Hape does not say whether it reads outside ideas. Its US store terms let it use any idea sent in, with no duty to keep it confidential or pay for it. It bought the Quadrilla marble run brand and its design patents.
Read off Hape's own pages on
Where pitches like these are made: Spielwarenmesse, the Nuremberg toy fair · Spielwarenmesse eG, CC BY-SA 3.0
What you agree to by sending something
“If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, 'comments'), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any…”
“We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments.”
What it has bought from outside
2012
Quadrilla marble run brand and design patents from Quadrilla’s owner
“Hape acquired the Quadrilla brand and patents for design, and the product is available in the Basic Set, Twist Set, Rail Set, and the Twist & Rail Set.” toybook.com
