Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to protect my idea?
What is a patent?
How can I find out more information about patents?
What is licensing?
Why can’t I submit proprietary or confidential information?
Who can submit a new product idea?
Why am I asked to submit limited information even though I am prepared to offer more? 
When can I expect a response back from my idea submission?
Can I submit an idea any other way besides on the web site?
Will Staples or PDG provide information explaining why there wasn't interest in my product idea?
What if I have additional questions?

What can I do to protect my idea?
 The responsibility for the protection of an idea for a product begins with you well in advance of making a decision to submit an idea for review.  Investing time in researching what has already been sold and/or patented results in a large number of ideas being abandoned. For those inventors and product developers who conclude that an idea has not been previously developed, you are advised to take steps in accordance with practices advocated by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United Inventors' Association and to consult a patent attorney.

What is a patent?
A United States patent gives the owner the right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention in the United States.

How can I find out more information about patents?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office www.uspto.gov  is an excellent source for additional information.

What is licensing?
A license is an agreement that allows someone else to commercialize your protected invention for a period of time in exchange for a royalty payment. 

Why can’t I submit proprietary or confidential information?
There are complex legal issues associated with new product submissions, involving such matters as patent rights, trade secret ownership and confidential relationships. Your own lawyer can explain these to you.

The procedures for submission are designed to protect the submitter of the technology, Staples and PDG and to minimize the potential for misunderstanding. Our processes are designed to ensure confidential information is shared at a later, and more appropriate stage.

Who can submit a new product idea?
We require that the creator of the intellectual property submit the initial information.

Why am I asked to submit limited information even though I am prepared to offer more? 
There are several important factors that influence the future of a product idea:

• Your initial submission is strictly an opportunity evaluation. If the opportunity it offers doesn't match current needs or interests, additional information is unnecessary.

• Product evaluations are  dependent upon the quality and range of the information at hand - not the amount. You set the stage well when you provide concise and relevant information.

• For a product to be successful, consumers, store buyers, and companies need to understand within mere seconds what the product does.  When a product can be described in just a few words, you reinforce the sense that the product can be easily understood and used.

• We believe your product works - and that this information is better shared later in the process. 

When can I expect a response back from my idea submission?
You will receive an email message within 8-12 weeks notifying you of our decision about your submission.

Can I submit an idea any other way besides on the web site?
No, all entries must be submitted on the PDG website.

Will Staples or PDG provide information explaining why there wasn't interest in my product idea?
No. Due to the volume of submissions we receive, this will not be possible.

What if I have additional questions?
Please send an email to questions@pdgevaluations.com.

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