New product design

[gemzi]

I have thought of a product that I would like to design and I want to know whether it would be best to get in touch with a design student or go to a design company?

[spaced]

I completed my Industrial Designer degree 5 yrs ago, but due to the design market drying up I became a fleet manager! Anyway, dont go to a designer or student, as they will be able to steal your idea and produce as there own. Best thing to do is post yourself all your own designs, recored or special delivery. this sounds weird but what it does is that it gives all you work a date so no-one else can say they thiught of it before you (this was a tip from one of my design lecturers). leave the letter unopened. Contact the Patent office and see if your idea has already been patented. This is a must. If not, then get it patented,then you can go ahead speak to companies who may be interested in your idea. Once it has been patented, companies will show more interest. The only things is no-one likes ideas, they prefer to see a working model or proof that your idea has or will work. I has a perfect product, but sill me never went ahead with it. I had the owners of TGI fridays interested, but I let it go. Still has not yet been designed or patented by anyone else!!!!