Expert: George H. Morgan, P.E., Patent Agent - 8/7/2008

Question
what is the best way to approach companies to show them my design patent for clothing?  US D569,581 issued in May 2008.  I sent a disclosure and pics to a company recently and received my "Dear John" letter of no interest. I am really interested in a licensing agreement & working with that company to bring this new type of jeans,shorts & capri's to the market.  Any help with be appreciated.

Thanks,

Answer
Usually the best way to approach companies is through the person in charge of sales and marketing. Try asking for his/her secretary & tell her/him about your design, and ask if you could bring it in to demonstrate it to him/her. Personal presentations are a must. If the head person is unavailable, ask if there is someone else in the sales, marketing, or merchandising end of the business you can talk to.

Just keep repeating this till you run out of companies.

You might try to find exhibitions or trade shows that feature your type of garments.

You might try talking to the buyers or merchandisers at major department stores.

Also, if your state university has a textile curriculum with fashion courses,  you might try talking to someone there.

Breaking into the "rag trade" is really tough! You have my best wishes on your project.

Caution: Now that you have an issued patent, you will get very impressive propaganda from sharks that prey on inventors with patents. IP&R, & related firms in the San Francisco Area, IDEA,
New Idea, Davidson, Millenium Marketing are a few that come to mind. Details on these firms can be found on the Ron Riley web site link on my inventors resources page on my web site. Don't send them any money.

George H. Morgan
web site: http://www/evansville.net/biz/patagent