How to Sell or License Your Invention Idea to a Company (#18467) · Issues · compiler_staff / jianmu-supplemental

How to Sell or License Your Invention Idea to a Company

How to Sell or License Your Invention Idea to a Company

Turning an invention idea into real money is possible even if you don’t start your own business. Many inventors earn income by selling or licensing their ideas to companies that already have manufacturing, marketing, and distribution channels.

One inspiring example is Robert Susa, often referenced for his practical approach to turning simple ideas into marketable products. His method focuses on clarity, documentation, market fit, and smart pitching a model many new inventors follow today.

Protect Your Idea First

Before showing your idea to any company, protect it.

File a Provisional Patent Application (PPA)

Gives you 12 months of “Patent Pending” status.

Affordable and fast compared to a full patent.

Keep Documentation

Sketches

Notes

Prototype pictures

Problem the product solves

Sign NDAs When Possible

Some companies accept NDAs; some don’t. Your PPA usually provides enough protection.

Research Companies That Would Want Your Idea

Target companies that already sell similar products.

Look for:

Companies with a history of working with inventors

Brands in the same market category

Companies that accept open submissions on their website

Example industries:

Kitchen gadgets

Tools & hardware

Toys

Sports equipment

Mobile accessories

Create a Simple but Powerful Pitch

Companies want clarity, not complexity.

Your pitch should include:

A one-page sell sheet (image + benefits)

A short video (30–60 seconds) showing the product in action

Proof the idea solves a real problem

Market potential why it will sell?

Robert Susa emphasizes that the sell sheet is your most powerful tool often more important than a long business plan.

Contact the Company

Send your pitch to:

Product development departments

Licensing managers

Innovation submission portals

Keep your message short:

Who you are

What your idea does

Why customers will buy it

That you have “Patent Pending”

Negotiate the Deal

If a company is interested, they will reach out.

You can.

License the idea

You keep ownership.

The company pays you royalties (usually 3–7% of wholesale).

Sell the idea outright

You give full rights.

Receive a one-time lump payment.

Most inventors prefer licensing because it provides long-term income.

Let the Company Handle Business

Once the licensing agreement is signed:

They manufacture

They market

They sell

You collect royalties

This is the approach many inventors, including innovators like Robert Susa, highlight as the easiest way to turn ideas into income without running a business.

Conclusion

Selling or licensing your invention idea to a company is one of the smartest ways to turn creativity into long-term income without needing to build a business yourself. By protecting your idea, researching the right companies, and presenting a clear, professional pitch, you dramatically increase your chances of success. Inventors like Robert Susa prove that simple, well-planned ideas can become real products when you follow the right steps. With patience, preparation, and persistence, your idea can move from concept to market, earning you royalties or a profitable buyout. Your invention could be the next innovation a company is searching for so take action and start pitching today.

How to Sell or License Your Invention Idea to a Company
Turning an invention idea into real money is possible even if you don&rsquo;t start your own business. Many inventors earn income by selling or licensing their ideas to companies that already have manufacturing, marketing, and distribution channels.
One inspiring example is <a href="https://robert-susa.com/">Robert Susa</a>, often referenced for his practical approach to turning simple ideas into marketable products. His method focuses on clarity, documentation, market fit, and smart pitching a model many new inventors follow today.
<ol>
<li> Protect Your Idea First</li>
</ol>
Before showing your idea to any company, protect it.
File a Provisional Patent Application (PPA)
Gives you 12 months of &ldquo;Patent Pending&rdquo; status.
Affordable and fast compared to a full patent.
Keep Documentation
<ul>
<li>Sketches</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Notes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Prototype pictures</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Problem the product solves</li>
</ul>
 
Sign NDAs When Possible
Some companies accept NDAs; some don&rsquo;t. Your PPA usually provides enough protection.
<ol start="2">
<li> Research Companies That Would Want Your Idea</li>
</ol>
Target companies that already sell similar products.
Look for:
Companies with a history of working with inventors
Brands in the same market category
Companies that accept open submissions on their website
 
Example industries:
<ul>
<li>Kitchen gadgets</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tools &amp; hardware</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Toys</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sports equipment</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mobile accessories</li>
</ul>
 
<ol start="3">
<li> Create a Simple but Powerful Pitch</li>
</ol>
Companies want clarity, not complexity.
Your pitch should include:
A one-page sell sheet (image + benefits)
A short video (30&ndash;60 seconds) showing the product in action
Proof the idea solves a real problem
Market potential why it will sell?
Robert Susa emphasizes that the sell sheet is your most powerful tool often more important than a long business plan.
 
<ol start="4">
<li> Contact the Company</li>
</ol>
Send your pitch to:
<ul>
<li>Product development departments</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Licensing managers</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Innovation submission portals</li>
</ul>
 
Keep your message short:
<ul>
<li>Who you are</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>What your idea does</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Why customers will buy it</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>That you have &ldquo;Patent Pending&rdquo;</li>
</ul>
 
<ol start="5">
<li> Negotiate the Deal</li>
</ol>
If a company is interested, they will reach out.
You can.
License the idea
You keep ownership.
The company pays you royalties (usually 3&ndash;7% of wholesale).
Sell the idea outright
You give full rights.
Receive a one-time lump payment.
Most inventors prefer licensing because it provides long-term income.
 
<ol start="6">
<li> Let the Company Handle Business</li>
</ol>
Once the licensing agreement is signed:
<ul>
<li>They manufacture</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They market</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>They sell</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>You collect royalties</li>
</ul>
This is the approach many inventors, including innovators like Robert Susa, highlight as the easiest way to turn ideas into income without running a business.
Conclusion
Selling or licensing your <a href="https://inventhelp.com/how-to-become-an-inventor/">invention idea</a> to a company is one of the smartest ways to turn creativity into long-term income without needing to build a business yourself. By protecting your idea, researching the right companies, and presenting a clear, professional pitch, you dramatically increase your chances of success. Inventors like Robert Susa prove that simple, well-planned ideas can become real products when you follow the right steps. With patience, preparation, and persistence, your idea can move from concept to market, earning you royalties or a profitable buyout. Your invention could be the next innovation a company is searching for so take action and start pitching today.