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April 2025 • Your Monthly Invention Edge from Inventor Smart
Exclusive Updates, Inventor Spotlights, and Insights to Fuel Your Innovation Journey
Inventor Smart
April 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 21 minutes
April 2025
Whether you're an experienced inventor or a newbie with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter is your monthly companion—offering resources, inspiration, and expert guidance to help bring your ideas to life.
Think Problem and Solution
Ever wonder how everyday items came to be?
From using a cell phone to tying your shoes, nearly everything around us has been refined through innovation. These evolutions often start with a simple question: What problem am I solving?
Ideas can take the form of a product, service, process, plant, experiment—or anything your imagination can conjure. But the key is identifying a need and crafting a solution.
Evolution Through Innovation
Let’s look at two examples that capture this process:
The NERF Football
NFL kicker Fred Cox created the NERF football in 1972 to make backyard games safer and more fun. Over time, it evolved with features like glow-in-the-dark and light-up designs—proving that even simple products can keep innovating.
The Auto-Wind Yo-Yo
Traditional Yo-Yos frustrated many beginners. The automatic wind-up version made it easier and more accessible, opening the joy of Yo-Yo tricks to more people.
Embrace the Inventor Mindset
Ask yourself:
How are people interacting with existing products?
What frustrations do you see?
Where is there room for improvement?
Innovation starts with observation.
Stay curious, question the status quo, and remember: Every great invention started with a simple idea.
Evolution of a Deal & The Art of Disclosure
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to licensing your invention, but here’s a look at how it typically unfolds.
Initial Discussions
Licensing conversations often start casually—with a phone call or email. As interest grows, more details are requested, and that’s when disclosure becomes a key decision point.
When to Use a Confidentiality Agreement
Many companies hesitate to sign early NDAs.
Some inventors disclose without one, especially if the product is already patented or involves a “black box” concept.
Due Diligence
This stage is crucial on both sides:
Licensee: Evaluates commercial potential.
Licensor: Reviews the licensee’s track record and capabilities.
Negotiations follow, with both sides working toward a deal that benefits everyone involved.
Key Takeaways
Disclosing without protection can put your IP at risk.
Consult an IP attorney early in the process.
Be persistent. It can take time to find the right fit.
🎙️ Inventor Spotlight Podcast – Episode 13
From Refugee to Inventor: Dan Dimitriu’s Inspiring Journey
Dan Dimitriu’s life spans from escaping communist Romania to becoming a multi-patented inventor, NASA collaborator, toy creator, and award-winning STEM educator.
🎓 Highlights:
Patents across engineering and gynecology
Winner of an $85 million patent infringement case
Work with NASA and the Zero-G "Vomit Comet"
Built fuel cell cars that outperformed MIT & Purdue
Still inventing and mentoring the next generation
📺 Watch the Episode on YouTube
🎧 Now Streaming On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube
📩 Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email [email protected]
Become a Premium Insider in the Inventor Smart Community App for a chance to be featured!
Inventor Spotlight Podcast
Fuel your invention journey with real-life stories and tips from the Inventor Smart Community’s top inventors.
Now Streaming On:
Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email [email protected].
Become a Premium Insider in the Inventor Smart Community app for your chance to be featured in our Inventor Spotlight Podcast!
FAQ: What is an Industrial Design?
An industrial design is the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article.
It can include:
3D features: Shape and surface
2D features: Patterns, colors, and lines
Legal Protection:
Owners of a registered design can stop others from making, selling, or importing lookalikes for commercial use.
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Enhance your inventor journey with exclusive benefits:
Connect with Experts: Join live Q&A sessions to get personalized advice.
Increase Your Visibility: Feature your innovations in community spotlights.
Master Your Skills: Enjoy complimentary access to Inventor Class masterclasses.
Exclusive Savings: Receive special discounts at InventorMart and on coaching with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach.
Plus, many more perks!
NIC Recap: USPTO Trademark Bootcamp
The March 2025 National Inventor Club meeting was packed with value!
Highlights from the Meeting
Insightful Presentations:
A diverse range of resources were shared by key speakers, including:
Christina Calloway, Attorney Advisor for Trademarks Customer Outreach at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), who delivered a comprehensive overview of trademark fundamentals, filing procedures, and building strong IP portfolios.
Ciara Cristo from Alibaba.com, who provided critical guidance on navigating overseas manufacturing—highlighting the importance of digital tools and secure transactions.
April Halliburton from SCORE, who spotlighted free business mentoring, business planning, financial tools, and marketing resources for entrepreneurs.
Elizabeth Dougherty from the USPTO, who offered key updates on the federal trademark registration process.
John Lovejoy and Maurice McCullers, NIC members, shared their positive experiences using the Inventor Smart Community App and how it’s helped them build meaningful connections.
Topics Covered
Essential Trademark Fundamentals:
Christina Calloway, Attorney Advisor for Trademarks Customer Outreach at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), provided a solid foundation in trademark basics, emphasizing the importance of choosing strong, protectable marks.Strategic Filing Procedures:
Christina detailed the process of applying for federal trademark registration, offering guidance on best practices for a successful application.Building Valuable IP Portfolios:
She shared the key components of building and maintaining a strong, strategic intellectual property portfolio.Practical Applications for Inventors and Entrepreneurs:
Christina offered clear, actionable steps for securing and leveraging trademark protection in the invention process.
📅 Upcoming NIC Event: Waiting for Announcement
Stay tuned! We’ll be announcing our next event soon.
In the meantime, check the Events Page regularly and keep an eye on your inbox—we have another exciting and informative session coming up!
The Got Invention Show
Featured Guest: Tonia Torrellas – It’sMyBag
A patented reusable garment bag that’s as versatile as it is sustainable.
From travel and bridal gifting to closet organization, Tonia’s background in nursing and environmental advocacy shaped this impactful invention.
About the Episode
It’sMyBag is a patented, reusable garment bag designed for various purposes—travel, bridal gifting, closet organization, and more.
Tonia Torrellas, a serial entrepreneur and environmental advocate, created It’sMyBag to replace single-use disposable bags with an eco-friendly solution. What began as a simple reusable dry cleaning bag has grown into a versatile brand offering products for shopping, travel, corporate gifting, and even safety.
Tonia’s experience as a nurse shaped her approach to educating others on sustainable habits, using familiar concepts to guide them towards change. Her bag design, featuring a clear, see-through structure, helps both consumers and businesses embrace reusable options. Key innovations include a zipper placement, twist ties, and a separate compartment for clean and dirty items.
Tonia is passionate about environmental advocacy and regularly speaks at events and in the media to promote sustainability. She aims to make It’sMyBag a household name, empowering people to make eco-conscious choices.
Watch Full Story: Tonia Torrellas, ItsMyBag
🌍 Visit: www.itsmybag.com
Want to be a guest on the show? Sign up here
About the Got Invention Show
The Got Invention Show is a platform for inventors to showcase their products and ideas. It’s available on:
Host: Brian Fried
As an inventor mentor and founder of Inventor Smart, Brian Fried has over 15 years of experience helping inventors bring their products to market. Learn more at brianfried.com.
📢 Subscribe to the Got Invention Show: Watch More Episodes
USPTO Learning Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers incredible tools for inventors, educators, students, and IP professionals:
👩🏫 For Educators:
National Summer Teacher Institute
Classroom guides & webinars
🧠 For Students:
Inventor Cards
“Go for Real” campaign
Student internship programs
Accelerate Your Invention Journey with Premium Insider Access
Ready to transform your ideas into reality faster? Become a Premium Insider and gain exclusive access to tailored resources, expert guidance, and special opportunities designed specifically to support inventors like you.
Inventor Advice of the Month
“Pursue your purpose with passion. Remain focused with sincere deliberate intention of completion. It may not seem easy and at times it may not be fair, but it will be yours."
On April 2, 1889, Charles Martin Hall Patented an Inexpensive Method for the Production of Aluminum
Charles Martin Hall Discovers the Secret of Cheap Aluminum Production
On April 2, 1889, Charles Martin Hall patented an inexpensive method for the production of aluminum, which brought the metal into wide commercial use.
Charles Martin Hall had just graduated from Oberlin College (located in Oberlin, Ohio) in 1885 with a bachelor's degree in chemistry when he invented his method of manufacturing pure aluminum.
Charles Martin Hall's method of processing the metal ore was to pass an electric current through a non-metallic conductor (molten sodium fluoride compound was used) to separate the very conductive aluminum. In 1889, Charles Martin Hull was awarded U.S. patent number 400,666 for his process.
His patent conflicted with that of Paul L.T. Heroult who arrived at the same process independently at practically the same time. Hall had enough evidence of the date of his discovery that the United States patent was awarded to him rather than Heroult.
In 1888, together with financier Alfred E. Hunt, Charles Martin Hall founded the Pittsburgh Reduction Company now known as the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). By 1914, Charles Martin Hall had brought the cost of aluminum down to 18 cents a pound, and it was no longer considered a precious metal. His discovery made him a wealthy man.
Hall obtained several more patents to improve the production of aluminum. He received the Perkin Medal in 1911 for outstanding achievement in applied chemistry. He was on the Board of Trustees for Oberlin College and left them $10 million for their endowment when he died in 1914.
Stay Connected with the Inventor Smart Community
Read on for more upcoming events and highlights from the Inventor Smart Community App. Don't miss out on our latest workshops, networking opportunities, and exclusive resources designed to propel your inventing journey forward!
Add event to calendar
Premium Insider Event: Live Virtual Hangout with Brian Fried
Join us Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 8 PM ET for a special Live Q&A Session with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach. This exclusive Premium Insider event is your opportunity to ask questions, gain direct feedback, and tap into the knowledge of one of the most respected voices in the invention world.
Whether you're refining your prototype, exploring licensing, or trying to break into retail, this private virtual hangout gives you the chance to get expert-level guidance in real time.
What to Expect:
Personalized insights tailored to your stage in the inventor journey
Real-world advice from a mentor with 15+ patents and industry recognition
An open, interactive space to ask questions and learn from fellow inventors
🔒 This event is only available to Premium Insider members.
Not a member yet? Upgrade here to join us live.
About Brian Fried
Brian Fried is a seasoned inventor and invention licensing agent with 15 patents, multiple products on QVC and in major retailers, and nearly two decades of experience mentoring inventors. He is the founder of the National Inventor Club and creator of the Inventor Smart Community App.
📅 Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM ET
Location: Online via Zoom
Let’s connect, share ideas, and get your questions answered—live with Brian Fried!
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors for their invaluable support to the Inventor Smart Community. Their contributions help us provide essential services and resources to inventors everywhere.
 Manufacture your invention! Get your product to market faster with expert inventor help. Speak to the experts now. |  Obtain instant consumer insights on your product designs, images, and copy. Use coupon code INVENTOR for a special discount. |
 Celebrate your patent achievements with beautifully crafted awards. Check out exclusive offers for our community. |  Get access to a vast marketplace of freelance services. Use our exclusive link for special benefits. |
 John Rizvi offers expert patent law services. Discover more about protecting your ideas through our link. |  Find experts for each stage of your invention journey. Whether you have a big idea or need help with development, Invent Buddy is here for you. |
 Shop for designs and merchandise made specifically for inventors! Show off your hard work with products that celebrate your creativity and innovation. |  Create high-quality photos and videos for your products with ease. Explore special offers through our link. |
 Small Business Insurance Reimagined  Compare quotes from top insurers and buy instantly online, 24/7 |
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.
Email Us or call (631) 565-7074
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Stay connected, unlock exclusive resources, and become part of a vibrant network of inventors. The Inventor Smart Community website is your central hub for networking, learning, and sharing innovative ideas.
Don't miss out—join now and take your invention journey to the next level!
Brian Fried's Latest Book - Now Available on Audio!
Discover the insights and strategies from Brian Fried, "The Inventor Coach," in his latest book. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your invention journey, this book is packed with valuable advice. And now, it's available in audiobook format for your convenience!
Listen to the audiobook on Audible: Get it on Audible here
InventorMart
A shop for Inventors, innovators, and patent holders. 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 at InventorMart
About Brian Fried
Brian Fried, widely recognized as "The Inventor Coach," is an accomplished innovator, author, and speaker with over 18 years of experience guiding inventors on their journey from idea to reality.
With 15 patents to his name, Brian has successfully licensed and manufactured his own inventions, earning recognition through QVC, infomercials, catalogs, and major retailers. As an invention licensing agent, Brian offers personalized coaching to help inventors commercialize their ideas into tangible products.
Brian is the founder of the National Inventor Club, a thriving community for inventors to collaborate, network, and access valuable resources. He also serves as the Chief Invention Officer at Inventor Smart, where he supports inventors through product development, licensing, and commercialization strategies.
In October 2023, Brian launched the Inventor Smart Community app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store. This innovative platform serves as a social network and resource hub exclusively for inventors, fostering connections and providing tools to support their creative endeavors.
As an engaging speaker, Brian captivates audiences with his expertise on invention and innovation. He has authored three practical books for aspiring inventors and hosts the "Got Invention Show," a platform showcasing inventors and their creations, offering them valuable exposure.
With his extensive experience, resourcefulness, and passion for helping inventors succeed, Brian Fried is a trusted figure in the invention community, dedicated to turning ideas into reality.
📩 Contact Brian:
🌐 brianfried.com
📱 Inventor Smart App
📧 [email protected]
🤝 Connect on LinkedIn
Thank You for Reading
We hope you enjoyed the April 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!
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Inventively Yours,
Brian & The Inventor Smart Team
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