marki@tahoe.unr.edu (Mark N. Iverson) (02/06/88)
[I almost bounced this article, but I didn't really know what newsgroup Mark *should* ask his question in. I've left his original cross-postings in the Newsgroups line. I would ask Mark to summarize any information he receives and send it back to comp.newprod as a submission. Thanks. RWH, comp.newprod moderator] This is a request for any info about the various organizations that assist the little guy in patenting, marketing, negotiating licensing agreements, etc. for some new product. Any info would be helpful, even if second hand. Specific info (i.e. names, dates, recommendations) would be greatly appreciated. Two people I know said they knew of someone who went this route and basically ended up with very little or nothing. Are all these organizations the same? I've received info from 2. Each one has a 'statement of confidentiality' which is signed by someone from the organization. This 'contract' says that the organization agrees to keep your idea confidential and will not release any info or talk to anyone about it without your prior WRITTEN permission. Great, however, the only thing stopping them from divulging your idea to some co-conspirator (engineer friend) is there conscience; their sense of ethics. They know I don't have the money to fight them in court and it would be my word against theirs. As you might guess, this makes me feel very uneasy. Again, any INFO or SUGGESTIONS would be greatly appreciated. THANX in advance, sincerely, mark iverson ( marki@tahoe.unr.edu ) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | "We dance round in a ring and suppose, | | But the secret sits in the middle, and knows." -- R. Frost | -------------------------------------------------------------------------