I've had an idea for a product that I think would be very useful.
I'd certainly buy it myself if something like it was available.
I want to go to a tackle company with my idea but not sure which one.
I'm also a bit worried that they'd reject my idea and then use it themselves later on or say they are already working on something like that.
Who would you go to with your idea?
I'd certainly buy it myself if something like it was available.
I want to go to a tackle company with my idea but not sure which one.
I'm also a bit worried that they'd reject my idea and then use it themselves later on or say they are already working on something like that.
Who would you go to with your idea?
In reply to Post #1
Before you meet any tackle company get everything documented witnessed and signed by a solicitor. Make sure you tell anyone you approach what you have done.
Ask them to sign in NDA as you may want to approach a few companies which takes time.
Before you meet any tackle company get everything documented witnessed and signed by a solicitor. Make sure you tell anyone you approach what you have done.
Ask them to sign in NDA as you may want to approach a few companies which takes time.
In reply to Post #1
10000% get a solicitor involved, get everything documented and get a NDA drafted before approaching anyone.
10000% get a solicitor involved, get everything documented and get a NDA drafted before approaching anyone.
My advice for what it's worth is that protecti anything is pointless and very expensive. For a low (ish) value product it would cost you thousands and get nicked regardless. Be the first, go alone and try and build up a loyal following and get a few months exclusivity. Or speak to a tackle shop who may help with finances - my only experience is the tackle box, who are loyal, brilliant and built a shop and business from such innovation.
Lastly don't be too surprised when you discover someone has done something very similar. Patents in fishing are nigh on impossible to prove intellectual rights.
Having said all that, good luck and fishing needs people like you, making it old school and solving problems.
Lastly don't be too surprised when you discover someone has done something very similar. Patents in fishing are nigh on impossible to prove intellectual rights.
Having said all that, good luck and fishing needs people like you, making it old school and solving problems.
In reply to Post #1
I have a little experience of this I could add. There are very few things in this industry that someone hasn't already explored to some degree. It could be they have dismissed or indefinitely shelved a product idea because they can't quite perfect the product, deemed financially unviable, or any other reason. Or just not found the time to finish the design. I have had people come to me with ideas and it's always a little uncomfortable as you don't wish to disappoint someone that feels their idea is great and you don't or explain manufacturing techniques can create big issues. But there is always the chance that someone has a blinding idea. Whenever someone has approached me at Jag with a rod support idea I always ask them to initially explain with just enough info to provide a very rough idea. That then gives me a chance to say if it is something we have previously looked at, I will then show them any drawings or cad models to prove it had already been worked on, if that was indeed the case. I can think of two occasions when exactly that has occurred. There isn't many things rod support related that I haven't had a play with at one time or another. At the end of the day, we wouldn't dream of robbing someone's idea that came to us, there just isn't the need. My suggestion would look at the manufacturers and select a company that best suits the product idea you have and choose one that doesn't have a record of copying others ideas, and thankfully there are still a few about. Korda is a good example that I know you are safe to approach without any legal protection. I would suggest not going to the expense of lawyers, just approach the good guys and you will be safe. I think most companies if they wanted to go ahead with your idea would look at a one off payment for an idea, royalties get very messy and is hard to quantify. I would also say the more refined your design is, i.e. a working design with possibly 3D printed working prototypes the more excited a company will get. If it's a concept that still requires many hours of engineering expect less enthusiasm. And lastly remuneration is likely to be less than what most would feel their product is worth unless it's the next spomb etc. Hope that helps a little and good luck with your product.
I have a little experience of this I could add. There are very few things in this industry that someone hasn't already explored to some degree. It could be they have dismissed or indefinitely shelved a product idea because they can't quite perfect the product, deemed financially unviable, or any other reason. Or just not found the time to finish the design. I have had people come to me with ideas and it's always a little uncomfortable as you don't wish to disappoint someone that feels their idea is great and you don't or explain manufacturing techniques can create big issues. But there is always the chance that someone has a blinding idea. Whenever someone has approached me at Jag with a rod support idea I always ask them to initially explain with just enough info to provide a very rough idea. That then gives me a chance to say if it is something we have previously looked at, I will then show them any drawings or cad models to prove it had already been worked on, if that was indeed the case. I can think of two occasions when exactly that has occurred. There isn't many things rod support related that I haven't had a play with at one time or another. At the end of the day, we wouldn't dream of robbing someone's idea that came to us, there just isn't the need. My suggestion would look at the manufacturers and select a company that best suits the product idea you have and choose one that doesn't have a record of copying others ideas, and thankfully there are still a few about. Korda is a good example that I know you are safe to approach without any legal protection. I would suggest not going to the expense of lawyers, just approach the good guys and you will be safe. I think most companies if they wanted to go ahead with your idea would look at a one off payment for an idea, royalties get very messy and is hard to quantify. I would also say the more refined your design is, i.e. a working design with possibly 3D printed working prototypes the more excited a company will get. If it's a concept that still requires many hours of engineering expect less enthusiasm. And lastly remuneration is likely to be less than what most would feel their product is worth unless it's the next spomb etc. Hope that helps a little and good luck with your product.