Non-disclosure agreement format
or commence patent protection (the initial application is free and gives you effective protection for a year before fees are due). The Patent Office also offer a search service to discover similar ideas.
You could also do the search yourself with
the assistance of your local central library
patents information section.
The Patents Information Network
John Dunlop didn't do a search when he invented the pneumatic tyre (It was invented originally by Robert Thomson ). If in doubt you may need to seek professional help.
Patent advisors, agents and lawyers
Initial advice may be free, always get
some sort of estimate of the costs involved.
They will also be able to help with Trade
Marks, Copyright and Registered Designs.
Some
good free advice
Copies of the book A Better Mousetrap
- A Guide for Innovators is the best £7:50 ever spent is available
from Peter Bissell - Wordbase Publications
East Hadlow, Albert Promenade, Halifax,
West Yorkshire tel 01442 842401/340876
You may think you have just invented the best thing since sliced bread and are about to make yourself a fortune, be cautious. Bounce your idea off your family get them to play "devils advocate" to bring you down to earth. If it still seems like a good idea then proceed but have review dates to act as a spending safety net. Good Luck.