pm
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bottleslingguy - Black Belt
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Right CD. I means "granted". It is on file and registered as an official patent.
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