Perfect Prototype Before Licensing?

[bhansel]

Perfect Prototype Before Licensing?

by bhansel » Mon Mar 03, 2008 7:14 pm

bhansel

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Joined: Sat Feb 23, 2008 11:02 am

Thanks for an informative forum! My husband has a "musician's tool" that he created and made a prototype. The prototype isn't perfect. It needs some enhancements to work properly. At this point, we don't know what should be our next step. We want to pursue the licensing avenue instead of the manufacturing avenue. So do you have to have a perfect prototype to approach the companies? I've read that we need to contact the marketing or intelluctual property rights department but what is the best way to approach them? Do we have them sign a non-disclosure/non-compete and then send them a presentation video perhaps? Thanks in advance for your help. We are very excited about this product! We want to go about it the right way.

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[tony.fulford]

by tony.fulford » Tue Mar 04, 2008 2:44 pm

tony.fulford

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bhansel

No you do not have to have a perfect prototype. As long as the prototype is sufficient enough to convey the final structure and the principal operation of the tool, it should be fine. You are right about contacting the marketing or IP department. Do it via a telephone call so that you are sure you get directed to the proper people. If you can get an NDA in place that would be great, but do not make it a show-stopper. I would ask them if they would like a presentation or video. It will give you something to talk to the about, and communication is key to making a deal.

Good Luck and come back with more if you need it. Let us know how it comes out!

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[bhansel]

by bhansel » Tue Mar 04, 2008 6:59 pm

bhansel

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Thanks so much for the advice. I'm wondering though about what you said regarding the NDA and not making it a show-stopper. If I disclose the product to a company without protection then they could just say thanks for the great idea...let's get started without you. If a company says that won't do a NDA what is the alternative? We haven't even talked to a patent attorney yet.

Beth

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[tony.fulford]

by tony.fulford » Wed Mar 05, 2008 6:05 am

tony.fulford

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Posts: 160

Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 12:04 pm

bhansel

Beth, I hope you don't mind, but your post prompted me to do an additional post to the forum at:

viewtopic.php?p=11522#11522

to answer your question.

Thanks

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