Frequently Asked Questions

The reasons are threefold. First, Colgate-Palmolive Company ("Colgate") wants to ensure that all submitter responses are reviewed and dealt with in a consistent and timely manner. Second, Colgate understands that solutions can be provided by a variety of sources, some that may require support in describing the solution in a way that enables more clarity on how it solves a need. yet2 has significant experience working in this area and is able to facilitate the process for ensuring the best chance of success. Third, ensuring only non-confidential information is received minimizes the risk of jeopardizing Colgate's ongoing research programs and projects. Colgate may be developing similar concepts, so sharing only non-confidential information is important for protecting Colgate's IP positions as well as your own. yet2 can help act as a gatekeeper to prevent Colgate from receiving confidential information.

When you submit an idea through this Idea Submission Portal, you will be asked to complete an "Open Innovation Submission Form" including your contact details, a non-confidential overview of your solution and your agreement to the Terms and Conditions of submission and the Privacy Notice. yet2 will review your details and evaluate the solution on behalf of Colgate within the portal.

yet2 manages a global technology transfer marketplace and has provided open innovation services to large and small companies since 1999. yet2 works with companies small and large supporting their innovation activities through technology acquisition and technology commercialization. yet2 has a dedicated team with a wealth of experience in enabling the sharing of information and articulating technology features and benefits and how that fits to a WANT whilst maintaining confidential technology details. Since 1999, yet2 has created a global-wide network of technology transfer partners and formed relationships with technology transfer organizations, technical expert networks, SME networks, online technical communities, technology brokers and multinational companies. Consequently, yet2 has significant experience in how companies acquire and divest technology and understand the best approaches to reviewing technology and identifying its fit to the needs of an organization whilst ensuring adequate protection for each party. Furthermore, yet2 understands the nuances between large companies and smaller technology innovators and successfully manages thousands of introductions for successful partnerships each day.

No, only non-confidential information may be submitted. Throughout the submission process, we ask for only information that imposes no obligations of confidentiality for Colgate or yet2 and does not breach any confidentiality obligations that you as the submitter owe to others. If confidential information is later required, we may negotiate a separate Confidential Disclosure Agreement prior to sharing or receipt of any confidential information.

yet2 will review your "Open Innovation Submission Form" in relation to criteria provided by Colgate to decide on whether your solution is a fit for Colgate's needs. yet2 will follow-up directly with you via email to inform you of the status of your submission.

Yes, you must be at least 18 years of age to submit an idea.

On submitting your "Open Innovation Submission Form", you will receive an email confirming your submission has been received, and you will be provided with a unique submission identification number. Contact will then be made within approximately five working days to inform you of the status of your submission. Assuming no additional information is required and the idea meets Colgate's needs, it will then be forwarded to Colgate for their review. Colgate's review may take several weeks, at which point they may reach out to you to discuss your idea in greater detail.

Yes, retirees or former employees of Colgate may participate.

There will be no reward for your initial submission of an idea through this portal. However, if Colgate decides to pursue a submission, they may proceed with a mutually-agreed contract and appropriate commercial terms on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, these are created to protect you and your rights, and also eliminate the risk of jeopardizing Colgate's ongoing research programs and projects.

Yes, you will have to agree to the Terms and Conditions for each submission.

Ideally, your solution will be protected by granted or applied-for patents. However, Colgate is willing to discuss early stage general and non-confidential ideas before a patent filing has been made or before it has been published. If you have not filed for patents yet, you should not disclose any information that jeopardizes your rights to file patents, and we advise you contact an IP lawyer prior to submission.