[Innovation]

ABC's TV show "American Inventor" is coming back for a second season, and once again searching for the winning inventor, who will receive $1,000,000!! Inventors with a sketch, prototype, or even just an idea for a retail product, you can pitch it at their open calls nationwide starting in mid to late March, 2007. Inventors can apply on their website at www.americaninventor.tv.

A great way to bring those inventions and ideas to life.

[Joe426]

Yeah that did look pretty cool at first but I think you actually have to have a working prototype which is rather difficult to come up with if you don't have a whole lot of capital.

[Innovation]

Actually, You don't need a working prototype. My sister's friend attended last season with a sketch and idea for the first open call, and then when he got a call back, he quickly threw something together as a "mock-up" of what it would look like. Then when he became a finalist, the show actually helped him develop a working prototype.

[frankcoleman]

Do you have to be American?

[journeyoftheanimala]

I believe I have a very good idea but I wonder if you get to sign something saying they will not steal your idea if you do not make it all the way.

[Innovation]

Originally Posted by journeyoftheanimala

I believe I have a very good idea but I wonder if you get to sign something saying they will not steal your idea if you do not make it all the way.

Let's consider this... ABC is a TV network..they're not a marketing or an inventing firm, so why would they go through all the trouble of stealing your idea to bring to market. I don't think they're going to bother creating a new devision dedicated to product inventions. It's like saying a real estate firm is going to devote their spare time to producing broadway shows.
Make no sense..that's not their job or business description.

[Innovation]

Originally Posted by journeyoftheanimala

I believe I have a very good idea but I wonder if you get to sign something saying they will not steal your idea if you do not make it all the way.

Let's consider this... ABC is a TV network..they're not a marketing or an inventing firm, so why would they go through all the trouble of stealing your idea to bring to market. I don't think they're going to bother creating a new devision dedicated to product inventions. It's like saying a real estate firm is going to devote their spare time to producing broadway shows.
Make no sense...Beyond the television show, that's not their job or business description.

Wouldn't you say?

[journeyoftheanimala]

Originally Posted by Innovation

Let's consider this... ABC is a TV network..they're not a marketing or an inventing firm, so why would they go through all the trouble of stealing your idea to bring to market. I don't think they're going to bother creating a new devision dedicated to product inventions. It's like saying a real estate firm is going to devote their spare time to producing broadway shows.
Make no sense..that's not their job or business description.

OK OK true. However what about other people? I don't know, like what it went on the air but never went further then that.

[jg_macarthy]

worrying about idea stealing is mistake 101 animalia.

[Innovation]

Originally Posted by journeyoftheanimala

OK OK true. However what about other people? I don't know, like what it went on the air but never went further then that.

I reckon if I were serious about a million dollars, and taking part in this type of show as an inventor (even as a first time inventor) I would apply for a provisional patent prior to going on the show. I hear it's really cheap, and it gives you up to a full year to apply for a full patent. I would take the initial steps to protect my idea...I think anyone who believes they hold the key to the next great invention would.

[Innovation]

Originally Posted by jg_macarthy

worrying about idea stealing is mistake 101 animalia.

I think that's true...there are so many people so afraid of having their ideas stolen, that they themselves never do anything with it. I can imagine how many great gadgets and money making ideas must be stashed in attics, and basements around the country.

[ideas2earn]

he he, or just in peoples heads!