Invention Guides

I have some really good invention ideas for baby toys -which invention corporations are legitimate ?

I'm interested in knowing which corporations I can trust to try to patent my ideas -any suggustions, anyone have hands on experience in getting an invention out in the market- I'm confident the ideas I have are useful and genuine and want to get thme out there- help??

Public Comments

1. I wouldn't trust any of the invention marketing companies. Instead, go to a patent attorney in your home town. He can put you in touch with the people who can help you bring your inventions to market. Do some patent searches!
2. I agree with crao_craz he's right on target. Too many so called invention corporations are really not what they are cracked up to be. You are better off spending money and doing it the right way that you are at taking a chance with someone that will more than likely steal your idea, I know because I am one of those victims.
3. I agree with both the above answers. You can't trust any invention promotion company. Invention companies are so reknown for scamming that Congress actually passed a law specifically for victims of invention promotion firms. (See link below.) The best way to go is to hire a patent atty but be ready, the rates are typically at least $10-20,000 to search and file a patent app..... and that's in the midwest. I will disagree with one of the responses -- I don't think you'll have much luck searching USPTO records by yourself, patent filings are super, super technical. Attorneys have to have a special patent license to practice patent law and to get THAT, they have to have an engineering degree. If you don't have the money, get a partner but whatever you do, anyone you share your idea with should sign a non-disclosure/non-use agreement (commonly called an NDA) first. Good luck.
4. I doubt that many baby toys have patent protection, unless they are more complicated than normal for a baby toy. A particular design might be copyright protected, which is much easier. But patent takes too long to be practical, and you must have something substantially new about your design. If you have a good idea for a toy, find a local craftsman or woman who can manufacture it, and market it yourself, or in partnership with the person who makes it. You won't get rich unless you have something very special, but you might make enough for a college savings fund for the kid. And if you design any dolls, let me know.
5. I agree with the others... avoid inventor "help" services. Talk to a patent attorney.