Every year thousands of people have what they believe are wonderful ideas for inventions, but have no idea how to develop or market those ideas. Many of these people contact invention or patent promotion companies which promise to evaluate, research, market, and patent their ideas. Although there are legitimate invention promotion companies, there are also a number of them which are unscrupulous and their customers end up paying thousands of dollars for little or no result.

Before you give money to any invention promotion company, check them out thoroughly. Contact the state and local better business bureau, the consumer protection agency, and the attorney general's office where you live and in the place where the company is located. Ask whether unresolved complaints have been filed against the company.

For further information, contact the Federal Trade Commission by telephone or visit their informative web site.