Licensing expert Stephen Key describes 11 ways to stop companies from ripping off your invention. It doesn't happen often, but it's a huge fear among inventors. Don't be afraid; be knowledgeable.

1. Don’t disclose your invention to anyone without taking precautions.
2. Approach crowdfunding cautiously.
3. Try to license your product idea.
4. Be highly selective about whom you approach about working together.
5. Don't share confidential information with anyone before filing for some form of intellectual property.
6. Always share the benefit of your invention first.
7. Document every phone call and meeting, with next steps.
8. Out-think them.
9. Understand all manufacturing techniques and procedures related to your invention.
10. Understand the landscape of intellectual property in your particular field.
11. Hire a great attorney to help you with your intellectual property.




Bringing an invention to market? Let inventRight, the world's leading experts on product licensing, show you how. Co-founded by Stephen Key and Andrew Krauss in 1999, inventRight has since helped people from more than 60 countries license their ideas. Visit http://www.inventright.com for more information and to become their student.

Call #1-800-701-7993 to set up an appointment with Andrew or another member of the inventRight team to discuss how we can help you license your ideas.

New to licensing? Read inventRight cofounder Stephen Key’s bestselling book “One Simple Idea: Turn Your Dreams Into a Licensing Goldmine While Letting Others Do the Work.” Find it here: http://amzn.to/1LGotjB.

Want to learn how to license your product ideas without a patent? Stephen's book “Sell Your Ideas With or Without a Patent” explains exactly how. Find it here: http://amzn.to/1T1dOU2.

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