I recently watched the first episode of Staten Island Hustle. A reality series on Bravo and CNBC about 6 guys that invest in ideas to hustle- kind of wiseguys meet Shark Tank.

In the first episode the 6 guys come up with the idea to create a machine that clones New York City water, a staple ingredient that is integral in creating NY Pizza, Bagels and Breads. Investing 60k, the guys hire a New Jersey water treatment company and their research department to build a prototype unit. After a mere three weeks the guys arrive for the unveiling of their idea and to test it out only to be met with the realization that their prototype partner has filed for a patent on their idea and is willing to manufacture and exclusively (or not?) sell them the units. In essence reducing the Staten Island guys roes to that of salesman as opposed to inventors. Or licensee instead of licensor. They appeared to take it in stride but it sure seems as though the water treatment company hijacked their project and got paid $60,000 to do it.

Any thoughts?