I own a unique cabinet I purchased in Europe many years ago that is not being sold in North America. I have always wanted to market it but it would cost me too much money to produce and market. I don't have a trademark for the cabinet because, from what I understand, a small change in the construction would still let someone else market it. Besides that, I don't have the money for a lawyer to get a trademark.

I recently started working for a major furniture manufacturer and will be over my probation in 1 month. The president of the company was the one who hired me for my position in their call center. They have facilities in various countries around the world and sell to the North American market. My cabinet would fit in perfectly with one of their lines and they have the capability of bringing this cabinet to market. Besides, they manufacture in the country I purchased it in.

I realize that I am not going to bring this to market without help. I want to present the idea to my company but I don't want them taking the idea, thanking me for it and I end up getting no reimbursement from the idea in return.

How should I present the idea to the company? I really don't want to pass up this opportunity to use my company to sell this furniture. If I don't go to them, I realize I will never sell it. I appreciate any input you may have.

you are walking a fine line with this one. Without a trademark you run the risk that no matter what you do and how you present it the company could take it and not give you any compensation. Personally I would not present it to the company without a trademark, it could backfire too easily. As far as how to market it to someone else, I'm not really sure but what about talking with some other furniture makers and trying to get a feel for if it would fly without giving them too many specifics.

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Thank you for replying. I had a master carpenter who is a friend's father look at the furniture and he said it would be cost prohibitive to produce it in North America. How expensive is it to get a trademark? Can college students do it at a reduced rate?

Furniture design is impossible to patent or trademark. Any little change makes it meaningless unless its truly revolutionary.

As for dealing with your employer. Furniture designers are often paid by royalty. That is a certain amount on each item that is sold. Ask if they would entertain that concept if you provided designs.

Get a deal first before showing. In fact don't even tell them you have a particular design. They may have actually have some claim on your design since you work there.

Thank you for this information. I hadn't known about royalties being paid for furniture designs. Do you know the percentage that companies pay in royalties?