Have read enough about patent protection, public disclosure, provisional patents, investor dislike of NDA’s/necessity of an NDA, to be wholly dead-ended about how to have appropriate parties assess the viability of my home made exercise device. While there is similar prior art, there is also NO product on the market, or in gyms, like it nor is there an instance of it in Youtube home gym videos. Clearly I understand my working prototype would be refined, redesigned, and likely scrapped while the concept is deployed with different mechanics, which I would welcome. If Wal-Mart came up with a Shake Weight copy for $15.00, my device would be copied right away, if the right party has the Aha! moment and takes it to market.
Should I be afraid to show it to fitness box owners without an NDA?
How can I possibly expect to get an audience with an angel or manufacturer/collaborator without third-party validation, sales, drawings, reasonable protection?
What are ballpark ownership/royalty shares for someone like me who has an idea that works (I’m convinced!) but limited funds and needs to know whether it will compel interest before putting in funds or soliciting funds?
Go easy on me…thank you!