Idea selling

[lightoftruth]

I am constantly thinking of ideas for inventions from energy to production to advanced safety in cars. Is it possible to sell concepts to companies and how would i go about it and how would i ensure they dont just steal them.

[CompNut]

I think if a company showed interest you would first need them to sign a contract acknowledging your 'intellectual property rights" before giving them all the information of your invention. Also file a detailed copy of your invention with your Solicitor or bank, dated and sealed. Realistically though, even if you have taken out a Patent on your invention, if a big company did steal it, it would cost you a lot of money in legal fees to take them to court and challenge them. If it is something you could get a prototype (original model) made up yourself, that gives you more leverage. Hopefully a Lawyer will give you some advice on this.

[WoWo]

As CompNut said it would need to be in the form of a patent. I don't know all the details but a patent is essentially a copy right on an idea. The idea however must be unique and not something that anybody couldn't have thought up independantly. The devil of course is in the details.

To be honest I imagine the sort of thing you are talking about is high concept and not dealing with the practical aspects which is really what a manufacturer would be interested in.

[CompNut]

Anyway, lightoftruth,
Good luck with all your ideas and inventions. After all, inventor
Trevor Baylis had to struggle to get his idea of the bagless vaccum cleaner and clockwork radio put into production - (I think he had to fund a good bit of that himself) but look what a fantastic success it all was in the end.
So don't get disheartened, have a go !

Best wishes.