At Shearwater Research, we are passionate about divers. Everything we build is grounded in our commitment to powerful, simple, reliable products and amazing customer experiences. Two of our core values are to Really, Really Care About Customers and to Continuously Improve. That is why we genuinely want to hear from likewise passionate people with ideas for making our existing products better, or for entirely new inventions we have not yet imagined.

NEW PRODUCT SUBMISSION PROCESS

While our engineering, product, and innovation teams are busy developing the next generation of Shearwater products, we sincerely thank you for thinking of us. It may be that your invention aligns with our mission and is worth pursuing together. If you would like to share an idea or invention with us, this document explains how to proceed and the conditions under which we may consider it.

Shearwater Research Conducts Business Fairly

Treating everyone with respect is another one of our core values, and that begins here. If your invention is original, it will be respected as such. If it is not original, there is a good chance we have already seen, considered, or developed something similar. Original inventions are more likely to provide mutual benefit. To avoid misunderstandings, the process of categorizing your invention is governed by a few basic tests. Your invention should pass the following:
1. It is, or is associated with, a working product. Shearwater Research requires well thought out product submissions and does not use this process for sales promotions, marketing concepts, or general ideas.
2. It is new to the public, the industry, and to Shearwater Research.
3. It would be commercially viable for Shearwater Research.

Patents are Preferred

For your own protection in disclosing your invention to us, Shearwater Research Inc. strongly prefers to work with people whose inventions are patented or patent-pending. A patent or pending application establishes your ownership of the invention and protects your rights from the outset. If you have one, please forward a copy of the patent or application with your submission.

Non-Patented Products

We will also consider unpatented inventions, but only when submitted in accordance with the process below. For our mutual protection, every submission — whether patented or unpatented — must be accompanied by a signed New Product Disclosure Form. Shearwater Research will not acknowledge, review, or otherwise act on disclosures received outside of this process. To submit:
1. Complete and sign the New Product Disclosure Form
2. Provide a detailed written description of your invention, which may include photographs or drawings. Your submission should be focused and specific. Prototypes may be requested at a later date.
Please keep copies of everything you submit for your own records.

Shearwater Research Will Review

Qualified members of our team will evaluate submissions that have followed the process above. Please be patient during this period, as review timelines vary with the nature of the submission and our current workload. Shearwater Research assumes no costs and makes no commitment to follow up in any particular way, or at all. That said, consistent with our values, we will endeavour to be respectfully responsive — one way or another — to submissions that have followed our process.

Next Steps

A signed formal Confidential Disclosure Agreement will be required if Shearwater Research decides to proceed past the evaluation stage. Negotiations will not be conducted until we have received a written Confidential Disclosure Agreement or an issued patent.
Shearwater Research assumes no special obligation based on any disclosures received. We cannot accept disclosures “in confidence,” given the legal implications of that term. You must be the owner of the invention to have it considered by Shearwater Research. If you are younger than the age of majority in your jurisdiction, a parent or legal guardian must sign on your behalf.
Summary
1. Shearwater Research considers inventions only at the submitter’s request and only when submitted in accordance with this process. Shearwater Research has not solicited any disclosure.
2. By submitting, you represent and warrant that you are the sole owner of the invention and hold all legal rights necessary to disclose it.
3. Submission of your invention to Shearwater Research, including the New Product Disclosure Form and any accompanying materials, does not create a confidential relationship between you and Shearwater Research, and Shearwater Research does not assure or undertake any obligation of secrecy.
4. Shearwater Research is under no obligation to provide feedback, to return any materials, or to refrain from independently developing, acquiring, or commercializing similar or identical concepts. We will not divulge to you any prior related knowledge, nor any knowledge obtained after your submission.
5. Shearwater Research assumes no obligations whatsoever in the absence of a signed Confidential Disclosure Agreement or other formal written contract, which, if entered into, would be obtained only after a successful evaluation.
6. Submitting your invention for evaluation does not release, transfer, or waive any rights you hold in any patent or patent application. Shearwater Research has no obligation to you with respect to your invention unless and until a formal written agreement is executed by both parties.

Thank you for considering Shearwater Research.