There are companies that love what we do and derive the greatest value from independent inventors. Some companies spend millions of dollars in R&D and don’t really have a need for our services. Other companies are evil and I use that term specifically. They lead inventors on an massage our brains and then like the predators they are devour the contents to just leave a carcass on the side of the path. They take the idea and leave the inventor behind.
An example of type 2 company is Microsoft. While talking to any of their employees they don’t want us to give any ideas. I know this because I went to a Microsoft company function by invite. The function was held at Carowinds, an amusement park in South Charlotte. I started talking about new ideas and I noticed glances being exchanged across the table and I wasn’t involved in receiving those glances. Some people started walking away from the table but eventually they let me know that kind of exchange is heavily frowned upon… Interesting lesson. I have not received an invite back. Hmmm I wonder why.
An example of the third is Tom Tom. GPS devices. I have told this story before and I will summarize. They took my product and ran! I hold deep resentment for that for TomTom.
What experiences have you had with Unfriendly companies. No lists please. Lets build a list but only if you have had personal bad Experience. The story is as important as the identification of the company. This thread will be Extremely Valuable to any independent inventor going into business.
