Inventor Lady

Category: Marketing

  • Patents Attorneys Do NOT Do Marketing!

    A few weeks ago someone commented on one of my blogs.  I was about to reply, indicating that I strongly disagreed, but instead I decided to wait, to think about my reaction, and to ask some of my seasoned inventor friends (and a few patent attorneys) before responding.  After considerable deliberation, I decided it was…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • The Importance of Focus Groups

    Inventors often ask me about their chances of success.  Well it’s hard for me to give an absolute answer.  There are lots of products on the market that I don’t buy.  There are lots of products on the market that I think are really stupid.  However, somebody is buying them.  That’s where the importance of…

  • Tradeshows

    Inventors struggle with marketing for lots of reasons.  It’s expensive, difficult to understand and hard to measure.  Attending a tradeshow is the fastest and least expensive way to gather the critical information that you need to successfully get your product to market. When you are looking for the right tradeshow, it should be a professional…

  • How Important is a Trademark?

    Your trademark can be as valuable to you as a patent and possibly more.  Consumers identify with your trademark, not your patent.  Most consumers don’t care if you have a patent as long as you have a great product.  When was the last time you went into a store and looked for a patent number? …

  • 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…

  • Can You Sell It?

    One of the most critical steps in the inventing process is establishing market viability. Sometimes people think they have a great idea, but the consumer doesn’t agree. And, after all, if no one will pay for it, why bother, unless, of course, you have lots of money to burn. Establishing market viability includes obtaining favorable…

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