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
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 for you!
You’ll find valuable tips, useful resources, and words of wisdom that can help move your invention ideas forward!
How to Bring Your Invention Idea to Market with No Money
If you have a brilliant invention idea concept but lack financial resources, there’s still a path to success! Brian Fried, an experienced inventor and consultant, offers a wealth of free resources and guidance to help you navigate the process strategically.
Expert Tips to Turn Your Idea into Reality:
- Embrace Simplicity: Create a clear and easy-to-understand invention. Use accessible materials for early prototypes.
- Network and Collaborate: Connect with other inventors, mentors, and potential partners within the industry.
- Protect Your Idea: Take steps to safeguard your invention. Consider filing a provisional patent application to claim patent pending status.
- Explore Licensing and Open Innovation: Licensing to established companies can be a cost-effective path to market. Research open innovation platforms where companies actively seek new product ideas.
The Basics of Licensing
Licensing is a powerful and flexible means for creating partnerships that bring innovation out of the darkness of an inventor’s workshop and into the light of the marketplace. Simply put, a license is analogous to a “lease” agreement between an owner (licensor) and a lessee (licensee) that is based on granting permission to use property in exchange for compensation.
Determining the Value of Your Invention:
- The strength and scope of the protected IP
- The expense necessary for a license to reach full production
- The cost of any additional R&D required
- The exclusivity or non-exclusivity of the licensing agreement
- The geographic scope of the license
- The competitive product, processes, and technology available to the prospective licensee
- The total market and its estimated growth
- Common industry or standard license rates
- Whether the license covers all or part of a process or product
Inventor Spotlight
After a life-altering battle with breast cancer, Kim, a former medical device and pharmaceutical sales professional, transformed her experience into a driving force for innovation. Inspired by a breakup and the need to carry groceries alone, she invented Click & Carry, a unique bag handle that allows users to comfortably manage multiple bags at once, hands-free. Kim’s resilience and determination led her to pitch her invention on Shark Tank and appear on numerous shows, bringing her product to market.
You can find Kim in the Inventor Smart Community App @kimmeckwood and visit her website clickandcarry.com. Read more about Kim’s journey in our Inventor Spotlight feature here.
Revolutionizing Oral Care: Dr. Alevtina Malakova’s Brush Refresher – Inventor Spotlight Ep. 3
In this exciting third episode of the Inventor Spotlight Podcast, hosted by Samantha St. Raymond, we sit down with Dr. Alevtina Malakova, a dedicated general dentist and co-inventor of the innovative “Brush Refresher.” Dr. Malakova shares her journey behind the groundbreaking toothbrush concept, designed to house multiple bristle heads within a single handle. Learn about the challenges faced in prototyping, the decision to pursue a licensing model, and the role of AI and 3D modeling in their success.
Watch the episode on YouTube for valuable insights and inspiration!
Do I Need a Patent Attorney/Agent?
In general, applicants can prepare their patent applications and file them without assistance from a patent attorney. However, given the complexity of patent documents and the legal skills required, such as claim drafting, it is highly advisable to seek legal assistance from a patent attorney/agent when drafting a patent application.
Furthermore, the legislation of many countries requires that an applicant, whose ordinary residence or principal place of business is outside the country, be represented by an attorney or agent qualified in the country (which usually means an agent or attorney who resides and practices in that country). Information on the qualified attorneys and agents can be obtained directly from national and regional IP offices.
Learn more here
Upcoming NIC Event: Protecting Your Brand
Join us on June 19th, 2024, at 8 PM ET for a special live streaming event hosted by the National Inventor Club. This month’s meeting will feature a presentation on “Protecting Your Brand: Essential Strategies from the USPTO Trademark Commissioner.” David Gooder, the Commissioner of Trademarks from the US Patent and Trademark Office, will share his expertise on the basics of trademarks, how they differ from other forms of intellectual property, and why they are crucial for protecting your brand and inventions. There will be a Q&A session where you can get your questions answered by an expert.
Whether you are just starting out or have an established business, this live stream will provide valuable insights to help you build and protect your intellectual property. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from a top official at the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Date: June 19th, 2024
Time: 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT / 5 PM PT
Visit the Inventor Smart Community App for more details.
Recap of May’s National Inventor Club Meeting
In case you missed it, the National Inventor Club held an exciting meeting in May where we explored the secrets behind successful “As Seen on TV” products. We were thrilled to feature Steve Silbiger from Top Dog Direct, a key player in the success of numerous famous infomercial products. Steve shared his invaluable insights on what makes a product great, how to effectively test your ideas, and the evolution of direct response television (DRTV) from its early days to its current form.
Highlights of the Meeting:
- Importance of Retail for Infomercial Products
- Value of Mentorship
- Identifying the Target Market
- Support for Veterans
- New National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation
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.
One of the recent episodes of the Got Invention Show features inventor Michael Gilman, creator of the Cleansing Swab for Needle Pens Assembly. Diagnosed with diabetes, Michael’s invention streamlines insulin injections, offering a convenient, sanitized solution. Learn about his journey from idea to patent and how he’s now seeking to license his invention for royalties.
You can connect with Michael Gilman on the Inventor Smart Community app available on Google Play or Apple App Store https://inventorsmart.app user name MichaelGilman@CommunityBuilder
Be Our Guest on the Got Invention Show!
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, reaching 100 million households! Host Brian will conduct a 28-minute interview, which you can use for your website and social media. The show airs on Amazon Fire, Roku TV, YouTube TV, and will soon be on Apple TV! The podcast audio version is played on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google and Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music! Small fee, great promotion for you and your invention!!
Record Number of Patent Practitioners Help Under-Resourced Inventors
WASHINGTON— On the heels of its release of the National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) today celebrated the individuals and law firms that have volunteered significant time and effort to help financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses protect their ideas, positioning them to more fully realize their dreams. The USPTO awards these volunteers with the Patent Pro Bono Achievement Certificate.
Program Impact:
- Since its 2015 launch, the USPTO’s Patent Pro Bono program has aided thousands of underrepresented and under-resourced inventors by providing free intellectual property assistance, boosting small businesses and the economy.
- Inventors like Janira Hernandez (spill-preventing baby bottle) and Ivana Miskic (child car seat blanket) successfully patented their inventions with pro bono help, showcasing how innovation drives societal progress.
- Established under the 2011 America Invents Act, the program operates through regional programs that match volunteer practitioners with inventors, covering the entire U.S. Director Kathi Vidal has enhanced the program’s continuity and reach.
- In the past year, over 120 patent practitioners each contributed 50+ hours of pro bono service, with 28 corporations and law firms involved, resulting in more than 205 pro bono patent applications filed in 2023.
- The program has matched over 4,400 inventors with practitioners since 2015, filing nearly 2,240 patent applications. It saw record participation from inventors of color, women, and veterans in 2023, promoting inclusive innovation.
Advice from an Inventor
“Embrace the unknown, for within its depths lie the seeds of innovation. Trust in your curiosity, nurture your creativity, and dare to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Samantha St. Raymond
Cell: 314-327-8114
Entrepreneur – Inventor – Writer
Philanthropist – NIC Member
NaVOBA Certified Business
VP Of Membership at www.inventorsmart.app
Invention History: Hula Hoop Patented
On March 5, 1963, Arthur “Spud” Melin, co-founder of Wham-O, patented the Hula Hoop, a toy that had become a massive fad in America since its launch in 1958, selling an estimated 25 million units in the first four months. Wham-O, founded by Melin and Richard Knerr in 1948, initially sold slingshots for hunting before branching into other sporting goods. Their first major success was the Frisbee, introduced in 1957. Inspired by Australian children using wooden hoops, Melin and Knerr created the plastic Hula Hoop, which quickly gained popularity.
Despite the initial craze fading quickly, the Hula Hoop remained a cultural icon and continues to have fans. Notable achievements include a performer spinning 100 hoops simultaneously in 2004 and the record for spinning a 13-foot, 4-inch hoop. Wham-O continued to innovate with other popular toys like the Superball, Water Wiggle, Silly String, Slip ‘n’ Slide, and Hacky Sack.
Proud Sponsors and Supporters
We are grateful for the support from our esteemed partners who provide valuable resources and special offers to the Inventor Smart Community and National Inventors Club. Check out their services and take advantage of the exclusive benefits available to our members.
Fiverr: Get access to a vast marketplace of freelance services. Use our exclusive link for special benefits.
PickFu: Obtain instant consumer insights on your product designs, images, and copy. Use coupon code INVENTOR for a special discount.
Soona: Create high-quality photos and videos for your products with ease. Explore special offers through our link.
PatentAwards: Celebrate your patent achievements with beautifully crafted awards. Check out exclusive offers for our community.
The Patent Professor: John Rizvi offers expert patent law services. Discover more about protecting your ideas through our link.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in promoting your product or service in our future newsletters? We offer exclusive sponsorship opportunities to help you reach a targeted audience of inventors and innovators.
Contact Us or call (631) 565-7074
Book Club
We launched our second Book Club session, discussing the book ‘How To Make Money With Your Invention Idea,’ a book for inventors aiming to turn their innovative ideas into profitable ventures. This event brought together inventors at various stages to share experiences and successes in product development, patent protection, and market entry. Discussions emphasized understanding niche markets, securing patents before pitching, and strategies for market expansion. Inventors’ shared experiences underscored the communal nature of navigating product development and market entry challenges. Insights on pitching inventions, identifying buyers, and negotiating licensing agreements provided practical guidance for commercialization.
Download the Inventor Smart Community App
Stay connected, access exclusive resources, and join a vibrant community of inventors. The Inventor Smart Community App is your hub for networking, learning, and sharing ideas.
Don’t miss out – download the app now and take your inventions to the next level!
Check out Brian's latest book on inventing!!
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
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
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
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Inventively Yours,
Brian and the Inventor Smart Team
Past Newsletters
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