Invention

If you think your idea is patentable don't show it to anyone until you have talked to a lawyer and take the steps to patent it. If you need something done do it yourself or if you need help make the person sign a confidentiality agreement, you don't need a layer for this typically when you agree to something in writing it is legally binding. Open Innovation is big word now a days with big companies in which they source ideas from people like you, however they will be hesitant to sign confidentiality agreements for many good reasons, so if you plan to pitch your idea to someone again make sure you have it protected from the patentability standpoint if you can't then make sure you document who you are meeting with their role and that you document the outcome of the meeting all this is also legally binding if documented properly. Take a pic of your invention and put it in a notebook and have a witness sign it, and date it. This could be your neighbor, spouse, cousin, etc however let it be someone you can trust. All of this certifies the ideas as yours, make a copy of the page and mail it to yourself and don't open once you receive it just save it. This will state that all dates are correct and real and will establish a timeline in case you need it. Sorry I can't help with how to commercialize it but I hope the information as to how to protect your ideas are helpful.

O.

Hire a business coach and go for it! Here's a referral - Susan L. Reid of Alkamae. www.alkamae.com, and www.susanreid.typepad.com. She's a coach who helps you develop your idea from the inside out. You'll make the right connections with the people you need to help you turn your inventions into reality. If you believe in yourself, there's no stopping you. Good luck!

There is a book called the "Mom Inventors Handbook".

Gohmnyc

Hello, My name is C. and I am also in the Marlboro area. In reference to your invention idea. First and foremost, what ever you have in writing, drawings and so forth you should send to your attorney and talk about a patent or atleast a copyright. It is quite easy to do. Check the attorney fees and if they specialize in patent and copyright laws.
Next, send a copy of all your ideas to yourself via us mail so that it is postmarked with a date. Do not open and just simply file it away. THis is further proof that it is exclusively your idea! Next, you need to find a manufactorer for your product. I hope this helps a bit.
Lots of luck and if you need anything else, feel free to ask.

C.,
There are invention web sites and 800 numbers that you can get intouch with to start the ball rolling. I have gone on some of the web sites myself but became discouraged once they start talking about how you have to pay them etc.... Good luck with your ideas and I hope that you find what you're looking for. I can also tell you that I did see on TV that you can patent your idea for under $100 so don't get talked into something different.

Hi C.
The first thing to do is patent your idea, and make sure no one else has. http://www.uspto.gov/ is the web-site of the patent office.
There is this site that I've been using (unsuccessfully, but due more to a lack of effort than anything else) called ideablob.com. They award $10,000 monthly to ideas. you just have to get people to vote for you online.
J.

Is your idea patentable? I'm not sure that a costume is. If not, you need to find a cut/sew person to make your design or do it yourself. Then you need to approach companies with your samples and business info and try to get them to place an order. You need to present yourself in the most professsional manner since it is very difficult to speak to a buyer once let alone again.

If your idea is patentable, here is the name of an attorney who has been very helpful to me when I went through the patent/trademark process in developing Slurp & Burp:

Stuart J. West, P.E.
West & Associates
A Professional Corporation
2815 Mitchell Drive, Suite 209
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Tel: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####

Hope this helps and contact me if you have more questions.
Missy
www.slurpburp.com