Ok 2nd try. New title. I think I've invented something.

[princessmel]

Just posted under one of my other names (I changed a few days ago when I was hungry)and had no luck.

I think I've thought of a great new kitchen product.
Does anyone know which companies/organisations I can talk to to about it? Dragons den maybe?

I could be rich!!

you have to patent it asap

What is it?

How about trying someone like Lakeland?

Don't know much about this, but if it's that good, you need to register its patent.

But before you waste any time / money, do hours of web research to make sure it doesn't already exist.

And then do some market research.

And then make a million (or 10!!!)

Good luck

Ooh lakeland sounds fab!!! Or bettawear.

How do I tell them without them stealing my idea??

Go to do school run. Back later.

Ok they don't have them in bettawear or lakeland.

Its so simple it must have been done. Its obvious.
It would be good for health and safety, hygene all sorts.

How much to patents cost??

don't tell without patent!!
do your research on who to sell to, where, how much production cost etc to see if its worth it.

Look up a PEST and SWOT analysis on marketing websites and really do your sums before you spend any money. You could get investors or just take a loan from your bank.

good luck

have a look here

I've rung lakeland and she said they get lots of suggestions every year. I asked what the procedure was and she said I should write in with it.
So I said 'but you might steal my idea!' She said 'we'd never do that'...
I asked if I'd get any money for it and she spoke to someone and called me back. Apparantly they offer to buy the idea off you. The ammount depends on the idea and how advanced it is. hmmm, not sure about that....

Looked quickly at that website and it says it can take up to 18 m to patent an idea.

I'm ringing John Lewis now.

check to make sure noone else has patent the idea. It may not be in the shops but someone may have already thought of it. You can patent any idea that hasn't been developed yet and wait till a company want to start producing it. Some ideas are patent years before they are developed.
Do lots and lots of research first
Good luck

Spoke to my brother and he said that I should write the idea down , and get it witnessed/signed by my lawyer friend before writing to Lakeland with it. Just in case.
He also said that if they offered me an ammount I should probably take it. As it would cost loads to patent it, make it and then noone/company may buy it . I would. Lots of mnetters would. I think.

How would I find out if its been patented or not???

this might help (or it might not