That's a Great Idea!

Book excerpt: After launching a computer dating service, Husch established a vineyard in California and then marketed candy to natural food stores. In this guide for potential entrepreneurs, he and Foust, who practices business law in San Francisco, explain how to get, evaluate, protect, develop and sell new products. The bulk of the book is devoted to brainstorming techniques and exercises, including such approaches as ``revive an old-fashioned food,'' ``put an existing product to another use'' and ``create a safety device.'' They also cover market research, testing, financial feasibility, patents, copyright and trademarks. A lengthy ``resource guide'' lists publications, associations, newsletters, small business development centers, government agencies and federal patent depository libraries, along with sample forms for confidentiality and licensing agreements. (August) Publisher's Weekly.