From a member:
It seems that the larger companies have website portals where you can submit your invention. The catch is, they won't sign NDAs, they want the inventor to agree to the terms in the enclosed document. I want to submit to large companies, what are the chances they will 'steal' my invention?
Here's the copy to refer to...
“Blank” appreciates the continuing interest shown by the hundreds of individuals who, each year, send “Blank” and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) unsolicited letters containing ideas and suggestions. If you are reading this agreement, you probably have sent such a letter to the Company or are considering sending one. You should be aware that what you have in mind may have already been considered by the Company and put aside, be under development, been targeted for patent protection, already be in commercial production, or be the subject of some other action already taken by the Company. For these and other reasons, the Company has developed certain policies for handling submissions. It is important that you understand the Company’s procedures and agree to be bound by them before the Company will consider your submission.
The Company assumes no obligation with respect to any unsolicited idea unless and until the Company enters into a written contract to pursue the idea, and then only as expressed in that contract. This means, among other things, that if the Company decides to review your proposal: the Company assumes no obligation of confidentiality with respect to your idea; the Company undertakes no obligation to develop your idea; the Company undertakes no obligation to pay you anything for your idea (including, but not limited to, your expenses associated with the protection of your rights, your attorney fees or your submission); and the Company undertakes no obligation of any kind to you or anyone else with respect to your idea. Further, the Company’s consideration of your idea, or its subsequent entry into any discussions or negotiations with you concerning your idea, will not in any way impair the Company’s right to contest the validity or infringement of your rights or be deemed an admission of novelty, priority or other rights. Simply put, any review of your submission at this time will be made by the Company on a non-confidential, gratuitous, and non-committal basis, and the Company will remain free to develop, acquire or market products or services competitive with those offered by you.
In addition, the Company will not review any idea unless and until it is submitted to the Company through the Company’s Invention and Idea Submission Portal at “blank”. You should include in your submission through the Portal any information that you believe the Company should have in order to evaluate your idea.
You represent that you have the unrestricted right to submit your idea to the Company for review and, should your right be challenged by anyone else at any time during our review, you will notify the Company promptly of any challenge to that right. You also represent that your submission has not been solicited by the Company, that this Agreement is not inconsistent with any other agreement you have entered into, and that you are of legal age and otherwise competent to enter into this agreement. For your own protection, we assume that you will rely on whatever patent or other protection you may want to secure, or have already secured, on your idea.
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of “Blank” and the intellectual property laws of the United States. No party to this agreement will bring a legal action under this Agreement more than one year after the cause of action arose. Each party waives its rights to a jury trial in any resulting litigation.
The foregoing terms and conditions apply to any past, as well as future, communication unless we specifically agree otherwise in writing.
If you want the Company to consider your idea under the foregoing terms and conditions, please go to the Invention and Idea Portal, check “I accept” when asked whether you agree to the terms of Stanley’s Statement of Policy and Agreement Concerning Submitted Ideas, and then complete the questionnaire to submit your idea. Please be sure to include any information you want the Company to consider.
