Long shot, I know, but any chance one of you guys has a personal contact with a major tool company? I think I mentioned a while back (maybe I didn't, idk) that I created an accessory for a common tool. I've done patent searches and not found anything that I believe would compete with it. I bought a 3D printer and have made fully-functioning prototypes, and I have secured a provisional patent for the tool accessory.
My goal is to pitch to a tool company with the hopes of signing a licensing deal. However, so far it's not going too good. I reached out to Stanley Black and Decker and they only review invention submissions that have a full utility patent. To secure that would cost me at least a year's time and at least 3-5 thousand bucks. Next I wrote Empire Levels, but only received this reply, "Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, as a policy, we do not review invention submissions to protect both you and us. Our product development and design teams spend a lot of time working with users on job sites to develop solutions to meet their needs..."
I reached out to one other smaller company, C.H. Hanson, but am waiting to hear back.
Like I said, I know this is a long shot, but you never know.
