July 2023
Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is for you!
You’ll find valuable tips, useful resources and words of wisdom that can help move your invention ideas forward!
Marketing for Licensing and Manufacturing Your Invention/Product
How will you get the word out about your invention? One of the best tools you can create yourself is a demo video. Try to keep it less than two minutes long. Here’s a word of advice… if you’re attempting to license and you want to show a licensee your video, upload and select the unlisted option on YouTube (not public, not private), and only people who receive the link will be able to view that video. Licensees most likely would like to be the first to see something new and may not like that the public can easily view it, especially if they want to be first to the market with your invention. I’m not a big fan of getting too much public exposure when I’m in the middle of trying to find a licensee to do a deal. They’ll appreciate that they’re one of the first ones to see it and they can be the first ones to show it to their buyers. I also don’t suggest doing much on social media or promoting your website, or even having a website when you are attempting to license an invention. After the potential licensee reviews your idea, they sometimes provide feedback that can help you adjust your product design, or what they said can help prepare you for a better pitch or presentation next time. I like to build respect with them and keep my cool if the invention I just pitched gets rejected. This way I leave the door open with them to listen to my next idea.
Smile, and have a good discussion, and be prepared with your potential licensee. Show them your prototype in the video or in person. They’ll be able to understand why your invention is for them, and for you to earn royalties and hopefully they feel the same way, as your partner, licensee.
Manufacturing? You want everyone to know about your invention that you are now manufacturing, and buy it! Part of your marketing should be to make a professional video so you can use it for your website and in social media posts, and ad campaigns. I’d prefer not to have everyone see my product before I’ve had a chance to manufacture it. So, publish it on your website and YouTube, and your social media channels when you’re ready to start taking orders. But sometimes people post “coming soon” or “starting to take pre-orders” messages on their website. Both ways can work, your choice. I just like to know I have a product in hand and I have a chance to test it and make sure everything is good before I tell people to order it and it’s on its way.
Source: How To Make Money with Your Invention Idea Book by Brian Fried
Every inventor has that moment: one minute, you’re struggling with a problem, and the next, you’ve come up with a great new solution for how to fix it. You can picture your product in your mind’s eye, and you know you need to make it a reality.
So, How Do You Take Your Invention Idea and Turn It into a Tangible Product?
Step 1: Come Up With An Invention Idea And DON’T LOSE IT
- How Do You Know If You Have An Invention Idea?
An invention idea may present itself to you in the form of a way to improve an existing product (i.e., “building a better mouse trap”), or you may have an idea for an entirely new product category.
Your idea could be inspired by an existing product that’s been around for decades, but if you’ve found a way to solve a problem, then you just might have invented the best thing since sliced bread. Quick, write down your idea before something comes along to distract you!
- Keep Track Of Your Invention Ideas
An invention idea is like a balloon in a child’s hand; it needs to be held tightly or it can easily float away.
If you’re an inventor, then you understand how a great idea can unexpectedly pop into your head without even a moment’s notice, and if you’re not careful, it can be forgotten just as quickly. Make sure you capture your ideas as soon as they come to you.
If you’re a serial inventor, you can organize your invention ideas in a journal, or create a folder on your computer where you can store your thoughts and revisit them later. Whatever your preferred method is, record your ideas in a safe place where you can easily find them when you’re ready.
Step 2: Make Sure Your Idea Is Really YOUR Idea
If capturing your idea is the most important step, researching your invention is the second most important. As an inventor, it’s your responsibility to make sure the products you’re inventing are, in fact, unique.
As you’ve probably guessed by now, you can easily start your research with everybody’s favorite search engine, Google. Search for terms related to your product, and take some time to dig through the results.
Step 3: Research Your Future Competitors
I can’t stress this enough: research, research, research! Make sure you’re familiar with all of your potential competitors’ products. Some key details you should research are:
- Competitors’ brand and product names.
- Price points of your competitors’ invention products.
- Where your competitors’ products are being sold.
- What your competitors’ packaging looks like.
- What are consumers saying about your competitors’ products? Does your invention idea align with the market’s feedback?
- What materials are your competitors’ products made out of, and how does this differ from the product you’re thinking of creating?
Step 4: Name Your Invention
You’ve got your idea, you’ve done your research, and now you’re ready to take action! But what are you going to call your product? Chances are, you’ve already come up with some ideas during the first two steps we discussed, but remember, the first name you think of may not be the name you end up using.
Step 5: Protect Your Product
You’ve got your invention idea, you’ve done your research, and you’ve come up with a great name for your product. You’re well on your way towards becoming a successful entrepreneur, but there’s one small step that you can’t overlook: protecting your product from being ripped off.
Before you can protect your product, though, you’ll first need to understand whether or not it’s able to be patented.
According to the USPTO, an invention can be patented…
unless “(a) the invention was known or used by others in this country, or patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country, before the invention thereof by the applicant for a patent,” or “(b) the invention was patented or described in a printed publication in this or a foreign country or in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of application for patent in the United States.”
So, what does this mean for you? In simple terms, your idea must be 100% brand new and unheard of in order to be eligible for a patent, but filing for a patent in and of itself is a crucial step that requires some time and patience. Once again, you may wish to visit the USPTO website, where you can find a list of resources for inventors that can help you get started on protecting your new product.
To read the full article visit https://nationalinventorclub.com/new-invention-ideas-the-first-5-steps-towards-creating-your-product/
Question: How do I record a trademark assignment?
Answer:
A trademark is intellectual property that may be transferred or sold. The law permits the transfer or sale of a trademark by means of a legal document called an Assignment. A properly executed assignment transfers all rights from the existing owner to another person (referred to as the Assignee). When the trademark is transferred, the Assignee becomes the new owner of the trademark and has the same rights as the original owner. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) records all assignment documents and any document that affects title. Documents that affect title include, but are not limited to, mergers, changes of names, security agreements, various liens, licenses, probate documents, and bankruptcy petitions.
Trademark assignments can be filed electronically. The Electronic Trademark Assignment System (ETAS) enables the user to create and submit a Trademark Assignment Recordation Coversheet by completing on-line web forms, attaching the supporting legal documentation as TIFF images for submission via the Internet and submitting the fee for recordation. Assignment or Name Changes filed electronically will be processed and recorded within hours of the submission. ETAS can be accessed through the USPTO website.
Please note that with all assignments, the assignment information provided by the user will be recorded as provided and will not be verified or modified by the USPTO.
Source: https://www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/trademark-faqs#type-browse-faqs_1229
National Inventor Club hosted the GS1US for the June 2023 monthly meeting. Who knew that barcode are scanned 10 BILLION times each day?! The barcode has been around for 50 years, but innovation behind that scanner at the register never stops! We got a sneak peek on how innovation happens with the organization behind the barcode industry!
We were also joined by Janet Gongola of USPTO, she shared some upcoming events that will be happening at USPTO and everyone are invited to join and learn. We were also joined by the club’s new members who gave a short introduction.
National Inventor Club is one of the largest and most active communities for inventors, innovation, and service providers that support invention and continues to provide a nationwide platform for great guest speakers, networking, and connections founded and moderated by Brian Fried, who has been running inventors clubs for over 15 years.
To become a member, free or paid for inventors and service providers, please join us at National Inventor Club: https://nationalinventorclub.com/join
The Got Invention Show
The Got Invention Show features a 30-minute interview where an inventor promotes an invention, seeks a licensing deal, or looks for distribution opportunities. Host Brian Fried focuses on his guest’s challenges and solutions. He asks about their journey, where they are right now, and what will come next. He invites guests to offer words of wisdom to viewers and listeners.
In one of the past episodes of Got Invention Show, we had a chance to meet Sandy Basitien.
Sandy Basitien is a wife and mom of five ages 16, 7, 4, 3, and 1. She is also a business owner and Inventor of the babaLID™️. The babaLID ™️ is a complete baby bottle designed to keep the nipple and babies healthy and safe. The lid can be conveniently attached to the bottom of the bottle while baby is being fed. The detachable tether keeps the lid always connected the the bottle. This is the “No More Missing Lid” baby bottle.
Presently, she is working on bringing her patent-pending baby bottle to the market.
You can support her by checking out her website and SIGN UP to be notified of launch details for Kickstarter in April 2021
Visit www.babalid.com
Video: https://youtu.be/dfX90vPjdck
Email: hello@babalid.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babalidinc/
Would you like to be our guest on the Got Invention Show? Schedule your interview today to promote Click Here to Watch All Inventor Interviews your prototype or product now available for sale to now reaching 100 million households!
You and Host Brian will do a 28 minute interview and once the interview is completed, you can use it for your website and social media and we air on Amazon Fire, Roku TV, YouTube TV and next month we will be on Apple TV!! The podcast audio version of your interview is played on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google and Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music! Small fee, great promotion for you and your invention!!
USPTO Study on Patent Pro Bono Program: Listening Session for Inventors
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a Federal Register Notice that announced a public listening session last June 5, 2023, in Alexandria, Virginia. The purpose was to seek feedback regarding the nationwide network of independently operated patent pro bono (free) programs.
The Unleashing American Innovators Act of 2022 (the Act or UAIA) requires the Director of the USPTO to complete a study of the patent pro bono programs and assess their functionality and health. The Act identified several areas of interest including:
- Whether the patent pro bono programs are adequately serving prospective and existing participants.
- Whether any participation requirements of the patent pro bono programs serve as a deterrent for prospective participants.
- The degree to which prospective inventors are aware of the patent pro bono programs.
- Whether the patent pro bono program may benefit by expanding participation to non-attorneys, including patent agents and patent paralegals.
To watch the session visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtdIZFh3FH4 (Highlights)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLq-2t7h8dQ (Full version)
“ I think it takes a lot of time and the task is hard. But you just have to keep going till it’s done. I just saw a toothpaste roller, I was thinking about that myself. One at a time!”
-Harold Collier
Are you ready to pitch your invention? Now Casting for the Got Invention Show’s “Pitch Your Invention” Mini Series!
Pitch Your Invention is still casting inventors with inventions for a special media series introducing yourself and demonstrating your invention with a 2 minute pitch!
-We’re looking for inventors to give their best 2 minute pitch of their product or prototype and be a part of our upcoming program! (no cost to you and recordings happen from your webcam into our studio).
-If you’re selected, you can be a part of our episodes that may air on Amazon Fire, RokuTV, YouTube TV, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google and Apple Podcast and Amazon Music! If you’ve already submitted, please do not apply again, Brian is starting to feel better and will get started soon!
– If you have yet to apply, click here: www.pitchyourinvention.com
Good Luck!
Got Invention Show
Check out Brian’s latest book just published!!
Do you have this great idea for an invention in your head? Are you ready to learn how to make money with that invention?
● This book is about taking action so you can take that great idea out of your head and make smart decisions to help you make money. Here’s how it works:
● We’re going to walk through the steps of getting started with your big idea.
● We’ll also explore how to turn your idea into a real prototype.
● We’ll discover resources to protect your ideas and, of course, help plan your future.
So why did I write this book? I want to provide the opportunity for more inventors to learn the process it takes to experience the invention brought to life. Not only to make your invention a reality, but to learn how to earn from your inventions.
A shop for Inventors, innovators and patent holders - Check out InventorMart.com!
This is a shop for you! You’ve worked hard on your invention, now you can wear DESIGNS & MERCH made with you in mind! Find shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, stickers, blankets and over 1,000 unique items to show that you are proud to be an inventor. check out InventorMart.com
About Brian Fried
Brian Fried, serial inventor with 15 patents, is an award-winning authority in the invention industry, a sought-after celebrity guest speaker and an advocate for the invention community. As Chief Invention Officer of Inventor Smart and Expert Inventor Coach, Brian represents inventors at every stage of the invention process, project managing new up-and-coming inventions from idea to manufacturing or as an invention licensing agent to secure deals with major brands and earn royalties for inventors.
Brian is the founder of the National Inventor Club where guest speakers focus on topics of interest to the inventor community.
He is a 3x author and his 3rd book, How to Make Money With Your Invention Idea was just published in May 2022. He also hosts Got Invention Show and Radio where you can watch on RokuTV, Amazon Fire, YouTube TV, and you can hear his podcasts on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music Google and Apple Podcasts. Brian recently launched a new merch line with various designs for inventors, InventorMart.com
You can visit Brian’s personal website at BrianFried.com and check out his invention that have been licensed where he earns royalties and manufactures others that he sells on his own currently found in retailers.
Brian’s Inventor MasterClass is now available! If you want to evaluate your invention, find out if licensing or manufacturing is the right decision for you, sign up for an eLearning course at InventorClass.com. National Inventor Club Members receive a discount. For inventor resources, more information, and additional tips, visit Inventor Smart.
Sponsorship opportunities available for future newsletters. If you’d like to promote your product or service please contact info@inventorsmart.com or call (631)565-7074
Thank you for reading this and please subscribe to the newsletter on Linkedin for us to stay connected!
Inventively Yours,
Brian and the Inventor Smart Team
Past Newsletters
August Newsletter 2024
August 2024 Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is
July Newsletter 2024
July 2024 Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is
June Newsletter 2024
June 2024 Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is
May Newsletter 2024
May 2024 Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is
April Newsletter 2024
April 2024 Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is
March Newsletter 2024
March 2024 Whether you’re an experienced inventor or a newbie who just came up with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is