Let's hope the contestants on American Inventor have
read the fine print.According to this L.A Times article from last month, contestants on the show not only don't get a million dollar "prize" (it's actually an advance against future royalties), but they actually have to give ABC and the producers "exclusive, perpetual, worldwide license." Seems like a foolproof contract for the network and the people behind the show.
Of course, I'm sure the inventors will gladfully sign the contract, as long as they get some money and get to express their DREAMS and their PASSION. (Kidneys not included.)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-13-2006 @ 8:40PM
Simmssays said...
Unlike with American Idol where the singers can sing on forever, the inventor show means you give up your rights to your one good idea. I am concerned for the inventors getting a fair deal from this production.
Simmsays...
http://www.AmericanInventorSpot.com
AmericanInventorSpot.com
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4-13-2006 @ 8:42PM
Simmssays said...
Somehow my posting did not show up.
Well, I'll tyr again.
Unlike with the singers in American Idol who can keep singing after their contract with the show expires, with the inventor, they will take their one good invention and that's it. I worry for the inventors who end up winning. I hope that the deal does not rip them off.
Simmsays...
http://www.AmericanInventorSpot.com
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4-13-2006 @ 10:10PM
Travis said...
"Gladfully"?
Maybe you ought to invent yourself a dictionary.
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4-13-2006 @ 11:07PM
Duane said...
The thing is, if the show is trying to steal ideas, then they're doing so in a pretty public forum. I expect that the inventor will be well compensated. If they truly screwed anybody there'd be lots of public spotlight cast on the whole thing, and sometimes having somebody's name on the dotted line doesn't always mean that you win.
I agree that "all rights forever" is a bit much, however.
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4-14-2006 @ 8:59AM
jimmyb said...
hey.....where would these people be without the show?
they all are on it because they were getting nowhere on their own......
life is a trade off......
and besides "forever???" lol any contract can be changed or challanged...in fact that would be a good idea for another reality show....
REALITY SHOW LAWYERS...who can come up with the best lawsuit..[ i ll be watching if someone steals my idea]
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4-21-2006 @ 12:26AM
Orlando said...
If these inventor's ideas are indeed stolen by this network. It is the lowest of the low and this network should be ashamed of itself. It is worth researching
and reporting the truth.
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4-21-2006 @ 1:12AM
Idelle said...
So if a contestant doesn't make it past the $50,000 round, does he or she still lose ownership of his invention? I would like to see the guy who invented the shovel he demonstrated in New Orleans develop his product - with or without the show.
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4-22-2006 @ 2:13AM
simmsays said...
So did you guys hear that Doug Hall is going to answer all questions posted by commenters this Sunday night at http://www.AmericanInventorSpot.com.
He's a live guest blogger there at 9:30 pm eastern time. It should be pretty interesting with quite a few inventors feeling pretty unhappy with the show.
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