I don't know what to do and have no one to ask for advice, so I'm hoping to get help from all of you! (PLEASE! )

Here's my story-
I have a product idea for a specific company. And it has to be that particular company because they already produce a product that my "idea product" goes with. If that makes sense It's like they produce the raincoat and I have an "idea product" (say a matching hat) that would go with it.

So, what do I do now? I have no idea where to begin! IMO it's a great idea, but like I say, I'm lost!

Please help point me in the right direction. Also, if I should need a lawyer- exactly what type?

Thanks to all!
Dawn

Hi Dawn,

Your first step is to actually turn your idea into a product, otherwise, it's fair game for anyone to come up with that "idea". At the very least, write your idea down on paper and mail it to yourself, signing and date stamping over the sealed envelope part. It's not infallible, but it will help if the question ever comes up as to where the idea came from.

Once you have legal protections in place for your "idea", then you should contact their company, talking to the appropriate department. For example, if their product is PART of your final product, such as an ingredient in a food recipe, then you should talk to Marketing, if your product requires development to marry to their product, then you should talk to R&D, etc. If it's a small company, just go straight to the CEO, he or she will pass you on if they aren't the right person.

You'll want confidentiality and non-competition agreements, so a lawyers advice from the get-go is a good idea.

I hope my thoughts help, and wish you good luck with it.

T

Tina Brooks, VP Marketing
Brooks Pepperfire Foods, Inc.
Makers of Peppermaster Hot Sauces
http://www.peppermaster.com

Eat more peppers!

I have a similar situation. I have turned two different products into one product that's better than both of the products. I had other inventions patented and not I found the best way to go was to start a income business to make money to produce my inventions. That's the best way I think to go. Email me at: samp@cribex.com I will show you some tricks.
Subject: Tricks

Wayne A Carter
Blast Your Ad For Free
http://All4webs.com/u/v/carterco