Trademarks, copyrights, inventions

[JerryP]

My son has an invention that I think is incredibly clever. He also has a "slogan" for the item that will catch the attention of the inventions target consumer.
Does anyone know what can be done (on the cheap since my thinking it's a good idea doesn't mean it will ever make any money) to protect the slogan and how he can develop and market the item safely (ie. not get ripped off).
My motivation is that if it does well :greed: he'll buy me a Harley eace:

 

[DanC]

Jerry, the best thing I ever heard on the cheap was to write out the idea, etc. then mail it to yourself via certified mail. Take the envelope and put it away unopened.
This is proof that on whatever date the Post Office stamped it, this was your idea.
It won't keep anyone from ripping off the idea, but it's proof for the judge when you take them to court.

Another idea. I know you don't watch TV much, but there's a show on one of the cable channels called "Pitchmen". It's the Oxyclean guy (Billy Mays) and another pitchman who take ideas like this, evaluate them and bring them to market.

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/pitchmen/pitchmen.html

 

[diGriz]

My son has an invention that I think is incredibly clever. He also has a "slogan" for the item that will catch the attention of the inventions target consumer.
Does anyone know what can be done (on the cheap since my thinking it's a good idea doesn't mean it will ever make any money) to protect the slogan and how he can develop and market the item safely (ie. not get ripped off).
My motivation is that if it does well :greed: he'll buy me a Harley eace:

I just happen to be a Patent attorney.

PM me all the details, I'll look it over and let you know. :wink:

 

[snuggleszam]

Jerry, the best thing I ever heard on the cheap was to write out the idea, etc. then mail it to yourself via certified mail. Take the envelope and put it away unopened.
This is proof that on whatever date the Post Office stamped it, this was your idea.
It won't keep anyone from ripping off the idea, but it's proof for the judge when you take them to court.

Another idea. I know you don't watch TV much, but there's a show on one of the cable channels called "Pitchmen". It's the Oxyclean guy (Billy Mays) and another pitchman who take ideas like this, evaluate them and bring them to market.

http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/pitchmen/pitchmen.html

That is a great idea Thanks, I have several ideas myself and never thought of doing that

 

[snuggleszam]

My son has an invention that I think is incredibly clever. He also has a "slogan" for the item that will catch the attention of the inventions target consumer.
Does anyone know what can be done (on the cheap since my thinking it's a good idea doesn't mean it will ever make any money) to protect the slogan and how he can develop and market the item safely (ie. not get ripped off).
My motivation is that if it does well :greed: he'll buy me a Harley eace:

hahha Just a Harley, how about the best Yankee seats season passes