Hi Lisa,

I never heard back from you after my last message but I guess I really didn't ask a question. I'm new to the ideatango site having been a former member of 'icaninvent'. I watched you on 'The next big thing' last night, you were great.

In any event, I've made significant progress with my product and feel as though it is ready for a next step. I've been working on this product for a long time and have recently figured out a manufacturing stumbling block that took a while to figure out. I solved the problem simply and inexpensively.

I've not applied for a utility patent yet but at the least will file a provisional patent to get some protection. Question? If I bring the product to a company like LL Bean, without patent protection, is that a big mistake? I could have them sign a non-dislosure, right?

I've been working on this product inconsistently for about 6 years. It serves it's purpose for my own use (for my dog) but when I take the dog out, I get compliments everytime someone sees it.

I would like to collaberate with you as I'm at coming towards the peak of a long journey of design and development.

Thanks for your help.

Great to hear you are moving along! Yes, showing your product without any intellectual property in place could be a big mistake. I suggest having something in motion, ie a patent pending or copyrights, and if you can ALSO have them sign a NDA. Then you will have documentation of having shown them the idea.

Thank you for your kind words about being on The Big Idea. It was a blast and Donny is an amazing person!

Best wishes for your success, looking forward to seeing you on the show!

Lisa

yes, that is definitely a very necessary step regarding the intellectual property protection. I've met with a patent attorney four or five months ago. The changes I've made to the product put me in a better position, and more confident, to pursue the patent protection.

I tried to find information on your company because you had mentioned to me that you can do an intellectual property search for $250 or so. I went to your website but, this may sound strange, could not find a phone number. Can you give me some information about the process of the search.

Thanks, you are a great resource to me.

-David