Hi, I posted my idea on this site a couple of years ago and got a couple of responses to my idea which were extremely helpful. Unfortunately due to time constraints at work I was unable to fully devote my time to the idea. I've since tried to go back to the advice given but some of the information I need I can't find. I'll re-cap the idea that I had and hope for some help.

I'm a semi-professional rygby league player who has suffered from dislocations of the shoulder during the early part of my career. I bought a support that was supposed to protect my shoulder but found it uncomfortable and ultimately didn't work. 3 shoulder dislocations later I designed my own support and have since had 5 years of no dislocations.

Is there any money in the idea?
Has anyone done this? (I've looked on the UK and European patent web sites and can't find any sports supports what so ever)
Will it be better to pitch the idea to a specialist company?

Hope people are still reading this-I've kept it as brief as I can and would like any suggestions out there.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like a good idea. It's probably applicable/sellable across more sports than rugby. Being from Canada, I could see a use for this in professional Hockey.

In my opinion, you should look into getting a patent or at the very least file a PPA (provisional patent application) which is available in the US and maybe in other countries as well. Once you are *protected* shop the idea (and a prototype) around to existing sports equipment / support garment manufacturers for a percentage royalties deal. Get them to license the idea from you.

That way you don't risk too much in manufacturing a product that may or may not sell. Put the risk on the manufacturer who already has facilities, sales, and distribution channels in place.

Thanks very much for your info. It's given me a few more things to think about.

At one point in time I ran across the following web site...

http://www.money4ideas.com/

It's kinda cheesey, but has some good information about licensing products to others.

I think it's a good approach to what you have and I would suggest going by the local library and checking out (or requesting) the book by Harvey Reese.

It's not the end-all to licnesing, but I found it an easy read with good introductory information.

Graydon

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