Has anyone ever invented anything?

[intheflow]

I have a great idea for a pet toy. I've researched materials and it seems viable, but I have no experience whatsoever in R&D. I'm wondering about those companies that help you do R&D and then market the stuff for you. Are they scams? How would I have any guarantee they wouldn't steal my idea?

[NYC_SKP]

1. I have a few patents. One is commercially successful.

Most of my efforts were in the 1980s and early 90s, just when globalization was beginning and with it the ability to knock off just about anything.

Patent protection is only as strong as your bank account is rich, it takes money to fight off thieves.

I've never worked with patent research companies of the type you see advertised, and I don't think I would trust them.

I might, however, be willing to take a toy idea to a toy developer/designer and take a chance sharing the idea.

You do this based on trust that they won't steal it, and they might not even look at it unless you sign an agreement not to sue them.

Good luck!

[intheflow]

2. I looked up companies that design and sell pet toys.

I haven't been looking at patent research companies at all. The company I found with the most web presence wants $55 up front via paypal, which sounds pretty cheap but of course offers no guarantees. And to say it has the most web presence is not to say it has either good or bad reviews. Rather, its founder and CEO has several entrepreneurial companies going. So really hard to evaluate the trustworthiness of the company.

[truedelphi]

3. Why not crowd source your idea?

You should get working proto type first though.

I worked for inventors, and they invented things pertinent to the semi conductor (SC) industry.

They felt that patenting was too time consuming and expensive, but since the product was needed by the SC companies, they willingly spent the money getting the mold and dies produced, and then figured out how to manufacture it on their own.

However, they always ahd the words "Patent Pending" on their products.

Of course, it is easy to spend money on your invention when you know its commercial success is guaranteed.