Looking for feedback on licensing a concept.

[scottaj74]

Hey Fastlaners - Stephen Key if you're on here, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Looking for some feedback on licensing a concept to companies. What I created was a device that allows snowmobilers to potentially breathe when buried in an avalanche - I'm an avalanche technician by trade. The device already exists in the ski world (avalung), but in it's current design it cannot be used with a full face helmet (worn by sledders).

What I did was build the existing concept into a full face helmet. The user puts their helmet on and the system is built into the helmet (no additional gear to be worn) - this provides the user with the regular head protection of a helmet and the safety system of having a device that may allow them to breathe when buried by snow.

I built a quick, crude prototype to test the theory and it works. I then went out and filed for a provisional patent on the idea/concept. Here's where I'm starting to question myself - The current design uses a mouthguard to keep the breathing/air exchange tube in the users mouth. Some riders I know already ride with a mouth guard to protect their teeth in the event they crash. So, I assumed that I could use that piece of knowledge to build into my idea. I then put the idea out there to a major snowmobile forum and was somewhat shot down. A lot of folks said, "great idea, but I'm not going to ride with a mouthguard in all day", or "what about the hygienic nature of that?".

My original idea was to license the idea/concept to a snowmobile or helmet manufacturer and let them deal with the all of the issues of building a final production version. They have the money, engineers and resources to take the concept to market - I, on the other hand, do not. Also, they have the brand image and marketing behind them. All to say, I think licensing the idea would be the best option.

So, going back to address the concerns on the forum, should I try to fix some of those concerns and issues with the current design or should I just start to approach manufacturers to see where this might lead? I feel my inner voice telling me I should fix these things so my "sales tactics" are bomber, but I also feel like maybe I should hand that off to somebody with more resources behind them. I'm sure they'll build a few prototypes and test the concept before bringing it to market.

The whole licensing game is new to me, so I feel some apprehension about approaching BIG companies with the idea. Maybe I just fear the unknown.

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)