How To Prevent Your Manufacturer From Stealing Your Idea

Can a manufacturer steal your idea? How do you protect it?

Answer:

Manufacturers can steal your idea by selling your product to other customers. This is common but it does not have to happen. You can protect yourself.

There are several ways to do this. First have the manufacturer sign a contract stating you own the tooling if there is any. It should also state that the manufacturer cannot sell to other customers. Your best bet to enforce this contract if there is a problem is by having it written in the language of the manufacturer.

Other options include patenting your product and trademarking your brand in the country of your manufacturer. This will give you further recourse if the factory decides to sell to other customers.

There is no fool proof way to prevent abuse from a manufacturer. However if you are smart and take basic precautions you can protect yourself.