I today met a person with a bad case of what I call Invention Psychosis.
A long time ago, it used to be my work. For lack of a better process, I was the person in New business development to whom the switchboard connected people with “new ideas”. While listening to today's explanation about an incredible unique success product, it all started coming back to me.
A person affected by IP can be diagnosed by the following symptoms:
1. Inability to hear anything that contradicts the obvious greatness of the idea.
- Here is my invention, isn’t it great?
- The components seem quite expensive and sensitive for a product you plan to sell for outdoor use in developing countries.
- Yes, but isn’t it a great idea?
2. Exaggerations and/or aggressive behavior from an otherwise timid person
- I have this great invention that you can easily sell in millions.
- That is great. Let me first explain to you how the IP review policy of our company works.
- I am sure you understand that I have to record all our discussions.
- Fine. You can start by recording how the IP review policy of our company works.
- I don’t want to patent my invention, it’s complicated, costs money and takes a long time.
- I understand, but our policy is not to review any ideas that are not protected by IPR.
- I will sell my idea to you very cheap.
- It is unfortunately impossible for us to evaluate the value of your invention without a patent.
- What is ten thousand dollars to a large company?
3. Obsessive selling to anybody even remotely relevant and failure to understand declining words
- You have to buy my idea.
- Thank you. We are not interested.
- You don’t understand what you are missing.
- Thank you. We are not interested.
- This is a very good deal for you.
- No thank you.
- I will call your boss.
- My boss will also tell you No.
- But you have to buy my idea.
The memories fade away. The IP case goes on with the explanation. I try to murmur that it is quite rare to come across a great business idea no-one else in the world has ever thought of...
I’m glad it won't be me answering the phone.
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