Here's something that might appeal to some of the IP Finance weblog's more technically imaginative and commercially savvy readers -- despite the use of the cliched and now obsolescent electric light bulb in the logo on the right:
A new innovation competition open to all inventors
and entrepreneurs who have an idea for a brand new product has been
launched. Coller IP, specialists in
helping organisations protect, understand, value and commercialise their
intangible assets, is working in conjunction with D2M Innovation, Brand Refinery, and The Turtle MatCompany to set the ball rolling. Free to
enter, the competition winner will receive the support of the competition
partners to develop, protect, market and sell their product.
Project Hatchling is an innovation competition open
to all inventors and entrepreneurs over 18 and resident in the UK who think
that they might have a good idea for a consumer product that could extend the
Turtle Mat product family of home furnishings.
The competition will run over three months, opening
for entries in early April and culminating in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style pitch day
where the shortlisted entrants will be invited to tell the panel of judges why
they believe their idea is the best to partner with. The successful entrant
will gain valuable support, commercialising their idea with exposure of their
product through Turtle Mats’ distribution network, which includes several major
retailers and the customer base of over 80,000 [this appears to be the prize, though the p-word isn't used on the competition website]. Says Jackie Maguire, CEO, Coller IP:
“Project Hatchling is all
about giving entrepreneurs and inventors the chance to see their product become
a commercial reality. We are all keen to encourage and stimulate UK
entrepreneurship and the winning candidate will receive the support of the
professional partners to develop, market and sell their product, including IP
advice and a direct consumer channel to bring the product to market. Our partners have strategic links with major
high-street retailers and can provide marketing help to ensure rapid promotion
and success for the winning new concept.
Too often in the product
development process, key skills in marketing, manufacturing and idea protection
are lacking, significantly affecting the chances of success. It is hoped that
collaboration between our team and the competition winner, these risks will be
reduced and the chances of success increased.”
Phil Staunton , Managing Director, D2M
Innovation said,
"We are
expecting two types of people to enter. Firstly, people who have
developed and protected concepts that are likely to appeal to Turtle's Mats
customer base and would benefit from our support to get their product
manufactured and in front of the nation's top retailers. And secondly, innovative
thinkers who are inspired to think up new ideas to meet the brief appealing to
the specified consumer."
The
Terms and Conditions advise entrants to obtain guidance on whether their ideas are patentable before entering the competition. further,
In the event that you win the Competition, you acknowledge that Turtle Mat reserves the right to launch the product within a timeframe as deemed appropriate to them
You are free to make your submission and do not knowingly infringe the copyright or other intellectual property rights of any third party.
You agree that the Project Hatchling team may contact me for additional information and/or samples/prototypes if applicable, or to discuss ways in which their services may support the development of your product in the future.
In the event that you win the Competition, you acknowledge that Turtle Mat reserves the right to rebrand, change the marketing route, and/or adapt the product to make it more marketable or commercially viable.
In the event that you win the Competition, you acknowledge that Turtle Mat reserves the right to market the product where it deems most appropriate.
Duly noted. This blog will watch with interest to see what happens, and hopes to find out how the funding of the product launch will be handled.
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