Material Handling Equipments

Industrial Trucks And Vehicles

Question: I have invented two new tire concepts, but I'm not sure how to develop and sell these ideas. Any advice? I am a graduating in Dec. '07 from EKU with a BFA in graphic design. My final senior project is about using graphic design as a vehicle for invention. I have come up with some new tire concepts that I wish to further develop and eventually sell. I have tried contacting numerous tire manufacturers but receive no reply. One of my designs is for a tire for passenger vehicles (cars, trucks, van, etc.) that would (in theory) provide far greater safety, handling, and overall tread life than conventional tires. The other concept is for a heavy industrial tire system that could be used for heavy machinery and military applications. This tire is (in theory) would be virtually indestructable, and would provide superior traction and ride quality in even the most extreme of environments. Although I have been study tires for sometime, I still need more information on how I can get these ideas off the ground. Any help given would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: You should patent the idea for sure. It is your only protection. I agree with Zane - seek the backdoor into a company that would most likely be interested in your invention. It can take some doing to research who has the manufacturers ear, but due to legal issues most large companies would not give you the time of day, not to mention that you are shooting blind in trying to get to the "right" person in a large company to hear or view your proposal. One important step you can take right off the bat that costs you little, is a common-law patent. Take everything proprietary that you have and put it in a sealed envelope or container. Seal it good and then mail it registered/certified return receipt requested "from you - to you". When you receive the package - never open it (except in court if you have to prove that it is your property). This is not an absolute guarantee of proof of ownership, but it does offer you a fair degree of affordable protection, prior to or during a patent search process. Many people have suffered from sharing their concepts and designs when a company (with a vested interest) and big money - gets enough information to put a team on the information you provide to reverse design your product, and then patent it themselves. Essentially stealing your idea legally. The horror is that many large corporations do this often, or, they will squash a great idea that offers a product with a longer life (better design) because they don't want it on the market. They make more money selling products with shorter useable lifes. It is called built-in obsolecence, among other terms. Companys will often buy a design just to bury it. You will likely have to sign non-disclosure agreements and present your conceptual/design information with others to get where you want. Be sure to document fully everyone you talk to, (names, dates, location, and materials provided) and inform everyone you talk to that you have taken steps to protect your original ideas. Finally - be especially cautious of what you sign. Have your attorney view all non-disclosure agreements (sent to you by a company). Have your own non-disclosure agreement made (by your attorney) and obtain signatures from an officer of the company that you are talking to - before you send anything or open your mouth.

 


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