Senior client absolutely loves a proposition I developed for them (it's pending a patent) but 'doesn't remember' who came up with it. He openly asked whose idea it was and (in front of his team and mine) we said it was co-developed, which is the right approach I suppose. Is there a gracious way of refreshing his memory? I don't want to appear like an Apprentice contestant (last nights episode was comedy gold.) but I would like to be recognised (and possibly hired by said client.)Thoughts?

I very much doubt that unless it was truly your own idea (i.e. you did all the work, you did not ask for any inputs, any support with the patent application, any QA review and you did not test the waters and get any feedback from the client) then it was entirely the truth that it was co-developed.I have rarely (if ever) seen a significant proposal be sold by 1 person. Sales happen in teams - and even though you probably had the bigger part (in which case you can strongly imply this by being the one who says "You know I think I have to thank all the team for giving me inputs on this") you need to credit the team.If not then I'm afraid you come across exactly a contestant on the apprentice!

I dread saying this, but intellectually it was truly my own, delivery-wise it clearly was a collective effort. The team deserves (and gets) all the credit they can get on that front. Perception is reality after all, and in the eyes of somebody who gets updated weekly, this should (and does) appear as team effort. I guess there isn't much to be gained by trying to convince them of what could be potentially inconceivable - the project is very successful as it stands, no need to rock the apple cart I guess?

You'll come across as insecure and arrogant to be honest. True leaders are happy that the team gets credit. Look at the benefits of this - your team (and by implication, you) will be seen as a leader of a strong team. Strong leaders are more in demand and this will achieve what you want to achieve.

That's a fair and truly helpful point. And to be fair, my time is better spent delivering work than soliciting credit. And on that note...