Make:

I'm not a lawyer, but this doesn't look good to me. From their Terms page here, section 2:

The Fremantle Sites may invite users to communicate with one another via chat areas and bulletin boards. Some Fremantle Sites may also enable users to submit materials to be viewed by or shared with other users. Any communication and/or submission(s) (collectively, "Submissions") made on any Fremantle Site, including, but not limited to, any notes, reviews, bulletin board postings, ideas, suggestions, concepts, artwork, photographs and sound and video files will become the property of Fremantle and can be used in any manner or form throughout the world without any time or other restrictions. Fremantle shall be entitled to edit such Submissions as it sees fit, and it shall have no obligation to use material submitted. You are solely and fully responsible for the content of any of your Submissions to any Fremantle Site. Your Submissions must strictly conform to the following guidelines:

(emphasis mine)

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yes, the modern marvels folks make it clear that you own you stuff, while my guess is that these folks might want to own it - american idol seems different than modern marvels. ideally, i'd like to chat with these folks and ask.

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My invention is within a week of completion and I was so eager to do this until I read page 1 of the "Consent And Release" document.
As the previous posters stated, this looks VERY bad.
I took enough law in college to keep myself out of trouble and to protect my interests. But you don't need to know basic civil law to see that you are willfully and knowingly relinquishing your rights, control, interest, ownership, claims and exclusivity in your invention at the sole discretion of the "producer" of American Inventor.
I intended to compete thinking that I could win a million dollars, that the show would provide me with resources to make a presnetable and marketable prototype (better than what I have the reources to manufacture on my own), and that the show would help me get venture capital, provide me with a patent attorney, streamline my patent with the US Patent Office and help me sell and/or license/market my product.
In return, ABC would do just fine in terms of advertising dollars. They do not need to exploit the inventors to make substantial money from the entertainment value of the show.
I know I will watch not only to see the cool ideas but to see all of the Rube Goldberg contraptions and failures.
After reading the agreement, there is no way on earth I am going to sign it.
1 million dollars is nice, but it's only $650,000 after federal taxes.
It would be very nasty to think that someone will present the next Apple iPod and Simon Cowell will net the profit and take credit while the inventor fades off into obscurity.
I wrote the contact email and asked that they change the agreement. I hope they will. But unless they do, I'm not competing.
If they mainitain this document, then what they will be left with are the very desperate, the less innovative concepts and victims.

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You guys are scaring me!! I'm planning on trying out in Atlanta because I figure something is better than nothing. Of course I feel like I have a great product and don't want to think that I would be screwed over...but this is business and it happends all the time. Do you think that if it's between not doing anything with my product because of the complexity and having to spend a lot of money, etc. AND doing this show and at least taking a chance, that I should do the show? Ya know what I mean? Auditions start in LA tomorrow (I think). I'd love to hear about the process and what the experience is like. Any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!

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I am sure that most people would gladly take the chance.
Most of us do not have the money to hire a patent attorney and file the application.
But, according to the document, you release all interest and control to the producer.
This is not implied, it is expressed in writing!
So know that you are handing over your concept to the producer of the show and hoping that he won't take it and run, with your permission in writing.
Weigh the risk.
I am definitely NOT going to do this.

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I'm supposing that after federal taxes, considering the payment is a 'prize won', the %tax would be about 35% to 40%. One must take care to get this right though. The tax due on "advanced royalty" is 5X less. The payment is referred to as 'advanced royalty' on your invention. The producer doesn't 'take ownership of your patent', he reserves the right to 'lease'it for the purpose of manufacture and promotion. This isn't a one shot payment, where you get a lump sum, and it is done: If the royalties exceed $1M, you will be paid all exess royalties as well. Someone tell me if I'm mistaken here.

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For the truth about the American Inventor "auditons", read here:

http://www.geocities.com/american_inventor

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http://airealitytv.blogspot.com/
Check out the defacto blog/forum/website (blogorumite?) about the new show American Inventor.

Feel free to jump on in the water and add your comments. We've had over 2500 hits in 2 weeks with over 200 comments. We have inventor links. We have... uh... well check it out.

http://airealitytv.blogspot.com/ it's the place to go if you're an inventor who wants advice, or simply to discuss the new show.

And feel free to ask us to link to your INVENTION HOMEPAGE for FREE!
Oh... and spread the word. Thanks.

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http://airealitytv.blogspot.com/
Check out the defacto blog/forum/website (blogorumite?) about the new show American Inventor.

Feel free to jump on in the water and add your comments. We've had over 2500 hits in 2 weeks with over 200 comments. We have inventor links. We have... uh... well check it out.

http://airealitytv.blogspot.com/ it's the place to go if you're an inventor who wants advice, or simply to discuss the new show.

And feel free to ask us to link to your INVENTION HOMEPAGE for FREE!
Oh... and spread the word. Thanks.

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Hi,

I'm not sure how to make a submission for the new reality show American Inventor, but I know I have at least 1 winner. I actually have a couple things that I have worked on over the past 10 years, but haven't had the means to properly patent these items. I just need the chance to get the proper publicity and oppotunity to make a " huge hit " with this item... If someone could just get back in touch with me and let me know how to make an entry, even if it's for the next time the show American Inventor is televised, I guarantee that I will have 1 of the top 10 items on the show..

Thanks for your help!

Blake

Cell # 336-345-2355

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Hi,

I'm not sure how to make a submission for the new reality show American Inventor, but I know I have at least 1 winner. I actually have a couple things that I have worked on over the past 10 years, but haven't had the means to properly patent these items. I just need the chance to get the proper publicity and oppotunity to make a " huge hit " with this item... If someone could just get back in touch with me and let me know how to make an entry, even if it's for the next time the show American Inventor is televised, I guarantee that I will have 1 of the top 10 items on the show..

Thanks for your help!

Blake

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Hello, If you want to submit an idea you need to contact someone else, not this web site..

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I agree with you people; American Inventor would not be a good program or producer to associate ourselves with for this reason: ". . must agree to fill out further documentation as required by the producer of the Series, or its designee (the "Producer"), including, but not limited to, documentation granting to Producer an exclusive, worldwide license of all rights in the Invention to the Producer or its designee(s)." This kind of thing will make Simon Cowell richer than Bill Gates. Let's boycott this thing. It's best for us to find an angel to work with. If our inventions have commercial merrit, an angel of the right stripes will work with us. We just have to find him/her.

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http://www.InventorUnderground.com

This is the best web site concerning American Inventor ABC. I check it every day for news.

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I have a New Product Idea but Im live in Puerto Rico(Im a US citizens) Im not english speaker how can I reach to enter to American Investor Show. I use few years ago a Company to promote my Project in Florida but they take my money but dont make any promotion for my new product Idea...How can make my dream came real?

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I have a New Product Idea but Im live in Puerto Rico(Im a US citizens) Im not english speaker how can I reach to enter to American Investor Show. I use few years ago a Company to promote my Project in Florida but they take my money but dont make any promotion for my new product Idea...How can make my dream came real?
e-mail me please tonysonpr@yahoo.com

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how would i find out about a invention that they turned down?
Seeking info about that doggie aircondisoner,that that boy from dever,co. did.
where would i look to find out or contact him to poss. buy that item.

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how would i find out about a invention that they turned down?
Seeking info about that doggie aircondisoner,that that boy from dever,co. did.
where would i look to find out or contact him to poss. buy that item.

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how would i find out about a invention that they turned down?
Seeking info about that doggie aircondisoner,that that boy from dever,co. did.
where would i look to find out or contact him to poss. buy that item.

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america's intelligence was just insulted by this show come on is it a joke women invented a way to dispose of pits&peanut shells years ago you take a empty grocery bag or any empty container on other hand you carry fresh snack you place snack remains in grocery bag or container then fill bowl with fresh peanuts ect when the bag or container is full you toss it i hope this clear enogh and you will not have to worry about top bowl of that great invention trying to stay on top of seven inches of peanut shells ect that would really look ugly i hope you understand these instructions your show is stupid insulting to great american inventors end the insult now

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Is Mary Lou Quinlan Simon Cowell's alter-ego? She is unnecessarily brutal! Hope last week's episode isn't an indication of what's to come. Actually...3 of the 4 were rather cruel to the poor lady who made the "tizzie tube" for the kids to release their aggressions. After all...this woman did have a Phd. Sounds like Mary Lou needs a "time out" in the "tizzie-tube" if you ask me.

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this is about the woman on american inventors with the ladies restroom door lock.. bravo!!! i whould buy one in a heartbeat! i dont care how much it whould cost...sign me up!

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Great Show! For all the ladies out there...I had always wrapped foil around the crusts of my pies prior to baking. I had always thought a protector could be invented that was a light weight, expandable aluminum ring that could set on the shell without damaging and protecting my pie.....HA. What do you know? It has already been invented!!!!!!! Apparently poorly marketed. What a great gift!!! Just like the Pasta Cooker...
Why doesn't American Inventors follow their show with a half hour segment of Extraorindary GADGETS you've Never Heard Of!!!!! What a marketing delight!!

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I am so excited about a product that I saw that the judges turned away. The inventors name is Jamie O'Neal and she invented a bra for women with implants. I actually want one. If anyone knows who she is or how I can contact her, please let me know. I was so excited when I got my implants but I cant find a flattering bra. I can be reached at kopcikj@yahoo.com. Thank you.

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I am so excited about a product that I saw that the judges turned away. The inventors name is Jamie O'Neal and she invented a bra for women with implants. I actually want one. If anyone knows who she is or how I can contact her, please let me know. I was so excited when I got my implants but I cant find a flattering bra. I can be reached at kopcikj@yahoo.com. Thank you.

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I am so excited about a product that I saw that the judges turned away. The inventors name is Jamie O'Neal and she invented a bra for women with implants. I actually want one. If anyone knows who she is or how I can contact her, please let me know. I was so excited when I got my implants but I cant find a flattering bra. I can be reached at kopcikj@yahoo.com. Thank you.

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I am so excited about a product that I saw that the judges turned away. The inventors name is Jamie O'Neal and she invented a bra for women with implants. I actually want one. If anyone knows who she is or how I can contact her, please let me know. I was so excited when I got my implants but I cant find a flattering bra. I can be reached at kopcikj@yahoo.com. Thank you.

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I'm very exited about this show too! I hope it does well so I can try out next season.

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Hi,

My name is Jamie O'Neal. I'm the inventor of Temptress Bra featured on the American Inventor show. This is the first bra designed especially for woman with implants. (Patent Pending)

I have had a huge response from the show. My line is set to debut this fall. I want to thank everyone for their support!!

Please visit my website at

www.thetemptressbra.com

:) Jamie O'Neal

jamie@thetemptressbra.com

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I really hate watching this show. All of these inventions were horrible! It just pains me to see all these dumb ideas and I have a great one and am not on television. My idea the "displayable/portable CD case/book" blows all of these other inventions away.

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Yesterday was the first time that i watched American Inventors. It was quite interesting. I liked it. I really like the invention of the young stay at home 35 year old mom that had the character bear. I am very interested in buying it. So, if anyone know how i can purchase that bear please, let me know. you can hit me @ my e-mail. Thanks, so much. keep up the good work. My e-mail is johnson1291@verizon.net or kdj129@aol.com.

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Yesterday was the first time that i watched American Inventors. It was quite interesting. I liked it. I really like the invention of the young stay at home 35 year old mom that had the character bear. I am very interested in buying it. So, if anyone know how i can purchase that bear please, let me know. you can hit me @ my e-mail. Thanks, so much. keep up the good work. My e-mail is johnson1291@verizon.net or kdj129@aol.com.

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What does someone's last unemployment check, or their house that's in foreclosure have to do with them winning this competition? I don't care what your sob story is. You either have a stellar invention or you don't. And bringing in your last pay stubb isn't going to help you, so save it.

AND, an IDEA does not an INVENTION make. The "Here Comes Nia" doll is nice, but the talking doll has been around for decades. Pitch the idea to Mattell. But it's just that, an IDEA, it's no invention.

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I would like to buy the toner belt. How do I contact Robert Amore? Email? Number?

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www.CharacterBuildingBuddy.com She is great.. Wish she made it all the way to the last round... Really loved those bears.. Some say it was an infringement off the Bild A Bear Workshop because of the heart piece.. I say they are nothing alike.. Go Joan! It seems she has made it further than others as she already sells them online, and at Legoland, as well as a few other locations..

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www.CharacterBuildingBuddy.com She is great.. Wish she made it all the way to the last round... Really loved those bears.. Some say it was an infringement off the Bild A Bear Workshop because of the heart piece.. I say they are nothing alike.. Go Joan! It seems she has made it further than others as she already sells them online, and at Legoland, as well as a few other locations..

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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Does anyone remember the invention of the almond shell dispenser made by the 90's band? Who was the band?

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What do Angel Investors and VCs think of shows like American Inventor and The Apprentice?

It came up at the VC hangout, the iBreakfast and you can read about it at VCs at the iBreakfast - How Investors Who Judge With Their Money See Biz Reality Shows

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The ABC humiliator factor show is disgusting...its obvious these sales judges don't realize that salesmen are a common breed and there are millions of sales people for every 100 inventors.....inventors are thinkers who need one semi honest wolf to protect their humanitarian ideas...and the less the better....dream boards all scrambling for a common denominator...someone needs to invent a pocket gauge that monitors just how much of that gallon of gasoline these sales attendents are clipping you for on every tank...If America had an ounce of foresight it would simply strike against gas sales and let the sales people feel their fair end of humiliation...other wise america will be bowing at the petro alter....Gary Brumley tulsa ok

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The ABC humiliator factor show is disgusting...its obvious these sales judges don't realize that salesmen are a common breed and there are millions of sales people for every 100 inventors.....inventors are thinkers who need one semi honest wolf to protect their humanitarian ideas...and the less the better....dream boards all scrambling for a common denominator...someone needs to invent a pocket gauge that monitors just how much of that gallon of gasoline these sales attendents are clipping you for on every tank...If America had an ounce of foresight it would simply strike against gas sales and let the sales people feel their fair end of humiliation...other wise america will be bowing at the petro alter....Gary Brumley tulsa ok

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The ABC humiliator factor show is disgusting...its obvious these sales judges don't realize that salesmen are a common breed and there are millions of sales people for every 100 inventors.....inventors are thinkers who need one semi honest wolf to protect their humanitarian ideas...and the less the better....dream boards all scrambling for a common denominator...someone needs to invent a pocket gauge that monitors just how much of that gallon of gasoline these sales attendents are clipping you for on every tank...If America had an ounce of foresight it would simply strike against gas sales and let the sales people feel their fair end of humiliation...other wise america will be bowing at the petro alter....Gary Brumley tulsa ok

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I don't think people are asking for sympathy when they state the problems they faced to get to where they were on that show. You have to be open minded and realize that people create things for all different reasons. The people who were struggling were trying to make a better lifestyle for themselves, their families, and others. At least they aren't out robbing, cheating, and killing. They are doing something positive, trying to live their American Dream (we all have one)and I don't think it should be over shadowed by negativity! Someone can use mostly everything that was on that invention show. We are not here to judge for someday we will be judged. "Without a struggle, there can be no progress" - Frederick Douglas Peace & Love onto all!

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I don't think people are asking for sympathy when they state the problems they faced to get to where they were on that show. You have to be open minded and realize that people create things for all different reasons. The people who were struggling were trying to make a better lifestyle for themselves, their families, and others. At least they aren't out robbing, cheating, and killing. They are doing something positive, trying to live their American Dream (we all have one)and I don't think it should be over shadowed by negativity! Someone can use mostly everything that was on that invention show. We are not here to judge for someday we will be judged. "Without a struggle, there can be no progress" - Frederick Douglas Peace & Love onto all!

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I don't think people are asking for sympathy when they state the problems they faced to get to where they were on that show. You have to be open minded and realize that people create things for all different reasons. The people who were struggling were trying to make a better lifestyle for themselves, their families, and others. At least they aren't out robbing, cheating, and killing. They are doing something positive, trying to live their American Dream (we all have one)and I don't think it should be over shadowed by negativity! Someone can use mostly everything that was on that invention show. We are not here to judge for someday we will be judged. "Without a struggle, there can be no progress" - Frederick Douglas Peace & Love onto all!

Reply to this comment

I don't think people are asking for sympathy when they state the problems they faced to get to where they were on that show. You have to be open minded and realize that people create things for all different reasons. The people who were struggling were trying to make a better lifestyle for themselves, their families, and others. At least they aren't out robbing, cheating, and killing. They are doing something positive, trying to live their American Dream (we all have one)and I don't think it should be over shadowed by negativity! Someone can use mostly everything that was on that invention show. We are not here to judge for someday we will be judged. "Without a struggle, there can be no progress" - Frederick Douglas Peace & Love onto all!

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I really didn't like the show, if you didn't spend thousands of dollars and you where not about to go bankrupt they just didn't want you. If you are a smart inventor you WILL NOT spend that kind of money. I auditioned in New York, and my 14 year old had it pegged the next day; they shuffled the people they where not interested in to other rooms, and they told the people that had no chance they would find out if accepted in 4 weeks. Why did they have to waste our time? Setting us up with dummy interviews? the people who won knew right away, and most everyone I spoke to that day felt like they where in the dark.
I hardly even watched the show, I thought the way they did it was stupid,ALL THE DRAMA!! does the average american REALLY want to watch it??
The most interesting part of the show was the designers working with the inventors and creating better product,watching the idea become the product. A million dollars is SH*T money when it comes to a great invention. They should ask america how the show should be set-up, the show had 2 much emotion and not enough interesting content.
I also think they discounted me because I had more than 1 invention AND I don't think they like the idea of YOU having the patent. I would really like to know if any of the "winners" held patents for their ideas?? I also want to know if they want ideas to change the show, as an inventor i'm a little paranoid someones going to steal an idea If you are a true inventor you ALWAYS are coming up with new ideas, my brain is like a machine, it is always coming up with a new designs for old products, or something new altogether the ideas just NEVER stop!!

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I really didn't like the show, if you didn't spend thousands of dollars and you where not about to go bankrupt they just didn't want you. If you are a smart inventor you WILL NOT spend that kind of money. I auditioned in New York, and my 14 year old had it pegged the next day; they shuffled the people they where not interested in to other rooms, and they told the people that had no chance they would find out if accepted in 4 weeks. Why did they have to waste our time? Setting us up with dummy interviews? the people who won knew right away, and most everyone I spoke to that day felt like they where in the dark.
I hardly even watched the show, I thought the way they did it was stupid,ALL THE DRAMA!! does the average american REALLY want to watch it?? browns drawing board at yah** dot com. The most interesting part of the show was the designers working with the inventors and creating better product,watching the idea become the product. A million dollars is SH*T money when it comes to a great invention. They should ask america how the show should be set-up, the show had 2 much emotion and not enough interesting content.
I also think they discounted me because I had more than 1 invention AND I don't think they like the idea of YOU having the patent. I would really like to know if any of the "winners" held patents for their ideas?? I also want to know if they want ideas to change the show, as an inventor i'm a little paranoid someones going to steal an idea If you are a true inventor you ALWAYS are coming up with new ideas, my brain is like a machine, it is always coming up with a new designs for old products, or something new altogether the ideas just NEVER stop!!

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If you need help with your invention, manufacturing invention, financing inventions, or china sourcing. http://www.manufacturingchina.com

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