Includes bibliographical references (p. [473]-474) and index.

Ideas R Us: Names in the Game -- Maple Seeds to Microchips: A History of Playthings -- Toy Stories: Off-the Chart Winners -- The Making of a Pro: Getting Started in Toy Invention -- From Mind to Merchandise: Making an Idea Reality -- Pat. Pend., [Trade Mark], [Registered Sign], [Copyright]: IP Firewalls -- Life's a Pitch: How to Sell Your Ideas -- Foreign Licensing: Going for Euros and Yen -- Molding the Deal: The Gets and Gives -- Batteries Not Included: How Product Is Powered -- Brandwashing: Entertainment Licensing -- Interactive Invention: Opportunities in Video Games -- The Inventor Profiles -- Companies Seeking Ideas.

The toy industry is a 30 billion dollar-a-year business. It's also the last frontier for aspiring independent inventors, with an annual new product turnover of 60 percent and plenty of opportunities for the creative mind. Here, one of the most recognized and successful toy and game inventors in the business teams up with the former head of research and development at Hasbro to bring clear, comprehensive information to aspiring toy and game inventors...who just might bring us the next hula hoop!