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What Inventor Assistance Is Available
There are a lot of websites out there offering basic inventor assistance regarding patenting and other types of advice regarding your inventions. Some are certainly helpful at getting started and perhaps providing some introductory information as to patentability and other alternatives an inventor might pursue to protect an invention.

Consult a professional about whether your invention may have commercial value, and get inventor assistance and help with whether or not to patent and how to patent your invention.

Non-Profits Companies Providing Inventor Assistance

Benefit: There are a few nonprofit organizations that can help an inventor determine if they should spend the money and energy developing an idea. One is the Inventor’s Assistance League, Inc. Such organizations have been generally found to be helpful and a key benefit to discussing an invention with them and other professionals who advise about the value of inventions is the focus on marketing and the business end, which many inventors do not have.

Possible Downsides: No interest in the commercial investment can limit interest in developing the product and not all of the contacts at organizations like these have a lot of business experience.

Professionals That Help Develop Inventions and Products

Benefit: There are businesses that specialize in product development and prototype development. Some of these provide helpful inventor assistance so long as you have a good contract in place to protect your invention when you deal with them. They are a business and they have commercial priorities, so if they think the product can sell they will often be willing to work with you.

Possible Downsides: These businesses have areas that they specialize in, and if your invention isn’t “their kind of thing” their interest and feedback may be of limited value.

Using The USPTO For Inventor Assistance

If you know you want to patent something up front, the USPTO provides some very general assistant to inventors. They have an inventors’ assistance section that is on the USPTO website. Keep in mind that the information they are willing to provide is very general and is targeted at the process of getting an invention, not an individual’s specific invention. The staff at the USPTO cannot give advice as to a specific invention and they cannot give legal advice.

Consulting Outside Sources Gives Additional Information and A Different Approach

Consulting with a professional, either from a non-profit of the private sector has value on at least two fronts:
1. The inventor gets feedback from a party that is not invested in the invention’s success.
2. The inventor gets feedback from a party that knows about the marketplace and what sells.
Keep In Mind: Professionals are not always right

No matter who you talk to, there are literally thousands of inventions and products that everyone thought would fail except the handful of people who got it on the market. While most inventions have no commercial value, some do. If you see it but others don’t you should not give up on your invention.
January 16, 2013
How To Sell An Invention

Want to know how to sell an invention? Well, first things first, make sure you have your prototype ready. With or without a patent, an inventor needs a working prototype to sell most inventions successfully.

How To Sell An Invention With A Patent

Inventors can sell their invention with a patent either approved or in process. Either position is stronger than without a patent. Most businesses that acquire inventions are interested in items that are actually patentable, so demonstrating this up front will increase the inventor’s negotiating position by a lot and enable the inventor to command much larger fees. This process can be negotiated with a full patent application in process, complete, or even a provisional patent.

Provisional Patents

A provisional patent may be a better route for an inventor that does not want to make the full commitment of funds to an actual patent. It costs a few hundred dollars and gets the patent process started, and allows for a year of not filing very much paperwork. It can allow initial protection of the inventive idea without making the huge investment while an inventor looks for an investor or buyer for the invention.

Downside to Provisional Patents: If the patentability of the invention is not at least explored by patent searches that show the invention can be patented, many potential buyers will look at the invention as unpatentable, or probably unpatentable. Having a provisional patent may help in how to sell your invention to companies that know the field and can gauge themselves the likelihood that the invention can be patented.

An Invention with a Patent that has issued (been approved) or under USPTO Review

A patent is an expensive process. Depending on the type of invention, the writing, researching and prosecution of the patent (taking the patent through the examination process with the USPTO) typically costs thousands of dollars. It is sometimes difficult to know how to sell an invention without investment. If the invention warrants the investment, however, the owner of the invention is in a much better position to market his or her invention to potential buyers. The inventor can also do so relatively “safely” with a patent in place to reduce the likelihood of outright copying of the invention.

How To Sell An Invention Without A Patent

It can be difficult to find someone to pay for an invention that does not have patent protection. Knowing how to sell an invention without a patent is tricky. If you do not have a patent the idea is not protected so anyone can present it. The company has little reason to pay for an unprotected invention, even if you have a working prototype. There is also an underlying concern that an invention that is not patented or is not in process is not patentable, and that while there may be value there is no reason to pay inventor royalties on it. If an inventor wants to try to sell an invention without a patent they can pitch the prototype with a presentation in similar venues to inventors with provisional patents or actual patents.

These would all be difficult avenues to pursue, but it has worked out with an invention here and there. Keep in mind that an unprotected invention may be copied, and the more freely the details of the invention are discussed, the easier it would be for a potential competitor to copy it.

How To Sell An Invention By Pitching

To Businesses that Deal In Products of the Kind: Focus on smaller to midsized businesses that may be open to products. Put together a marketing package to present the product to the company. The package should be just a few pages or even one page, explain what the invention does, and have pictures of the prototype to show that the inventor has something that works.

At Tradeshows

Here an inventor can pitch the product directly to businesses that may be interested, and a variation on the marketing package should be part of the plan.

Professional Marketing Companies

These are companies that specialize in marketing products and inventions, often for a fee and a cut of any sale of the invention to a company. They can be somewhat costly, so make sure they are reputable with a history in the field.

We hope this has provided you with some insight in how to sell an invention, and wish you much luck in getting your inventions out there.

January 15, 2013
Invention Protection 101

The journey from innovative idea to protected intellectual property requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a thorough understanding of available legal protections. This comprehensive guide will help inventors navigate the complex landscape of invention protection and make informed decisions about safeguarding their intellectual property.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Invention Protection

The protection of inventions represents a cornerstone of innovation in modern economies. Before diving into specific protection strategies, inventors must understand that intellectual property rights serve both to reward innovation and to promote the sharing of knowledge that advances technology and science. The United States and most developed nations have established robust systems to protect inventors’ rights through various legal mechanisms, with patents being the most common and powerful form of protection.

Preliminary Protection Strategies

The first steps in protecting an invention begin long before any formal legal proceedings. Confidentiality serves as the foundation of invention protection. Before securing formal legal protection, inventors must treat their innovation as a trade secret. This involves carefully controlling who has access to information about the invention and under what circumstances. When discussing the invention becomes necessary, inventors should maintain detailed records of all discussions and disclosures, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for all parties involved in the invention’s development, create a documented chain of invention showing how and when the invention was developed, and keep detailed laboratory notebooks or development logs with witnessed and dated entries.

The selection and management of collaborators significantly impacts an invention’s security. When building a development team, inventors should choose team members based on both technical expertise and trustworthiness. Teams should implement clear confidentiality protocols, and projects can be broken into modules so that no single person besides the inventor understands the complete invention. Establishing secure communication channels for project-related discussions and maintaining detailed records of each person’s contributions are essential practices.

Qualifying for Legal Protection

Not all innovations qualify for patent protection, even if they represent significant technological achievements. To be patentable, an invention must meet specific criteria. First, it must fall into one of these categories: machines (devices or mechanical inventions), processes (methods of doing something), compositions of matter (chemical compounds, mixtures, or materials), or articles of manufacture (manufactured items).

Beyond falling into these statutory categories, the invention must satisfy several essential criteria. It must be novel, meaning completely new and not previously disclosed. The invention should be non-obvious, representing more than just an obvious combination of existing technologies to someone skilled in the field. It must be useful, having practical applications and actually working as intended. Finally, the invention must be fully enabled, described in sufficient detail that others could recreate it based on the documentation.

Strategic Protection Options

Inventors have several options for protecting their innovations, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Provisional patent applications offer a cost-effective first step in the patent process. They establish an early filing date and provide 12 months of “patent pending” status at a significantly lower cost than a full patent application. This period allows time for market testing and further development. However, provisional applications must be converted to non-provisional applications within 12 months, require thorough disclosure of the invention, and only provide protection for what is adequately described. They do not automatically become patents.

Standard patent protection represents the most comprehensive form of invention protection, providing up to 20 years of exclusive rights. Patents create valuable assets that can be sold or licensed and allow for enforcement against infringers while providing public recognition of inventorship. However, obtaining a patent requires significant financial investment, takes several years to obtain, demands ongoing maintenance fees, and requires public disclosure of the invention.

Cost-Effective Approaches to Patent Protection

While patent protection can be expensive, inventors can manage costs through strategic planning. Before investing in professional services, inventors should conduct preliminary patent searches using free databases, study similar patents in their field, research market potential and commercial viability, and document all prior art findings systematically.

When seeking professional help, inventors might consider working with a patent agent instead of an attorney for simpler inventions. They should prepare detailed invention descriptions before consulting professionals, request fee estimates and payment plans from multiple providers, and consider forming an invention development company to attract investors.

Building Commercial Value

Protection alone doesn’t ensure commercial success. Inventors should develop a comprehensive market strategy by identifying target markets and potential licensees, creating compelling presentations for potential investors, building prototypes or proof-of-concept models, and documenting market research and potential applications.

Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in commercialization. Inventors should connect with industry experts and potential manufacturers, explore licensing opportunities, consider joint development agreements, and build relationships with potential investors who can provide both funding and valuable business expertise.

Enforcement Considerations

Having protection is only valuable if you can enforce it. Regular monitoring of the market for potential infringement, documenting suspected violations, maintaining funds for potential enforcement actions, and considering insurance options for intellectual property protection are essential aspects of an enforcement strategy.

Inventors should develop clear criteria for when to enforce their rights and create a network of legal resources before they’re needed. Joining inventor organizations can provide valuable support and resources, while maintaining detailed records of all commercial activities strengthens enforcement capabilities.

Protecting an invention requires a comprehensive strategy that begins with the first creative spark and continues throughout the commercial life of the innovation. Success depends on careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a thorough understanding of available protection mechanisms. While the process can be complex and costly, proper protection of valuable innovations usually justifies the investment through enhanced commercial opportunities and stronger market position.

For specific guidance on protecting your particular invention, consult with qualified intellectual property professionals who can tailor these general principles to your unique situation. Remember that the landscape of intellectual property protection continues to evolve, making ongoing education and adaptation essential for successful invention protection.

January 15, 2013
How to Protect an Idea
Ideas, while they abound and spring forth from our imagination, are not legally regarded as physical ‘things’. As a result, there are only really two ways to go abou it if you are wanting to find out how to protect an idea: You can keep them a secret, or you can develop a product that results from the idea in secret.

If you can distribute the product without anyone else knowing what exactly is in it, and create a brand the product that is successful, you may be able to build a business this way. A lot of recipe based businesses like Kentucky Fried Chicken’s special spices and Coca Cola’s recipe for coke are regarded trade secrets and haven’t had been legally protected in any other manner.

There are different ways to protect products of ideas if that is your goal.

How To Protect an Idea With Patenting

Patenting is for inventions that are not only new but also not obvious to the average person in the field. The more common patents are:
1. Method patents, which detail a way of doing something that is unique;
2. Utility patents which patents the actual object in all of its detail;
3. Design patents are less common, and protect the outward appearance of an object or device. A good example of an item that gets a design patent would be a new style of baby bottle that does not function differently from the standard baby bottle but has a special grip.
4. The truth is, in the US at least, you cannot protect an idea in ethereal form. That’s not what patenting, trade secret and copyright are about. What they are about is protecting the physical or conceptual applications of those ideas. Ideas cannot legally be protected through the patenting process or any other. It is considered anticompetitive and counterproductive to society.
There are, however, multiple ways to protect the work related to your ideas. If you are wanting to know how to protect an idea then the best way is to develop the idea into the application of that idea. The patent system allows you to protect novel and non-obvious inventions that come from your ideas. There are three types of patents.

A Few More Details About Patents

Utility patents: Provide protection for machines, compositions, methods or processes and things you make that are novel. Computers, some biotechnology and pharmaceutical products, even a creatively made pulley or a special way of taking medication in a given order could qualify.

Design patents: for items where what they are made of is generally known, but the overall presentation is unique. A baby bottle that has a specific bottom that prevents it from falling over during use would qualify.

Plant Patents: Plant patents are for asexually reproducing plants. Plant patents protect the genetics and specifics of plants. Some of the genetically enhanced plant products fall under this category, like bacteria resistant grain.

Copyrighting

Copyright allows for long term protection of artistic endeavors, especially combinations of words and sounds. The terms for which copyright can be renewed are up to 2 terms for periods of 28 years. Previously copyright ran for 100 years or so, but a court decision ended the longer time period.

Trademarks

Trademark protection is for images associated with a brand. Trademarks often include symbols combined with words and colors, like the unique packaging orange combined with shapes and the word Tide used by Tide detergent.

In Conclusion

How to protect an idea requires taking that idea and conceptualizing it or making it into something tangible. Use a combination of patenting, copyrighting, trademarking to do that. Also consider keeping the idea as a trade secret, which prevents you having to reveal it in any form to the public at large.
January 15, 2013
Inventor Software

We’ll talk here about the best inventor software on offer for use in different steps of the invention process.

Brainstorming Inventor Software

bubbl.us

bubbl.us is a free and very easy to use online mindmapping service. Within minutes you can have a nice looking and multi-leveled mindmap. You can also save, print, import and export your mindmaps for modification or future reference.

Microsoft Visio

We’ll speak about Microsoft Visio in more detail in the Patenting Software section below. Besides 2D design work, Visio can be used for mindmapping and brainstorming, and thus is great for the creation and ideas phase of the invention process. It allows you to build keyword hierarchies in an easy to use and organized manner, and moreover lets you order them and re-organize them if necessary. The advantage of using Visio as opposed to, say, just sketching a mindmap, is that you can always come back to your brainstorm and modify or re-engineer it at a later stage.

SmartDraw

SmartDraw is an excellent piece of software which we’ll talk more about below, and it works in similar fashion to Visio for brainstorming purposes. Check out some SmartDraw brainstorming examples to see how easy it is to brainstorm and mind-map with it.

Inventor Software For Sketching

In this section we’re going to look specifically at tablet apps. Tablets such as the iPad have become incredible tools for inventors, as they allow you to sketch ideas on the go using powerful sketching software.

Sketchbook Pro

Sketchbook Pro is one of the best iPad and Android apps out there for invention and idea sketching. It provides multiple types of digital pencils, brushes, markers so that you can freely sketch your ideas and innovations in a way that works for your needs.

Check out this video to give you a good overview of how Sketchbook Pro works:

Paper by FiftyThree

Paper is another amazing sketching app that focuses on simplicity and a provides a minimalist design interface. It allows you to organize your sketches into digital ‘books’ in a very cool and effective way. Use it if you like to make lots of quick sketches: it beats a physical sketchpad any day.

Invention Product Design Software

Google Sketchup

Google Sketchup is a simple yet powerful piece of 3D modeling inventor software, and the free version is a brilliant way for inventors to start modeling their designs into 3D objects. Some of its features include conversion of 2D designs into 3D, exact measurements for prototyping and production purposes, grouping and ‘clipping together’ of distinctly designed components, texture and color surfacing, animations and presentations of designs and even a feature to cut away and go inside a design.

Google Sketchup comes with lots of free training videos (as well as real-world training), and here’s an example of one to see how it works:

AutoDesk Inventor

Inventor software AutoDesk Inventor is a state-of-the-art 3D CAD design system that allows you to design, control and even simulate your inventions before building produce physical prototypes (sometimes even preventing the need to product a physical prototype). Its numerous features include converting 2D CADs into 3D, assembly design, motion simulation and mold design. It also comes with video tutorials that guide you through all features of the inventor software package.

AutoDesk Inventor software comes in different versions and different prices, and it’s one disadvantage is that it’s quite pricey (from $999 onwards). However if you use it to its full capabilities, and put in the time to learn how to use all its features, it’s worth the price. Take advantage of the free trial if you want to test it out.

Here’s a very long but very comprehensive demonstration of using the invention software to design an LED Lamp:

Patent Design Software

Microsoft Visio

If you have a PC with Windows installed, one of the best patenting design software you can get is Microsoft Visio (available in both standard and professional versions). Visio is a very powerful design tool, which is primarily used for 2D design work. As a result it allows you to draw up virtually anything that would be required for 2D patent document diagrams. This includes patent diagrams, flowcharts and scenario charts. Visio allows anyone to build professional looking designs using existing templates and pre-drawn shapes. For the most part you can do these designs without requiring the services of a professional draughtsman.

If you are wanting to get to grips with patent designing, particularly when using a design tool like Visio, it always helps to do a patent search.

Here’s a Visio demonstration video:

SmartDraw

SmartDraw is the non-Microsoft equivalent of Visio, and some people prefer it because it is an independent company and regularly updates its software (Visio has much longer product cycles). It can do virtually everything that Visio can do in terms of 2D design work, and includes hundreds of templates and pre-designed shapes. In other words its a great piece of inventor software, and allows you to come up with professional looking designs without having to be a professional designer.

Here’s a SmartDraw demonstration video that will give you more of an idea of its capabilities:

That’s it for now folks. Come back to see updates and new inventor software as it becomes available. Good luck!

January 11, 2013