Inventors Center

We are very sensitive to the uncertainties inventors have about approaching a manufacturer or distributor with their ideas. You may be unsure about how to protect your idea, how to contract, and how to ensure that you get paid fairly.

The Inventor Topics listed here lead to dozens of links that you may want to check out, covering topics such as locating a group of inventor's near you, conducting a patent search, finding help drafting patent-quality illustrations, and marketing your idea, just to name a few.

If you want to talk to us about your idea, we will encourage you to talk first with a lawyer. Then, we will talk generally about your idea, and determine whether or not we already have something in development that may relate to your creation. If we do not already have something in development, we will enter a confidentiality agreement. You are always encouraged to obtain your own counsel.

We look forward to working with you. The best time to submit ideas to us is in the summer. We make no representations about the links. Please let us know if you know of a resource that should be added, or if you find a site particularly useful or not useful at all.

Things You May Need

"FTC probe uncovers invention scams" From Woodshop News, Feb. 1999

Leagues, Associations & Unions

Regional Groups

Resources, Tools, Teaching Materials & Guides

Fraud Awareness

Marketing Oriented Sites

Historical, Bibliographical, & Social Aspects

Patent Searches

Other Resources