We (Hasbro) wanted to send a note to all of you, our loyal participants in Hasbro’s
Star Wars brand team Q&A, because we have recently begun to see more and
more inquiries/questions re: Hasbro’s ideation process, submission of
product ideas (from outside individuals), etc. Please read below for
information on Hasbro’s protocol for such matters. (This is the proper
procedure for ALL TOY BRANDS – not just Star Wars.)
Thank you!
New Product Ideas
Question - I have an idea for a new product. Does Hasbro accept outside
submission ideas? How can I present my idea to Hasbro?
Answer - As you can imagine, we receive many contacts and inquiries about
submitting new product concepts, and while we appreciate hearing from our
friends and consumers, we must advise that we do not accept unsolicited
submissions for review. We depend on our employees, other organizations and
professional inventors with whom we deal on a regular basis for such ideas.
Also, the toy and game industry has had the unfortunate experience of
lawsuits being filed by individuals who allege misappropriation of their
ideas as a result of a company's consideration of even the most general,
obvious, or derivative concepts, and we simply cannot assume such risks.
A very good way for you to get an inside look at our business would be to
read The Toy and Game Inventor's Handbook by Levy and Weingartner. This
book contains invaluable information about how to proceed professionally and
with a greater chance of success.
You may wish to seek entry to a company which has a submission policy
different from ours, or else you may wish to contact either the game
industry's trade association, The Toy Industry Association, or a toy and
game broker. Such a broker introduces and helps sell the
concepts/prototypes or other inventions to the broker's personal contacts at
various toy and game manufacturers. While we cannot make a specific
recommendation, and do not endorse any particular broker on the list,
attached is a list of names and addresses of brokers who have given their
permission to release their names. It is important that you understand that
these brokers run their businesses in different ways. Many charge a nominal
fee for reviewing each concept. All will take a percentage of any royalties
if they are successful at placing your concept at a manufacturer.
The Toy Industry Association is located at 1115 Broadway, Suite 400, New
York, NY 10010-2803. Their telephone number is (212) 675-1141, option, 6.
They may be able to refer you to brokers who are members of the TIA.
We wish you well with your efforts.
