Some people sweat a lot, but that doesn’t mean they need a lot of deodorant. In fact, what they may really need is a little deodorant. I got in touch with Mennen to share my observations…

Dear Arm Pit Protectors,

I live in Florida, the Sunshine State. Because of all the sunshine, it’s pretty hot all the time. And heat means lots of sweat. In fact, I think the heat from the sun is so strong here that it actually fries people’s brain cells. You think the rain comes down hard in Florida? You ought to see the outpour of sweat that’s coming down from people’s pits!

So, while wandering around South Beach, I noticed lots of folks with pit stains the size of St. Petersburg forming on their shirts and it definitely wasn’t Clearwater. That got me thinking. Do you sell Mennen deodorant in tiny containers the size of breath spray? It would really make it convenient for sweaty, smelly citizens and foreigners to simply stick their hand in their shirt and conveniently stop the sweatathon while still on the go.

Plus, a Mini Mennen would also come in very handy for the old folks in Florida rushing to their cardiologist appointment or the Social Security office as well as nervous widows starting to date again after 60 years and golfers who don’t wear plaid shirts you can’t see through. What’s the smallest size Mennen you sell?

Sweatingly yours,
“Me”

A Consumer Affairs Representative from Colgate-Palmolive, manufacturers of Mennen, responded with:

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

We are always pleased to know what consumers have to say about our products. We regularly receive complimentary comments from consumers and often they suggest product or package improvements or may even have ideas for new products. We welcome this opportunity to explain our policy concerning unsolicited ideas.

Since our company employs researchers in our Technology Centers devoted to developing new products and improving existing ones, we do not solicit outside suggestions and ideas. We will, however, consider ideas that are patented or are the subject of a published patent application. This policy protects both you and the company. If you hold a patent or have a published patent application pending on your idea, please let us know and we will send you the appropriate release forms.

If you would like to apply for a patent for your new idea, you may find information on how to do so on the official website of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, at www.uspto.gov.

The trial size of Mennen Speed Stick is the smallest we make. The trial size is .50.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact us. We hope this information is helpful.

Final Thoughts: Something about this response smells a little funny. At what point is the line crossed between constructive consumer feedback and consumer intellectual property? I didn’t create a new product, change the Mennen formula, or even present my inquiry as a suggestion or idea. I just asked if they sell Mennen in containers the size of breath spray. For that I need to apply for a patent? How can Colgate-Palmolive say they’re pleased to hear what consumers have to say about their products if a container size inquiry starts to make their Consumer Affairs department sweat?

On a positive, more consumer-friendly note, also enclosed with the response was a separate envelope filled with $8.00 worth of coupons to save on a variety of items they manufacture, including 75¢ on any Speed Stick Antiperspirant/Deodorant and 75¢ on any Lady Speed Stick Antiperspirant/Deodorant. Here’s where you can learn more about Colgate-Palmolive patented Mennen products.

If you create a new product idea, or improve upon an existing one, get a patent. However, you won’t know if you’re overstepping your consumer rights and infringing on someone’s legal rights unless you sniff around and Write The Company.