April 2026

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!

What’s Inside This Edition

• 💰 Invention Playbook – What it really costs to bring an invention to life

• 🤝 Licensing Insights – How licensing turns ideas into income

• 🏛️ Featured Event – Inside the USPTO with Director John Squires

• 🌍 Live NIC Event – International patents and protecting your invention globally

• 🎙️ Inventor Spotlight – Deanna Ratnikova and the GoDeck journey

• ❓ FAQ – What copyright registration actually means (and why it matters)

• 🎬 Got Invention Show – Be a guest + featured episode with The Gutter Grabber

• 🎙️ Inventor Coach Podcast – Patents 101: what to know before filing

• 📜 USPTO Education – What it really means to manage and enforce a patent

• 🤖 AI & Invention – Using AI to create ideas (and why you still own them)

• 💬 Inventor Advice – A simple mindset shift from the community

• 📜 Invention History – The breakthrough that made aluminum affordable

• 🎉 Community Recap – Inventor Day 2026 at the USPTO

• 📅 Upcoming Events – Live Q&A and what’s next in the community

What It Really Costs to Bring an Invention to Life

If you’re thinking about bringing an invention to life, one of the most important questions to ask early on is:

“What is this really going to cost me?”

The truth is, there isn’t just one answer. The cost of an invention depends on the path you take—and the decisions you make along the way.

Where Inventors Spend (and Sometimes Overspend)

Most inventions require investment in:

• Research & Validation

• Intellectual Property Protection

• Prototyping & Development

• Manufacturing

• Marketing & Promotion

• Distribution & Sales

Miss a step—or do it too early—and you could end up wasting time and money.

The Decision That Changes Everything

Your biggest cost factor comes down to one choice:

• License your idea (lower cost, lower risk, earn royalties)

• Build it yourself (higher cost, more control, bigger upside)

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but making the wrong choice early can be expensive.

Want to Avoid Costly Mistakes?

Most inventors don’t fail because of bad ideas…
They fail because they spend in the wrong places at the wrong time.

That’s exactly why this breakdown is worth your time.

👉 Read the full article on Brian Fried’s Invention Playbook and discover how to approach your invention with clarity, confidence, and a smarter game plan.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, explore Brian Fried’s Invention Playbook for Insider Secrets and Proven Strategies for Every Step of Your Invention Journey.

Turning Ideas Into Income: How Licensing Brings Your Invention to Market

Have you ever wondered how an invention moves from a concept on paper to a product that generates revenue? Licensing is the bridge that makes this possible. It’s a powerful and flexible way for inventors to create partnerships that transform ideas from the privacy of a workshop into products seen and used in the marketplace.

At its core, licensing works much like a lease. An inventor (the licensor) grants permission to another party (the licensee) to use their intellectual property (IP) in exchange for compensation. But unlike leasing a tangible asset, licensing involves intangible creations—think patents, trademarks, software, or trade secrets. These are assets of the mind, not physical objects, yet they hold immense value.

Licensing allows multiple parties to benefit from the same IP simultaneously. Each agreement is structured to ensure that the inventor retains control while earning a fair share from each use. This revenue stream is crucial, it funds further research and development, keeping the innovation cycle alive.

By understanding licensing, inventors can unlock the full potential of their ideas, turning intellectual property into profit and progress.

Source: The Basic of Licensing Booklet by Licensing Executives Society (U.S.A and Canada), Inc.

Inside the USPTO: A Special Conversation with Director John Squires

What does the leader of America’s Innovation Agency want YOU to know as an inventor?

In this powerful conversation, John Squires, Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, sits down with Brian Fried to share real insight from inside the system that protects your ideas.

From his journey through IBM and Goldman Sachs to surviving 9/11 and using patents to combat terrorism financing, Director Squires brings a rare perspective on how innovation shapes the real world.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

1. What the USPTO actually does—and why it matters to you

2. Why inventor rights are written directly into the Constitution

3. Free tools and resources you can start using today at USPTO.gov

4. What’s changing for independent inventors in 2026

5. How AI is transforming patent search and protection

6. Practical guidance for every stage of your inventor journey

His message is simple—but powerful:

This is a must-watch if you’re serious about protecting your ideas, building real assets, and moving forward with confidence.

📺 Watch the full conversation

Whether you're just getting started or already navigating patents and trademarks, this is insight straight from the top.

International Patents: What Every Inventor Needs to Know

Most inventors don’t realize this until it’s too late:

Your U.S. patent does NOT protect you outside the United States.

If your product gets manufactured, copied, or sold overseas—you could be exposed.

In this eye-opening session, Matthias Reischle-Park from the World Intellectual Property Organization joins Brian Fried to break down exactly how global patent protection works—and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. What the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) actually is—and how it works

2. The real costs of going international (and how to plan for them)

3. The critical 12-month + 30-month timing decisions that can save (or cost) you thousands

4. How to strategically choose countries based on your business model

5. What to do if someone is copying your product overseas

6. Common mistakes inventors make—and how to avoid them

7. Real-world examples of global protection done right

8. What’s changing in international filing moving forward

One of the biggest takeaways:

With over 25 years at WIPO, Matthias has helped thousands of inventors navigate the global system—and shows you how to do it without getting burned.

This event is for you if:

• You’re just starting and want to understand global IP early

• You already filed in the U.S. and are wondering “what’s next?”

• You’re manufacturing overseas (or thinking about it)

• You want to license your invention internationally

• You’re worried about copycats in other countries

🌍 Your invention doesn’t stop at borders. Your protection shouldn’t either.

📺 Watch the full session

CNBC says investors have "nowhere to hide." But one exclusive platform just posted a 22.9% net return. Here's how to get in.

Despite an exciting bull run, gold fell 25% from its January peak.

Bloomberg's Marcus Ashworth said it this week: "No more reliable safe havens."

But Masterworks has been offering fractional investments well outside the norm. Typically those exclusive to the ultra-wealthy.

One of those was an Elizabeth Peyton painting. Total net return to hundreds of their members: 22.9%. Typically 3-10 years, this rare turnaround took just a few weeks.

That's sale number 27. Net annualized returns on sales like 14.6%, 17.6%, 17.8%.

So, despite macro turmoil, the art market has been trending up.

U.S. auction sales jumped 23.1% last year. The $1mm-$5mm segment grew 40.8% in value.

Few people know this. But postwar and contemporary art grew 10.2% annually with near-zero correlation with the S&P 500 over the last 30 years.*

Masterworks lets you invest in shares of works featuring Banksy, Basquiat, Picasso, and more.

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^{*According to Masterworks data. Investing involves risk. Past performance not indicative of future returns. See important disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.}

Click the link in the ad to support the Inventor Smart Community and help us continue building a space where inventors can thrive!

Inventor Spotlight #16: Deanna Ratnikova’s GoDeck Journey — From Hidden Trails to Hit Product

Host Samantha St. Raymond sits down with inventor Deanna Ratnikova, creator of GoDeck — a creative card-based product line designed to help people discover new outdoor adventures, one outing at a time.

What started as neighborhood walks with her 3-year-old daughter during the pandemic turned into a growing product business built around exploration, movement, and family connection. Inspired by the hidden trails, parks, and waterfront walks tucked into everyday city life, Deanna created GoDeck — a 52-card guide that encourages locals and visitors to try one new outdoor adventure each week of the year.

Originally from East Tennessee and now based in San Diego, California, Deanna shares how she bootstrapped her first deck, launched in late 2023, expanded into new city editions, began landing retail placements, and built a direct-to-consumer business around a product she truly believes in. In this candid episode, she also opens up about the emotional side of inventing — from self-doubt and financial risk to family involvement, community support, and staying motivated when the road gets hard.

This conversation goes beyond the product — it’s about trusting your idea, building something meaningful, and creating real-world experiences that bring people together.

🔗 Learn more about GoDeck: https://thegodeck.com
📲 Join the Inventor Smart Community: https://app.inventorsmart.com
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is copyright registration?

Copyright registration is the official process of recording your creative work with the U.S. Copyright Office to strengthen and formalize your legal rights as the owner.

While copyright protection exists automatically when an original work is created and fixed in a tangible form, owners can take important steps to enhance those protections. The most important of these is registering the work.

Registration is not mandatory—but for U.S. works, registration (or refusal) is required before you can enforce your exclusive rights in court. In other words, if someone infringes on your work, you generally cannot file a lawsuit until your copyright is registered.

Timely registration also provides significant legal advantages. It allows copyright owners to pursue certain types of monetary damages and attorney’s fees in litigation, and it creates a legal presumption that the information on the registration certificate is accurate.

Beyond individual protection, copyright registration benefits the public as well. It supports the licensing marketplace by making ownership information accessible, provides public notice that a work is protected, and contributes to a formal record of the nation’s creative output.

There is only one place to register claims to copyright in the United States: the Copyright Office.

For more information on registration benefits and procedures, please see our Copyright Registration Circular.

Source: U.S. Copyright Office

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Be a Guest on The Got Invention Show!

Are you an inventor ready to share your story and showcase your product?
The Got Invention Show, hosted by Brian Fried, gives inventors a platform to:

✅ Promote your invention
✅ Pitch for licensing or distribution opportunities
✅ Inspire fellow inventors with your journey

Each 30-minute interview highlights your challenges, solutions, lessons learned, and your next steps as an innovator.

🎥 Watch & Listen:
GotInventionShow.com | Google Podcast | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Apple Podcasts & more

👉 Want to be featured? Apply today:
GotInventionShow.com

🎬 Featured Episode

🛠️ From Problem to Patent: The Gutter Grabber Invention Story

What happens when you face the same dangerous problem every day—and nothing on the market actually solves it?

You build your own solution.

In this real-world inventor story, Joe Weston—a window cleaner turned entrepreneur—shares how years on the job led him to create a patented ladder safety device that solves a problem contractors deal with every day.

Hosted by Brian Fried, this session walks through the full journey from idea → prototype → patent → product.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. How a real-world problem turned into a patented invention

2. Why existing products failed—and how Joe improved on them

3. The step-by-step process of prototyping (even starting with clay)

4. What it actually takes to get a product manufactured

5. The importance of testing, tweaking, and simplifying your design

6. How to decide between manufacturing vs. licensing

7. What it looks like to search for partners and distribution

8. The realities of costs, risk, and bringing a physical product to market

One key takeaway:

Joe didn’t set out to become an inventor. He just needed something safer—and built it himself.

Now he has a patented product, working prototypes, and is actively looking for the right partners to bring it to market.

This session is perfect if:

• You have a hands-on idea or physical product

• You’re early in the invention process and don’t know where to start

• You want to understand prototyping and manufacturing

• You’re deciding between licensing vs. building your own business

• You want to learn from a real inventor—not just theory

🧠 Simple advice that stuck:

📺 Watch the full story

The Inventor Coach Podcast

🧠 Patents 101: What Every Inventor Needs to Know Before Filing

Thinking about filing a patent?

Before you spend a dollar, you need to understand how patents actually work—and how to use them strategically.

In this quick but powerful episode, Brian Fried breaks down the essentials every inventor needs to know before getting started.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. The 3 types of patents—and when to use each one

2. How to avoid filing too early (or too late)

3. Why a patent alone doesn’t guarantee success

4. How to think about patents as part of a bigger business strategy

5. When to file to protect your idea without wasting money

6. The importance of keeping records (notes, sketches, dates)

7. How patents turn your idea into a real asset

One of the most important takeaways:

It gives you rights—but it’s your product, your market, and your execution that determine success.

Brian also shares a simple rule most inventors miss:

👉 The best time to file is when your idea is developed enough to clearly explain—but before you show it to the world.

This episode is perfect if:

• You’re just getting started with an invention

• You’re unsure which type of patent you need

• You want to avoid costly mistakes early on

• You’re trying to build a real strategy—not just file paperwork

🧠 Simple advice that sticks:

📺 Watch the full episode

🎙️ Listen on all major platforms
Spreaker | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Amazon

USPTO: Managing a Patent

Having a patent gives you the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing your invention without permission. But a patent doesn’t automatically stop infringement—it’s up to you to enforce your rights.

If you believe someone is infringing your patent, options include:

• Sending a demand letter to notify them

• Filing a federal lawsuit for injunctions or monetary damages

Remember, a patent protects your invention in the U.S., and enforcement depends on the claims in your patent.

For more information on patent infringement and enforcement, read here: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/basics/manage#infringement

What Every Inventor Needs to Know About AI

You Used AI to Come Up With It. Is the Invention Still Yours?

If you’re using AI to brainstorm or develop your invention, you’ve probably wondered:

“Do I still own it?”

This is one of the biggest questions inventors are asking right now—and in this must-read post, Brian Fried breaks it down with clarity, backed directly by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Here’s the truth:

That’s not opinion. That’s official USPTO policy.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

1. The USPTO’s official stance on AI-assisted inventions

2. Why you are still the inventor—even if you used AI

3. The legal meaning of “conception” and why it matters

4. How AI compares to tools like 3D printers and software

5. What documentation you should keep (and why it matters)

6. The difference between “first to file” and proving inventorship

7. How to safely and strategically use AI in your invention process

One of the most important takeaways:

If the idea becomes clear and complete in your mind, you are the inventor. Period.

This post is essential if:

• You’re using AI to brainstorm or refine ideas

• You’re worried about patent rights and ownership

• You want to stay aligned with current USPTO policy

• You’re building inventions faster with modern tools

🧠 Simple advice that sticks:

Because if your inventorship is ever questioned, your notes, sketches, and evolution of thought are what prove it was you.

📖 Read the full post

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Advice from an Inventor

INVENTION HISTORY: On April 2, 1889, Charles Martin Hall patented an inexpensive method for the production of aluminum, which brought the metal into wide commercial use.

Before 1886, aluminum was so rare and expensive that it was considered a precious metal — costing more than silver and used only for ornamental pieces. That all changed when Charles Martin Hall, a young chemist who had just graduated from Oberlin College, invented an inexpensive method for producing aluminum using electrolysis. His process made it possible to extract aluminum from its ore affordably and on a large scale, launching the modern aluminum industry.

Hall’s breakthrough laid the foundation for aluminum to become one of the most widely used materials in the world — from aircraft components to beverage cans — due to its light weight, strength, and resistance to corrosion.

Learn more here

Inventor Day 2026 Was a Huge Success!

On March 26, 2026, the National Inventor Club showed up in full force at the USPTO in Alexandria, VA, bringing inventors from across the country for a day packed with learning, networking, and inspiration.

From connecting with patent examiners, trademark experts, and top USPTO officials to attending incredible sessions, the day was full of insights. But the real magic happened in the hallways and breakout moments—inventors sharing experiences, swapping advice, and connecting with people who just get it. That energy is everything.

A special thank you to the USPTO team, and especially Elizabeth Dougherty, for coordinating an exceptional day and making this experience truly memorable for our inventor community.

This is what the National Inventor Club and Inventor Smart Community App are all about: real inventors, real connections, real momentum.

If you have an invention idea—or a patent sitting on a shelf—this community was built for you. And trust us, we’re just getting started!

Stay Connected with the Inventor Smart Community

Here’s what’s coming up next in the Inventor Smart Community App. Join us live for expert guidance, real conversations, and community connection.

Upcoming Events

• Ask the Inventor Coach: Live Q&A with Brian Fried
Wed, Apr 29 • 7:00 PM (EST) • Online

👉 Visit Our Events Page
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events

Add event to calendar

Join the Conversation at InventorChat.com

Have a question? Hit a roadblock? Or maybe you just scored a small win worth sharing?

Inventor Chat is your always-open hangout for real inventor talk, no sales pitches, no pressure. Just a place to swap ideas, share progress, get feedback, and see what other innovators are building.

It’s free, it’s 24/7, and it’s where our community keeps the momentum going between meetups and events.

👉 Jump in now at InventorChat.com, your next breakthrough might just start with a conversation.

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.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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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

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About Brian Fried

Brian Fried, widely recognized as "The Inventor Coach," is an accomplished innovator, author, and speaker with over 20 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 2026 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!

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Inventively Yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team