Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois

I had a packaging for wahl clipper. keep in mind I had several people witness me telling my idea to top wahl clipper executives. 6 weeks later, I got a phone call from the marketing department of wahl clipper wanting me to sign over my idea for 200.00. I then told them I would like to think about it. They called back 2 hours later with an offer of 500.00. Then finally told them I would like to think about it over the weekend. Then left it at that. My question is ....They obviously like my idea and im not financially able to hire a lawyer. What do i do next?


Asked on 3/10/11, 6:53 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Bruce Burdick Burdick Law Firm

Consult a patent lawyer. You can get a free initial consultation from a patent lawyer by asking. You need that consultation because it appears you have already made several legal mistakes. You do not mention having gotten a signed secrecy agreement. You did not mention filing a patent application. You do not mention having done a patent search on your idea. You do not mention the cost of implementing your idea. You do not mention the savings, if any, from your idea. You do not mention any marketing assessment of your idea. Your idea may be worth lots more than $500, but unless you get a patent lawyer's help consider yourself lucky to get anything. If you are dealing with Wahl without a patent lawyer, Wahl could have just as easily stolen your idea. You can be sure Wahl has a patent lawyer available to it, and you can be sure they think it is worth more than $500.

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Answered on 3/10/11, 7:51 pm
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

As a Franchise Attorney I entirely agree with the other attorney answer. If you "can't afford to hire a lawyer" you have no business talking with huge corporations like Wahl on your own. Get the money to hire an attorney ASAP and do so before proceeding any further. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.

Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.

Franchise Foundations, a Professional Corporation

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Answered on 3/11/11, 7:26 am


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