Category: Inventors
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Inventing: Myths and Pit Falls
Don’t Buy It Online I speak with inventors all the time who bought a service online. And then wonder why they lost their money. If it sounds too good to be true, then it is NOT true; and you, the inventor, become the victim. For example, I see patent services advertised for $199 to file…
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“Me Do My Own Self” – Take Your Idea To The Marketplace
Are you hoping to take your idea to the marketplace? It is amazing how many inventors tell me they can do everything themselves because they think it is a way to earn/keep more of the money. The reality is no one can do it all! In fact, inventors who live in this state of fantasy,…
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Time to Sell It: Getting Your Product to the Marketplace
Getting a Product to the Marketplace Have you taken your product to the marketplace? Most really good inventors have an “aha” moment solving a common household or workplace problem. After going through the steps and spending a good chunk of cash, the inventor finally has something to sell. Unfortunately, marketing and selling are absolutely the…
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Inventor Warning: Caution is the Keyword in Dealing with IPHC’s
I recently had a call from a patent attorney who wanted me to introduce him to my clients so that he could offer to buy their intellectual property from them. He has, what is called, an “Intellectual Property Holding Company” or “IPHC”. IPHC’s come in essentially three different flavors. The first category consists of those…
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Can I do it Myself?
I get asked this question all the time, “Can I patent it myself?” Technically, yes, you can. However, my answer is always No. No! and Absolutely NO!! Doing your own patent work is like doing your own brain surgery. By the time you realize you’ve made a mistake, it’s too late to fix it. Let…
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The Inventor’s Business Plan
Inventors frequently swing to two extremes when it comes to their business plan. The first one is simply: have idea – get patent – make money. I can’t even tell you how many ways this is a flawed plan. This plan is relevant only in fantasy land and real inventors can’t afford to live in…
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Too Soon To Manufacture?
A few weeks ago an inventor told me that he was checking into the cost of manufacturing before having his patent search reviewed. This was a bit out of order but not a huge issue. You want to understand the costs involved before jumping off the cliff. However, I found out later that the inventor…
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Inventor Paranoia
Inventors are frequently afraid someone will steal their idea. Some paranoia is good. Too much is crippling. You have to find a balance between protecting your idea and being able to get your idea incorporated into a tangible product that you can get to the marketplace. Here are some guidelines: 1. You can talk in…
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Fatal Mistakes
The most tragic part of inventing is when an inventor with a reasonably good idea makes a serious or fatal error. I see it happen all too often. For instance, getting a patent before you know if your invention can be made at a price someone will pay just means you’ll end up with very…