About Mark Rappaport Expertise I can give advice on any product or toy related question. I design, engineer and manufacture all of my own products. I have a unique perspective from the creative side all the way through to production. If you have question on next steps or how to get something done, I would be glad to help. I am knowledgeable with regard to licensing agreements and negotiating them from the inventors perspective. I will keep you from spending money where it is not necessary.
Experience I have been inventing for over 40 years. I have work inside 2 major toy companies and understand the corporate environment well. I have own my own development company and licensed toys to many of the major toy companies. I currently own Marky Sparky Toys, Inc. We make and manufacture toys for the specialty toy market. We source and produce everything overseas. www.markysparkytoys.com
Organizations ASTRA,
TIA
Education/Credentials Art Center College of Design,
UCLA
Awards and Honors Hasbro, Toy of the year '95 - '96 - '99
Parents Choice Award 2003
Parents Choice Award 2005
Astra Best Toy 2009
Question I have an invention idea, there is nothing like it. But. the model I have used to test it is made by another company they use it for another issue. It would not be hard to fiddle with design to make it work. I believe this tool would be great. I have little money, I do not know where to start. I sent idea to Lee Valley tool with non disclosure form, they thought idea was good. How do I get going I am really frustrated. No one has made one of these tools. please help
Answer Barb,
Many people have been where you are now. It is a very tough position. You have an idea that you feel has serious merit. Other people have given great feedback on it. Now what??? To start with, cannibalizing another tool is exactly the right thing to do. It is an inexpensive way to prove your concept. Could this company be useful to you? You might start there. If not, test your idea with the people who encourage you. The one's who tell you it's really cool and encourage you to pursue it. Ask them for money. If they say ahhhhh, whaaaa, ehhhh, then you need to discount there opinion. If you really have something I would advise you, whether you are funded or not to try to find a company in a similar business. Go into the store and start writing down names and numbers. Then, try to contact them. It's free. You are looking to license your idea to one of these companies for about 5% (more or less). Don't get too greedy. Have fun and try to trust a little more. Without the trust in somebody, it wont go anywhere. If you get your idea knocked off... oh well. Invent something else and never talk to that company again. I use this strategy because otherwise things never move along. Find good people and trust them. Find bad people and avoid them. If you don't try, you'll never know. The main thing is to not spend money! This would be very bad. I am averse to spending big money to pursue ideas. Little money is ok but not any more. Good luck and keep me posted!
