Any inventors out there, or dealt with intellectual property?
 

I've got an idea, and I think it's a good one. Those I've bounced it off have agreed, but I don't know where to start. I have a need for a product, and this product would appeal to many, thousands I think, that also need this product. It is motorsports related, and would be very affordable to the masses. However, I have no experience in CAD drawing, and don't know where to turn for advice. I'm afraid if I mumble a word about it, my idea would be vapor and turn up elsewhere. It is a simple idea, and there is no product on the market to compete with in my search.

How do I work with a CAD designer to make a prototype, and consequently a CNC machinist, or other fabricator without them stealing the idea, or selling the plans to someone else?

I don't have much money, even after selling my PT car.

I know at some point I'll have to trust someone, but I can't even apply for a decent patent without some engineering advice and quality drawings. I'm a fine artist, but some of my idea will need engineering advice to see what aspects are feasible or cost effective/prohibitive.

Advice appreciated!!

Just have whomever you work with sign a non-disclosure agreement. Also include in there that this is YOUR idea and that they can not copy plans or reproduce or modify or discuss etc. Get a lawyer to draft something up - shouldn't cost you more than a couple hours of time.

That sounds simple enough, I'll find an attorney and start there. I know I'm too trusting, and would get burned without protection of some sort.

You really don't need a lawyer to generate a simple, effective and legally binding NDA.

There are plenty of simple, "boilerplate" NDAs available for free from many sources that will accomplish what you need. Such as:


http://www.silcom.com/~tomjolly/nda.htm

There ya go!

I have a good friend who can program it in solid works and is very trustworthy. I'm sure he would sign your agreement and do the CAD work for a fee.

Josh,

The company I work for deals with NDA's in our daily business. They are very simple. I will say publicly here that I am willing to help from an engineering standpoint and will not take your idea. I also have contacts with manufacturing shops. If you want me to sign an NDA, I have no problem with that. By the way, I am an Engineer by day. Thought that might be important. :lol: PM me if you are interested in talking further. If you go another route, no problem. I wish you a lot of luck. I know what it feels like to have one of THOSE ideas. :thumbsup:

there you go...oh btw

Vince Ortiz
Meanstreets Performance Fabrication and proto-typing
dba MSP Fabrication
1930 Leslie St
San Mateo Ca 94403
(415) 271-4839
[email protected]
metal fabrication and defense systems proto-typing

just in case you need any assistance. I will beat any price...depending on CNC work needed.

I have no problem helping out. I've signed NDA's before. I also have patents. Not sure what you do for a living, but I hope you realize what effort, time, and MONEY it takes to go from napkin sketches to selling thousands of product.
Sometimes licencing the idea to a company that already manufactures and has the marketing and sales channels in place is a better route to take.

Wow, thanks guys, I appreciate all the support and offers to assist me!

I'm no stranger to time and effort, but it's the money that will take a little more effort, as I don't have much of my own. I have resources though, having worked in Operations for hedge funds for quite a few years in the past.

A buddy of mine is working on another mechanism for the marine industry, and they were told it'll be $20-30K before they have a working prototype. Is that a realistic picture of what I can expect?

My sister's boyfriend just sold a device he invented for $1mil to an established company, and works for them as a contractor now, but I have my marketing ideas already building too, and part of the joy would be realizing the efforts in full, much like my PT build.