So happy but terrrified too!

[FL_Orchid_Collector]

Engineers for a giant corporation everyone in the world has heard of (maybe the most famous company in the world, but not Apple if Apple is indeed more famous somehow) want to talk to me about a machine I built within the next week. The date hasn't been nailed down yet but I can't believe this is really happening. I hope it goes as well as my orchids are growing (crap thats banned here but the substance of this post doesn't focus on the forbidden word so my apologies). Oh and the company is closely associated with the state I'm in. I'm not trying to keep it secret from anyone but I don't necessarily want the name of the company to be computer-searchably connected to this post if that makes sense. The corporation is best known for entertainment. Anyway, IRL I have few people besides immediate family who would appreciate or even believe me if I told them so I kinda have to share it here. Oh gosh this is nervewracking! Anyway wish me luck, I've had some of the world's best luck and some of the world's worst, so I need the good luck to come in right now! Thanks!

[Louis_W]

Good luck!

[Ray]

Hope you at least have a patent application in…

[WaterWitchin]

That's exciting news FL Collector! Sending lot of positive vibes your way... and as Ray says, stay aware of your surroundings.

[Diane56Victor]

Congratulations and best wishes going forward.
Get yourself some good independent legal advice.

[Maryanne]

Dear FL Orchid Collector:
If you don't already have a patent application in the works (United States Patent and Trademark Office) -Please, please get a confidentiality - Nondisclosure agreement into place now before you speak to anyone. It must be signed by both parties. it should cover your technical information entirely, and any related information. It should be clear that all such intellectual property belongs solely to you and cover a reasonable time period of extended confidentiality. I highly suggest that you work with an attorney or other competent legal person who can provide an acceptable agreement.
Note that some types of ideas, designs and work are not necessarily patentable, but could be copyrightable. Check the guidleines at USPTO.gov.
How do I know this? My department handles these types of agreements every day.

Best of luck to you
Maryanne