so i think i have a good idea for Ford to add to the list of options, ive shared it with some friends and they all like it. My question is does anyone have any input on how to submit my idea without getting it stolen!?

 

Why, do you honestly think they will pay you for it or give you credit in some way?

They won't.

 

id say its a long shot but i dont think i should give something away if i could possibly get something for it.

 

If you think your idea is that good and nobody has thought about it, seek legal help with patents before you speak to a manufacturer.

 

I agree with cirrus365 or if it is that good take it to the show Shark Tank. lol

 

Didnt the guy who invented intermitant windshield wipers have to fight for like 30 years to get paid. Thats got to be one of the best car invetions there was since the auto transmission. Remember the screatching in light rain before.

 

Attorney to check Patent's and then apply if available. Then you sell.

 

And if the attorney doesn't steal your invention, and you do receive a patent, and it does go to a manufacturer, and they don't slightly alter it to avoid the patent infringement to produce it themselves, and they do implement it and you and your attorney set up a royalty schedule and your attorney takes half and the .gov gets their share and in 10-20 years you get your first royalty check for $13.12 and your attorney drives his new Mercedes Benz.

Not trying to be a gloomy Gus but I have been down this road before.

 

I've traveled this road once previously.

I had an engine design idea, that I thought was spectacular.
I tried to contact ford for months, and it was useless.
Finally talked to a guy, and they were'nt interested unless it was already patented, wich to me makes no sense, but anyways thats the way it was.

I didn't really have the time or desire to build and patent this idea, so I went after diesel engine manufacturers at large. Finally one got back to me, and we worked out a deal. I'll tell you, they hold every card. If you don't like something in any paperwork, they just tell you to go somewhere else, its their way or no way.

The short version of the contract reads that they may or may not decide to use your idea, and when or if they do, they may decide on the amount you may be compensated, depending on a variety of things.

So basically, like i said everything is in their favour.

The first thing you want to do is get a non-dsiclosure document made up, and take it to someone who might be able to help you market it.

And BTW, is this idea something that could potentially be developed as an add-on option as an aftermarket product? If so the road and rewards might be much better than trying to get money from a large company.

 

so what you guys are saying is i cant call ford with my idea and have them send me a check?...haha. thanks for everyones input (even yours gloomy gus).

 

Can the idea be turned into an aftermarket product?

Then it could be as simple as spending 10,000 - 20,000$ on a patent, and rounding up some investors.

Ford should have a hotline for such suggestions, not only would they possibly get some good ideas, but they'll realise what people want changed or added.

There are a few companies that use a "suggestion box" system, where for example if your idea saves 10,000$, they might pay you 15% back as a bonus.

 

Before talking to anyone the first thing I would do is mail yourself a letter with your idea.And if it really important, UPS and FedEx it to your self.

At least when the lawyer you hire tries to steal it you have some proof of the idea was yours.

Long time ago I came up with an idea to remove brake springs on HD pickups and vans. Made a prototype, made a few for the guys in the shop. Sent my idea to Mac and Snap On tools.

Got letters from both thanking me for my submission and letting me know there was no market for my idea.

A year late the Snap On dealer came in to show me this new tool for brake springs.

 

Always use registered US mail guys of the olden times used this method when writing songs for copywrite.
If they did steal your idea after mailing you a letter saying there is no market, it is a felony to further the commission of a crime (fraud) using the us mail

 

So help me understand how mailing something to yourself would help? You would have the date on the envelope of it being sent...but would you have to have the document notarized? Otherwise how else would you be able to prove that you thought of the idea at a certain time?

 

The reason is if you mail yourself the idea before you go to someone you have a government registered time stamp. You never open the envelope until it is time to prove your claim, ie: infront of a judge and jury.