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Author Topic: I have a bowling related idea...............  (Read 883 times)

nd300

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I have a bowling related idea...............
« on: September 26, 2005, 01:04:25 PM »
for a product. Please don't ask----I'm not sharing-----lol.
 But I need help here in a couple of areas.......
 I know someone who is in charge of a current business that has all the things I don't have---capital,sales staff,and machinery to produce the product. He is someone I've know for several years and currently sponsors our bowling team.
 1.How do I approach him with this idea?
 2.Do I contact publications with the ad for my product,or let him do all the work and sign a contract for a percentage of the royalties???
 3.Do I need a lawyer?
 Any help would be appreciated--and thanks for all replies.

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Chris
 Lane#1--nothing else hits like 'em.

 

thfonz98

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Re: I have a bowling related idea...............
« Reply #1 on: September 26, 2005, 09:07:00 PM »
mail yourself a certified mail letter and dont open it so you can show a date of having the idea.

dont know if this actually works though.  just an idea.
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Jtb51b

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Re: I have a bowling related idea...............
« Reply #2 on: September 26, 2005, 09:38:35 PM »
I recently patented a product myself and I can tell you it is NOT cheap. I WOULD seek the advise of a patent attorney before I did anything, he will talk to you for free most likely and advise you accordingly. I haave a fair knowledge of this subject if you would like to PM me I will be more than willing to help you any way I can, and no my idea was not bowling related.
Good luck with it.
Jason

mumzie

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Re: I have a bowling related idea...............
« Reply #3 on: September 26, 2005, 09:55:09 PM »
1.How do I approach him with this idea?

first get online and find a non-disclosure agreement. You can probably get one from a site found thru google for a couple of bucks.

2.Do I contact publications with the ad for my product,or let him do all the work and sign a contract for a percentage of the royalties???
Up to you. Do a basic business plan first. Business Plan Pro is pretty good software.

3.Do I need a lawyer?
Sorry - yes. If your idea is patentable, you can get a "provisional patent" for a few hundred bucks - this gets you some time to file the actual patent and gets you protection of "patent pending". But a real patent will be very expensive - you need to make sure your idea is truly worth it before starting down THAT road.

The "mail it to yourself" will help if you are trying to DEFEND a patent infringement lawsuit - but other than that, I don't think it gives you much protection.

I personally don't trust those "we'll file your patent for you" kind of places...
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InternationalBabyBomb

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Re: I have a bowling related idea...............
« Reply #4 on: September 27, 2005, 10:03:18 AM »
Im interested

Can i see it?
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Jtb51b

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Re: I have a bowling related idea...............
« Reply #5 on: September 29, 2005, 05:30:24 PM »
From what I understand those "invention submission" places do the footwork for your for free, provided they have a cut of your potential profits down the road. They basically do all the patent work, in exchange for royalties after you work your butt off to make it happen. The cost of your patent will greatly vary depending on the type of product (how complex) and how close, or far away the nearest product comes in variance to yours. You can come out under a grand, but with the wealth of bowling equipment (like all sports equipment) on the market, I would imagine it to be an expensive endeavour.
Good Luck
Jason