Who's your Momma (of invention?)

So, how many times have you heard of a great new product and than smacked yourself in the face for not patenting the idea when you thought of it, like five years ago? Well, the folks at Whirlpool want you to know about their Mother of Invention contest.

For those of you who read Berrie Sweet Picks, I also am posting this over there since I think this is such a great contest for Moms.
I've been a bit busy and not able to post about this immediately, but the contest began May 11 and runs through July 31, 2008.
Here are the details:
If you've got an idea for a business or invention but need help marketing it, this is definitely something you need to pay attention to! The Whirlpool Mother of Invention Grant can help you get from idea to reality with necessary business resources (like seed money and expert advice).
Now for the other kind of green.
*The Grand prize is $20,000 in grant money, choice of Whirlpool brand Duet Steam washer and dryer pair or Whirlpool brand Cabrico washer and Steam dryer, Whirlpool Brand dishwasher, and a stipend for a new home office.
*First Prize is a $7,000 grant, a Whirlpool brand dishwasher and Duet Sport pair.
*The Green Frist Prize is a $7,000 grant and Whirlpool brand refrigerator with water filtration.
*Second Prize is a $5,000 grant, a Whirlpool brand dishwasher and Duet Sport pair.
*The Green Second Prize is a $5,000 grant and a Whirlpool brand refrigerator with water filtration.
And it pays to go that extra mile for the Mother of Invention Contest. Those with a prototype, business plan, trademark or trademark pending will earn extra points for their entries!
Ideas will be judged on uniqueness in the marketplace, if it meets a consumer need, and if it could be a viable business, and more.
To enter and for official rules, click here!
Entries will be accepted through July 31, and winners will be notified around September 8, 2008.
Better get crackin'! I'm sure the competition is going to be fierce!