Conveying ideas to Ford

[T-bird]

Hello, I am a first time user to this forum however have followed periodically for quite sometime. I have driven Fords primarily all my life and am still partial to them. I am unsure whether this is the best forum to ask this question. If advice can be given it would be appreciated.

A few years ago I had suggested to Ford (via a company contact address of which I don't recall) about what I thought would be a good option for the F150 due to the height of the box. This was to include a top entry tool box on the fenders. Low and behold and probably only circumstancial Dodge has this option now. I had sent this suggestion via email to Ford with no reply and was somewhat peeved at the time however I get over things fast. My method of conveying at the time was probably not the correct avenue.

My question is what is the best means to convey customers ideas to Ford in a private manner via electronic mail? If one is to suggest something that may become proprietary will they work with you on that? I have a considerable weight saving suggestion which may also add structural strength which I would like to convey and also be considered should it come to fruition.

I hope to not be considered a wacko as some of my ideas actually have been used in my career. The old saying nothing ventured nothing gained. Never hurts to try.

[atomcat68]

As I found out through experience, no answer is your answer.

 

I like your idea though. Maybe you could develop it as an aftermarket product/conversion kit. Make money off your good idea instead of passing it off to a corporation.

[Hugh]

Welcome to the forums and I hope you are a member of 'Rider nation'

I am on Ford Social where you can express ideas plus Facebook Ford page is a good place to start. I warn you though, there is a lot of chaff in there so keep posting your ideas, don't feed the trolls.

Again, welcome.

[xr7g428]

Get a patent. There is no way Ford or any other major company is ever going to seriously entertain your ideas, while they are just ideas. They don't want to get into a situation where you can come back to them at some point and say that they "stole" you idea. Once you have a patent, it is very clear exactly what you have, and that you have ownership rights to the idea. Remember, they have lots of very bright people thinking about stuff full time; there is no way to know what they are already thinking about, and they aren't interested in sharing any of that with outsiders.

[T-bird]

Welcome to the forums and I hope you are a member of 'Rider nation'

I am on Ford Social where you can express ideas plus Facebook Ford page is a good place to start. I warn you though, there is a lot of chaff in there so keep posting your ideas, don't feed the trolls.

Again, welcome.

Go Riders! Absolutely a member. Like the direction going for this year and hopefully be a turnaround from last years bummer. Thanks for your reply and will give it a try.

Edited April 26, 2012 by T-bird

[T-bird]

Get a patent. There is no way Ford or any other major company is ever going to seriously entertain your ideas, while they are just ideas. They don't want to get into a situation where you can come back to them at some point and say that they "stole" you idea. Once you have a patent, it is very clear exactly what you have, and that you have ownership rights to the idea. Remember, they have lots of very bright people thinking about stuff full time; there is no way to know what they are already thinking about, and they aren't interested in sharing any of that with outsiders.

 

Thanks fella however not interested in obtaining patents. Have already blown to much in that respect. Mostly just want to give my thoughts with the understanding that Ford would need to carry the ball. Proprietary wavers can be agreed to prior to idea exchanges. Obviously Ford has some very bright people employed with them as indicated by the products they have been producing lately. However they nor any company completely has it covered. Sometimes it is good to think outside the box which is generally where ideas like what you or I more likely would do than a typical automotive engineer.

[xr7g428]

I can understand your disappointment, but there really isn't a short cut. When you wrote this: "If one is to suggest something that may become proprietary will they work with you on that?" and this: "and was somewhat peeved at the time" it pretty much sums up exactly why they don't entertain "suggestions". And by the way, part of what I do for a living is helping people turn ideas into money, I am speaking from experience.

[ANTAUS]

I think their social media is one where you can share ideas, you just are signing off and not going to get paid for anything. Ive shared some in the past, simple stuff like turning down the volume on the radio when backing up so you can hear the sensors, stuff like that. Only because it's just a minor thing you program, not something that would require a patent.

[xr7g428]

Antaus, actually, you could have patented that.... There is a patent for automatically switching the video screen to the rear camera when you put the car into reverse. Even My Color display is protected by patents.

[ANTAUS]

Well its fine by me, I would be ticked if I were dead broke I guess. My father has patent experience from a few things he has done that is paying him royalties, i just know it's usually a lengthy process.

[xr7g428]

It is lengthy and expensive, and less than 10% ever make a dime. Which is why most ideas never get patented.

[kenwowski]

You can submit an idea to Ford via the below link:

 

https://secure.corpo...-new-ideas-form

Edited April 28, 2012 by kenwowski

[T-bird]

You can submit an idea to Ford via the below link:

 

https://secure.corpo...-new-ideas-form

 

Appreciated fella. Exactly what am looking for.

[xr7g428]

From someone who does this for a living... ask any intellectual-property rights attorney if he thinks this is a good idea. Ask him how many people are currently getting paid by Ford for ideas submitted in this fashion. Be sure and understand these two points, and if you are happy with the implications, knock yourself out:

 

 

 

Non-confidentiality

 

Please do not submit confidential information. Ford will not keep your idea confidential, as your idea will be copied and distributed to many people at Ford for evaluation. We do not wish to make your idea public, but there are a large number of Ford specialists that will review the idea, so it may be discussed with individuals outside of the company. If you would like to keep your materials confidential, do NOT send them to us. WE WILL NOT REVIEW CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.

 

 

 

Ownership

 

You must own the idea you are submitting. You cannot submit the idea of another person or party. The idea must be the original creation of the individual who signs the disclosure form and the signor must have the exclusive right to submit the idea to the company. Further, the signor must have the legal right to negotiate the idea with us and the power and authority to grant any and all rights in the material. This does not mean that you are granting any rights under a patent, which you already have or may obtain in the future, during this preliminary review.

[Donaldo]

I think it's safe to assume Ford has already evaluated the Dodge Rambox as a potential future option, as the Dodge is a direct competitor to the F-150. Actually I'm sure Ford already evaluates any options offered by its competitors.