I just came up with an idea. I'm only a few hours into the brainstorming and research and so far it doesn't look like ANYONE is doing what I'm thinking about. I'm looking to members here at DP for some expert advise. My idea is a modification to a clothing item. The modification doesn't look like it will be too difficult to make and it'll create a new look and add comfort to an old idea. I think it could easily grow into a clothing line of various styles all based on the idea. Is there a SAFE way to license my idea to a clothing manufacturer? I don't want to present my idea to some big company only to have them say thanks but that's a really dumb idea then see them release a product based on my idea the next month. There's a lot of advantages to letting the one of the big boys use the idea. They can protect the rights and handle manufacture, distribution and marketing, but keeping everything private might be an idea too. Since it's an easy modification I expect the idea to be copied by other manufacturers. Can anyone give me any advise about how to keep my idea mine? I've heard that a patent is a long drawn out EXPENSIVE process. If there's another option then I'd like to know. What about product liability. I know there are laws to protect people using a product that uses electricity but what about clothing? I don't forsee any safety concerns. I'm just asking since it came to mind. Thanks for your ideas. SL
what is your idea? i didnt understand. But u can make licence for your idea. Is there option in ur country for that ?
I think there is something named "intelectual property" or something similar that you can do (patenting). If is not patented yet (people usually makes patent stuff that doesn't exist and they don't plan to build, just charge when someone else invents it), you can patent it and then you have the licence, so you can have "some weapon" to fight for what is yours. By the way, that also applies if there is a patent about the item that you will modify.
Seems that I've seen something about Patent Pending on various products in the past. I guess this might be some level of protection which is apperantly good enough for others. I hadn't thought about it. I DEFINATELY didn't think about any existing patent. Thanks. This is exactly the type of help I was looking for. Anyone else have any ideas?
Just google "patent attorney" and ask about 10 or so different places for advice. The ones that get back to you with some free advice might end up also helping you out for a smaller fee.
i think it may be tough to patent an item of clothing, if its a good idea all the big companies will just copy it. how can you patent an addition to a piece of something that would already have a patent? or not as the case maybe i personally think you wouldnt be able to patent clothing. but this is just my personal opiniun but i hope it all goes well for you tho. (maybe a hat with a engine could be called the helicaptor lol) good luck