how should i get my idea for a childs toy developed and not get ripped off?

Tell me all about it and I'll try and help you out.

Give me lots of details

;D

A patent would be the ideal option, but do you have a couple of spare thousand dollars to pay for it? Patents are very expensive and it would require that your idea was in fact patentable - not every idea is. Have a search on gb.espace.net and look at other issued patents, it may be your idea has already been patented by someone else!

The easiest and most cost effective ways of protecting your idea are -

1. Sign and date any drawings you produce. This will ensure your copyright, which is an automatic law and requires no more effort on your part.

2. When you approach any potential suppliers/ manufacturers or anyone else get them to sign and date a confidentiality agreement, which you must also sign. Only show your idea after you have this document signed - if they then rip off your idea you can sue them.

Whenever you develop a new idea or design someone will try to rip it off, guaranteed. Be very careful who you make privy to the information. The fact that you have just told the entire world on the internet you are developing a child's toy is not the best start in protecting your intellectual property (IP). When seeking information about IP I recommend that you be more even vague.

Hope this is of use. For more definitive information contact a patent lawyer.

I am a new business development consultant so maybe I can help.

A patent lawyers told me that in the US, it's not the first to file a patent, but the first to manufacture it. If you can prove you were the first to actually produce the product, you're ok AS LONG AS YOU FILE A PATENT WITHIN 1 YEAR. If you don't file a patent within a year, then you can never file a patent on that product.

Anyway, it is rather easy to launch new products. If the item is something you can make, stock up and either market it on the internet, trade show or maybe the best answer. Do craft shows. They are fun and inexpensive. I recommend a juried shows only.

If you need to have it manufactured, it can be done but you'll need blueprints and other info.

If you'd like my professional assistance, I'd be glad to comply. I work very reasonable as I have a home based business. I also have an engineering degree and an MBA. Launching new products can be a lot of fun and I enjoy helping people build businesses.

You want to get a patent on it. Check govt section of yellow pages. I know library of congress has something to do with securing music and songs. You may need to find a patent office. Once you patented the idea, no one can rip you off.

Submit a patent for the idea with US Patent and Copyright Office. Check out the link for more information on steps one would take.

Make blueprints or plans and have them patented? Then try to build it yourself? I dont think any great inventions were thought of by one person but actually done by someone else.

Patent it. Ever see those comercials on TV about invent tech?? they help you patent your idea very easily. Do a yahoo search.