I guess you all remember these ads about users claiming to have had the idea and telling Microsoft.
is it true, can you just email in with an idea.
has anyone ever tried it.
Better file a patent on it before you email any ideas to anyone.
There are many fanciful notions, however, about the origin of Windows. In fact, it was an inter office system being used by Xerox, before they carelessly let it slip from their grasp, not undertanding its potential.
This is a good story, and close to what I used to read at the time it happened. But google and you will find minor variations.
Folklore.org: A Rich Neighbor Named Xerox
Last edited by davehc; 10 Sep 2014 at 23:52.
+1 for protecting your idea. Sears sold Craftsman ratchets(a socket wrench that could reverse direction) but it had a small ridge for reversing drive direction with a tiny button in the center to release the socket. An employee put a design in the suggestion box for the same ratchet but with a large lever for changing direction and a big button for releasing the socket. Easier to use and cheaper to make.
They awarded him $250 for his suggestion. Eventually I think they settled out of court for $3M back when a million was still money. :)
Funny thing about patents, bending an edge on a metal triangle used to fasten windows glass panes to wooden frames so it can be hammered in easier is still one of most successful patents ever.
Yes I remember seeing those comercials but I don't know if its true that you can email them a idea or not. That would be a good thing to do though if you could and they would listen.
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