Skip to content
INVENTOR SMART

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 for you!
You’ll find valuable tips, useful resources, and words of wisdom that can help move your invention ideas forward!

good invention ideas

Brian Was Asked: What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Invented My Product” and why?

1. Do your research and look at the facts, be real with yourself and the facts. Ask questions and ask for references.

2. Ask independent people for feedback, and don’t ask people that will earn from you. If you ask someone their opinion and they say it sucks, then they have no more business from you! Ask questions and ask for references.

3.How buyers make decisions. Buyers are allocated a certain amount of shelf space and they have to hit certain targets of sales and revenue. That’s why they go with more of the established brands and are challenged to take a chance on a new product from an inventor. So it’s not easy to get into retail with that 1 product, but not impossible. Better to have established sales to show in your pitch to buyers.

4.When I first started, I would open up a business for every idea I was working on and had to start paying taxes on each of them. Better to invent under a company and start your company when you are ready to receive payment.

5. Drop the idea- Your idea is a business venture no matter how much time, money, energy and effort you put into it. Keep your eyes and ears open and know when to move on to your next idea, you’ll have plenty more ideas that will come to you!

Source: Celebrity Inventors: Brian Fried of the National Inventors Club On How To Go From Idea To Store Shelf

good invention ideas

What can be Licensed?

Almost anything can be licensed as long as it contains a protectable property right. These IP rights can be legally protected through the use of patents, trademarks, copyrights, know-how and trade secrets. Licensing allows a person to use someone else’s protected legal IP rights under the terms and conditions established in a license agreement.

There are many types of licensable IP rights. We often speak of “technology” as being licensable. Technology typically relates to useful products, materials, machines, processes, or methods, which incorporate a practical or industrial character, such as a new pharmaceutical. Once legal requirements are met, new technology can be legally protected by a government-issued patent and can then be licensed by the patent holder to a licensee for their use. Technology in the form of a trade secret or know-how also may be licensed.

New expressions of ideas in the form of literary and artistic works such as books, paintings, sculptures, motion pictures and musical compositions are protected by copyrights. Copyrightable expressions also come in the form of practical objects such as computer programs, product label designs, and architectural works. In this case, a person may use

(e.g., copy, perform, distribute, make derivative works of) a copyrighted expression only by permission of the copyright holder.

Trademark and similar rights may be established through use of a name, logo, symbol, or other identifying characteristic, which associates a trademark with the source of a product or service. A trademark right (based on associating goodwill with a mark) may also be licensed to

another person. Again, the common element among all of these forms of “licensable”

properties is that each contains a legally protectable right, which is protected in one of three ways:

1. The IP right is protected by a government granted patent or copyright and is protected against infringement by legal statutes;

2. The IP right is established by use and is recognized through statutes in the form of a trademark;

3. The IP right is established by conduct (maintaining secrecy) or through a contract, in the case of a trade secret and know-how. These are also recognized and protected through legal statutes. Without a protectable legal right, anyone may make, reproduce, or sell a product or process developed by another.

Source: The Basic of Licensing by Licensing Executive Society Inc.

The “Intellipan” is Cooking!

Jerry Rodriguez, an aviation industry expert and fitness enthusiast, invented Intellipan™ – a revolutionary product that integrates weighing and cooking for faster, more efficient meal prep. Recognizing the importance of precise portioning, Jerry merged his expertise to create Intellipan™, enhancing the culinary experience.

“Jerry envisioned a product to improve daily lives. Drawing from aviation and his passion for nutrition, he realized the impact of streamlining workflows. In the kitchen, precise portioning aids health goals. Intellipan™ seamlessly combines weighing and cooking, simplifying meal prep.”

Connect with @JerryRodriguez in the Inventor Smart Community app!

Inventions

What practical steps do I have to take to obtain patent protection?

Answer: 

The first step in securing a patent is the filing of a patent application. Many patent offices provide a specific form to fill in. In some patent offices, you can file a patent application online.

In the patent application, in general, you must describe the title of the invention, as well as provide an indication of its technical field. You must also include the background to and a description of the invention, in clear language and enough detail that a person with an average understanding of the field could use or reproduce the invention. Such descriptions are usually accompanied by visual materials such as drawings, plans, or diagrams to better describe the invention and an abstract, which contains a brief summary of the invention. You must also clearly and concisely define the matter for which patent protection is sought in the “claims” part of the patent application.

In addition, depending on the applicable patent law, you may need to submit various kinds of statements, declarations or supporting documents to a patent office. In view of the complexity it is recommended that you consult a patent attorney or a patent agent to prepare a patent application.

Source: https://www.wipo.int/patents/en/faq_patents.html#accordion__collapse__08

PLEASE PARTICIPATE IN THIS SURVEY

A message from Brian

Inventors, your insights will make a difference!  Share your personal situation with your invention journey in this quick survey [Survey Link] for me to tailor content for you and the rest of the inventor community! I will also offer 3 inventors a complimentary session with me to figure out how to overcome your personal invention challenges. Let’s help each other move our inventions forward together!

Inventors and their Inventions

Next NIC meeting- Join the Inventor Smart Community app to watch Live Streaming!!

new invention ideas

In case you missed February’s National Inventor Club meeting: 

National Inventor Club features Terrell Jones, the visionary mind behind Travelocity.com and founding Chairman of Kayak.com. Our main guest speaker, Terry Jones, best known for his pioneering work, shared insights from his entrepreneurial journey and offered a compelling narrative on innovation and disruption.

Intro guest speakers from the US Patent & Trademark Office, SCORE Mentors and new Premium Insider members  also joined the stage during our livestream!

We were joined by Lori Szudarek, representing the Inspired Home Show, graciously extended an invitation to the upcoming home trade show in Chicago this April, providing a promising avenue for inventors. We also heard some advice from Business Mentor & Author Charlene Walters, she gave invaluable advice on how we can gain confidence to move forward with our ideas and business. Pierre Laspinasse from Business Advisor from Small Business Development Center, who provided us tips on business plans to assist inventors in starting their businesses and moving forward with their invention ideas. From the US Patent & Trademark Office we were joined by Tong Guo, she shared some exciting upcoming events at the USPTO that inventors can take advantage of. 

We also met our Inventor Spotlight of the month, Jerry Rodriguez, the  inventor of Intellipan. Additionally, we welcomed new premium members to the National Inventor Club, further expanding our community of innovators. The diverse perspectives and experiences shared by these esteemed guests and members truly made the meeting a remarkable and enriching experience for all.

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, please join us at National Inventor Club: https://nationalinventorclub.com/join or download the Inventor Smart Community app https:inventorsmart.app Available on Apple App Store or Google Play.

ideas for inventions

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.

Are you patent pending?

Do you have a prototype to show and demonstrate?

Are you looking to earn royalties from your invention?

Are you looking for a manufacturer?

Do you want to raise money or find an investor?

Do you want to sell your invention?

Learn from other inventors or let’s see and hear about your big invention idea! 

Show & tell us about your invention, have your very own video interview to be proud of!

Your video can be used to:

Post to your social media

Add on your website

Send to bloggers & editors

Pitch to licensees or investors

Listen to inventor interviews.

Schedule your interview on the Got Invention Show. Check out the details on https://gotinventionshow.com.

Would you like to be our guest on the Got Invention Show? Schedule your interview today to promote 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!!

idea for an invention

Stay in the loop with the freshest updates from the US Patent & Trademark Office. Dive into the latest news and announcements by visiting their official website at https://www.uspto.gov/. Stay informed, stay ahead!

“The biggest thing is, don’t give up. Do whatever it takes. You’re going to have hurdles, you’re going to encounter brick walls, and you’re going to face all kinds of wrenches thrown at you. You just have to figure out how to work around them, go through them, over them, under them—whatever it takes. Never think that if there’s an issue, I’ll just find somebody else. If you can’t do it, somebody else can, and that’s what I did.”

– Carman Cook, Swabbies
Chief Executive Officer at Better Family, Inc.

Inventor and Member of National Inventor Club

On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell made the first telephone call.
These were his first words

On March 7 in 1876, Bell was awarded the first US patent for the telephone after months of research on hearing and speech led him to experiment with hearing devices. 

Meanwhile, on March 10 in 1876, the first telephone call was made by Graham Bell as he demonstrated his ability to “talk with electricity”. The first phone call was made to Thomas Watson, who was Bell’s assistant. 

“Mr Watson, come here. I want to see you,” were the first words transmitted. The entire event is regarded as Bell’s “greatest success” because it was the world’s first successful use of a telephone. 

famous inventors

Check out Brian's latest book on inventing!!

A shop for Inventors, innovators and patent holders - Check out InventorMart.com!

SHOP INVENT

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

entrepreneur

About Brian Fried 

Inventor. Speaker. Coach. Author. Radio & TV Host. Founder. 

Brian Fried, known as “The Inventor Coach,” is a highly accomplished innovator, author, and speaker. With 15 patents to his name, he has successfully licensed and manufactured his own inventions, gaining recognition through QVC, infomercials, catalogs, and major retailers. For over 18 years, Brian has been working closely with inventors, providing one-on-one coaching as an invention licensing agent and guiding inventors in commercializing their ideas into tangible products.

As an expert speaker, Brian captivates audiences with his engaging talks on innovation and invention. He has authored three books, offering practical advice and strategies for aspiring inventors. In addition to his speaking and writing endeavors, Brian hosts the “Got Invention Show,” a platform that showcases inventors and their creations, providing them with valuable exposure.

Brian is the founder of the National Inventor Club, a community that supports and connects inventors, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities. He serves as the Chief Invention Officer of Inventor Smart, an invention consultancy that assists inventors in bringing their ideas to fruition.

In October 2023, Brian officially launched the Inventor Smart Community, an innovative social media and resource center exclusively designed for inventors. The app, now available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store, aims to create a vibrant community where inventors can connect, share ideas, and access valuable resources.

With his extensive experience, resourcefulness, and commitment to helping inventors succeed, Brian Fried has become a trusted figure in the invention industry. Inventors and aspiring innovators can rely on his expertise and guidance to navigate the complexities of the invention process and turn their ideas into reality.

brianfried.com | inventorsmart.app | brian@inventorsmart.com

Let’s stay connected on Linkedin

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

Copyright © 2024 *INVENTOR SMART*, All rights reserved.

Past Newsletters

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

Read More »

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

Read More »

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

Read More »