Walleyebuster
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SO I will be soon submitting an idea that I have for a new product to a major player in the outdoor industry. My product will fit well with this manufacture's existing products and it will not be as effective marketing this on my own. I have a patent and a few others pending on this product right now. By choice I have only consulted my patent attorney and have not aligned with any inventor submission companies.
I've been speaking with the head engineer at this company for a few months and he has shown some promising interest including conversations with the president of the company. They will be reviewing my product soon but I'm looking for any advice as to how to handle the conversations and negotiations going forward.
If you have or know anyone who has taken this route before I would appreciate any thoughts or comments. Taking out the thought that they could potentially try to change it just enough to call it their own, what should I expect?
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-The more you know, the more you want to know-
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das_bass
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Take lots of notes with dates detailing what you talked about and with whom. If you haven't already done so, check into getting a patent search. Just because you have a patent doesn't mean a piece of your idea isn't already patented by someone else, and you would like to know if that is the case before you start any negociations.
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Chowdski
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Whether conversations take place via phone or in person, I would recommend recording the entire conversation to ensure everything that is said stays in context.
On a side note, I have a product i am currently working on, and am in the first stages of seeking a patent attorney to help me further. Once your process is complete, I would be happy to know the name of a good patent attorney who has experience in the outdoor industry if you wouldnt mind passing it along.
Good luck on your product! 
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mossydan
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Be careful with an open mind and listen to them for the direction thier heading while talking. Record or write down what thier saying and tell them your doing so and if they wouldn't mind, being polite but secure. Making changes dosen't constitute a new product thats patentable, legitamate changes do. Try to refine your drawings as close to whats needed and really try to see if thier willing to help you on your idea. You should get a feel if thier trying to help you and are interisted in making your product. Take in all they say and try to analize that while in the meeting, good luck and if you do find a good patent attorney and have good results with this company Id also like to know what went on, good luck and don't let it scare you or be too aprehensive.
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mendotaeye
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Good luck with your product. If it was me, I would make sure that a discount for IDO members gets in that contract somewhere.
I had a great idea I was going to pursue years back for setting up a world wide computer network for people to share information and businesses to sell products, but that clown Al Gore beat me to it when he invented the internet.
 to anyone that has a great idea and actually has the drive to pursue getting it manufactured.
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Walleyebuster
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Thanks for the tips! I will PM those requesting information.
Discounts WILL be available to IDO for sure! I will let you guys know how this shakes out. Hopefully it's good news, and if it's not, we'll move on the the next manufacture fit as there are more than a few. I chose the one I chose because of their quality products and willingness to work with me (so it seems right now).
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-The more you know, the more you want to know-
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Shoot 'n Release
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It's not a pen sized rod and reel is it, or a fish that hangs on the wall and sings?
If not, I sure wish someone would invent these... 
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- As my Great Grandfather Alfonse Sode used to say, "All good things come to those who shoot straight." [Escanaba in Da Moonlight - 2002]
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T Ellis
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Inventors Beware
My advise is to get ANYONE you talk to about this product to sign a confidentiality agreement and be ready to enforce it. Check out the link for some good info.
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"Each time I arrive safely back to the dock, I hope that I'm a little better of a person than when I left."
Edited by T Ellis (07/25/08 03:07 PM)
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Walleyebuster
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Wow. I'd hate to be laying next to that guy in a foxhole. I'd pray for the enemy so I wouldn't have to listen to his negativity.
Having gone through the patent process. Half of his rambling is bunk. But he does make a couple good points on covering your tail before getting into it.
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-The more you know, the more you want to know-
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Walleyebuster
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Update: SO we have word back from this manufacture and they decided to pass. There was an explanation as to why which made some sense but seemed to be more of a blowoff than anything. Some positives that I can take from this is that the chief engineer at this company gave me the time in phone calls, emails, and more.
The chief saw enough value in this product to bring it to their annual new products meeting but from there it didn't get too far. I'm not giving up. There are several other companies that I plan to contact very soon. I will keep you updated.
BTW: The manufacture above is called New Archery Products. If I can get them to listen,take an interest, and have 9 guys at a product development meeting review this I'm not letting it go. Do you think I would have a better shot with some of the smaller guys in the industry?? Maybe a company that's looking for that new edge to get in int he face of the archery world?
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-The more you know, the more you want to know-
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Need your advice
