Idea Submission
Tradition of Innovation
For over 100 years WillowWood has been a partner to clinicians and amputees. One of our core values is a committment to providing the highest quality products through the use of new technology and materials. We have proudly partnered with entrepreneurs in turning sound product ideas into actual products with great success. Have an idea you want to share? Here’s how:
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Idea Submission Policy
WillowWood appreciates the continuing interest shown by individuals who, each year, send us suggestions to improve our products. We sincerely thank you for your input and enthusiasm for WillowWood and our products. Please be aware that what you have in mind may have already been considered by us, be under development, been targeted for patent protection, already be in commercial production, or be the subject of some other action already take by WillowWood. Ideas submitted to WillowWood may have been already disclosed in prior literature and patents by other inventors.
If you would like for WillowWood to review an idea that you have, please fill out the IDEA SUBMISSION FORM on our website and send it to us. Any ideas we receive are received under the following terms:
- By performing this preliminary review, WillowWood assumes no obligation with respect to the idea unless and until it enters into a written contract to pursue the idea, and then only as expressed in that contract.
- There is no obligation for WillowWood to review submissions beyond a preliminary review or to use the idea submitted.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You are not violating any agreement, obligation, or understanding that you have with or to another party, including your current or former employer.
- WillowWood is not obligated to compensate you for ideas developed by WillowWood independent of the ideas you submit to WillowWood.
- Your submission is voluntarily and you agree WillowWood may make copies as it deems necessary or desirable, in its sole and exclusive discretion, in connection with the submission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Submitting Product Ideas
Before you decide whether to submit your prodict idea to WillowWood, here are some things we think you’ll want to know.
How do I submit my product idea for WillowWood’s consideration?
Why does WillowWood use a website to receive submissions of product ideas?
What kinds of information does WillowWood need in order to decide whether it is interested?
My product idea is neither patented nor patent-pending. May I still submit?
Will WillowWood sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before I share my innovation?
How can I arrange to present my product idea in person?
Who will review my submission, and how long will it take?
If WillowWood likes my product idea, how much money will WillowWood pay me for it?
What type of business deal with WillowWood could result from my product idea submission?
For what reasons might WillowWood decline to pursue my product idea submission?
How do I submit my product idea for WillowWood’s consideration?
Whether you are an individual inventor, a small business, or listed in the Fortune 500, the way to bring your innovation to WillowWood’s attention is to submit it via this website.
Why does WillowWood use a website to receive submissions of product ideas?
Using an online submission system enables us to manage the idea submission process efficiently, and helps so that the ideas are reviewed by the right individuals as quickly as possible. It aids with gathering all the key information needed for review of, and respond to submitters in a timely manner.
What kinds of information does WillowWood need in order to decide whether it is interested?
We need a clear, concise description that conveys the nature of the innovation and the unique features and benefits it offers relative to existing solutions, and the status of your intellectual property (do you have a patent , submitted patent application, or just a great idea for further consideration).
WillowWood cannot advise you on whether or not to pursue a patent or other form of intellectual property protection. For more information regarding the nature of intellectual property and its uses, you may wish to consult your legal representative or appropriate government agencies, for example, the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
My product idea is neither patented nor patent-pending. May I still submit?
Patents and other forms of intellectual property are used to establish ownership, and protect the legal rights of the owners of various kinds of innovations and works.
WillowWood cannot advise you on whether or not to pursue a patent or other form of intellectual property protection. For more information regarding the nature of intellectual property and its uses, you may wish to consult your legal representative or appropriate government agencies, for example, the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Will WillowWood sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement before I share my innovation?
Yes. WillowWood will consider signing an NDA if the non-confidential information you initially submit covers an area of further interest for the company.
How can I arrange to present my product idea in person?
Our initial review is based wholly on the non-confidential information you provide in your submission. Face-to-face meetings, phone conferences, or live demonstrations are typically not required at this stage.
It may take between three and eight weeks for our initial review. In the event that we need additional information or samples, we will contact you.
Even if you have not yet heard from us, we are working on it!
Who will review my submission, and how long will it take?
Each submission is reviewed by a WillowWood team member who determines how to route it to ensure it reaches the relevant business and/or technical personnel within our Company.
We are committed to reaching a decision as quickly as possible. However, a thorough initial review, especially of a technology innovation, may take as long as eight weeks to complete.
If WillowWood likes my product idea, how much money will WillowWood pay me for it?
Compensation is an important component of any business deal. Value is determined through discussions between WillowWood and the party which controls the rights to the intellectual property and its practice. Each deal is evaluated on its own merits. As a result, there is no standard amount.
What type of business deal with WillowWood could result from my product idea submission?
The type of business relationship that might result from a submission of interest could take a variety of forms, depending upon the specifics of the innovation and both the potential partner’s and WillowWood’s needs. This may take the form of a licensing or supply agreement, or other type of collaborative venture.
For what reasons might WillowWood decline to pursue my product idea submission?
We realize that those who submit innovations to us desire feedback, including the reasons why we may decide to decline an opportunity. However, we are typically not at liberty to give detailed reasons. Generally speaking, submissions are most frequently declined for one or more of the following reasons:
- The proposed solution is already known to us.
- We already have work in progress in the area encompassed by the submission.
- The opportunity is not a strategic match with where we want to take our businesses or brands.
- The size of the opportunity does not fit with our business plans.
- There is a lack of protectable intellectual property associated with the submission.