The comments below are not for one firm in particular, but are copied straight from the
Better Business Bureau. The report it is taken from happens to be one for the referenced firm which, for San Diego, has "a satisfactory record with the bureau."
"You have a great idea for a new product or service, and now you need to launch it commercially as a sellable item. You could try to sell your idea or invention to a manufacturer who would market it and pay you royalties. But finding such a company could be an overwhelming task. You could also consider using the services of an invention promotion firm.
Some invention promotion firms may help to get your idea or invention into the marketplace. The Federal Trade Commission reports, however, that some inventors have paid thousands of dollars to firms that promised to evaluate, develop, patent, and market inventions, but received nothing for their money.
Oftentimes, it is difficult to identify the fraudulent invention promotion firms. This may be because unscrupulous and honest firms may use many similar advertising and sales techniques, market evaluations, and contract strategies. Firms may advertise through television, radio and classified ads, and their salespeople may claim to have access to manufacturers that are looking for new product ideas or that are specifically interested in licensing your product. These kinds of claims can be false or exaggerated. Therefore, ask for proof of such relationship before sending money or signing a contract.
Some firms may insist on performing a market evaluation on your product which may cost several hundred dollars. Evaluations from questionable firms often make vague and general statements and provide no hard evidence that there is a market for your invention. On the other hand, reputable companies will deal with specifics. Ask what specific information you will receive, before you pay for a report on your idea.
If you're interested in working with an invention promotion firm, consider taking the following precautions before you sign a contract and pay significant amounts of money.
Early in your discussions with a promotion firm, ask for the total cost of its services. Consider it a warning if the salesperson hesitates to answer. Be careful of an invention promotion firm that offers to review or evaluate your invention but won't disclose details about criteria, system of review, and qualifications of company evaluators.
Require the firm to check on existing invention patents. Because unscrupulous firms are willing to promote virtually any idea or invention without regard to its patentability, they may unwittingly promote an idea for which someone already has a valid, unexpired patent. This means that even if the promotional efforts on your invention are successful, you may be the subject of a patent infringement lawsuit.
Investigate the company before you make any commitments. Contact your Better Business Bureau, your local consumer protection agency, and the Attorney General where you live and where the company is located to find out if there are any unresolved consumer complaints about the firm.
Make sure your contract contains all agreed upon terms, written and verbal, before you sign. Ask an attorney to review the agreement."
