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August 2025 – Inventor Smart Community Newsletter
Tips, events, and inspiration for inventors — plus insights from experts, innovators, and the invention world.
Brian Fried & Inventor Smart
August 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 25 minutes
August 2025
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 August Edition
💡 Inventor Tips – Turning ideas into reality with Brian Fried
🏭 Manufacturing Insight – Finding OEM-friendly factories & working with the right partners
🎤 Podcast Feature – Dr. Turner Osler on redesigning how the world sits
📝 FAQ Highlight – What can be protected by copyright?
🎉 Event Recap – National Inventor Club: Turn Your Invention Into a Business with SBA
🛠️ Got Invention Show – Meet the 2024 Young Inventor Challenge winners
📜 USPTO Resource – Access our free intellectual property services
💬 Words of Wisdom – Shawn Taylor on the value of failure
🕰️ Invention History – Philo Farnsworth & the first all-electronic television system
🔥 Fireside Chat – Understanding brand licensing with Licensing International
Inventor Tips from Brian Fried: Turning Ideas Into Reality
Inventing isn’t just about having great ideas — it’s about knowing which ones are worth pursuing. One of the most important lessons for any inventor is to separate emotion from business decisions. It’s easy to get attached to an idea, but not every concept has market potential. Letting go opens the door for the next big thing.
Resourcefulness is another key trait. Observing how people shop, what products are on shelves, and how businesses operate can spark valuable insights. Visiting stores, studying packaging, and watching consumer behavior is real-world research that helps inventors stay ahead.
When focus fades, helping others or simply walking through a store for inspiration can reset creative energy. Exploring how people solve everyday problems often leads to fresh thinking.
Staying organized is also critical. Simple tools like digital note apps (e.g., Google Keep) help track ideas, tasks, and inspiration on the go, keeping inventors ready to act.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your process, the key is to keep learning, stay curious, and trust your instincts. Surround yourself with experienced voices, but ultimately forge your own path.
And remember:
There are people that LET things happen and people that MAKE things happen… the choice is yours. Keep moving forward!
Source: Who are you, and what do you do?
Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried
Bringing an invention to life takes more than a great idea — it requires planning, the right partners, and smart use of today’s tools. The invention journey begins with validating your idea and protecting it. A patent search and a working prototype — built solo or with the help of engineers — set the foundation for serious development.
Sourcing manufacturers is the next critical step. Platforms like Alibaba.com and AI tools like Accio help identify OEM-friendly factories willing to work with new ideas. When vetting factories, look for:
Transparency
Clear communication
Willingness to provide samples or facility tours
Building a respectful relationship and setting clear expectations is key.
AI tools like Accio are transforming the sourcing process. From product inspiration to supplier comparison and negotiation support, these tools can accelerate development — but it’s still vital to validate the information through trusted sources.
Inventors are also reminded to separate emotion from business decisions. It’s easy to become attached to an idea, but knowing when to pivot or move on is essential.
Many inventors start with a side hustle, and with the right support, turn it into a full-fledged business.
Success looks different for everyone — whether it’s launching a product, securing royalties, or seeing your idea in use. Today’s tools, platforms, and expert guidance make the invention-to-market path more accessible than ever.
Learn more from this exclusive interview: Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried
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Inventor Spotlight Podcast – Episode 17
Hosted by Samantha St. Raymond and powered by the Inventor Smart Community App and the National Inventor Club
In this episode, we meet Dr. Turner Osler — a trauma surgeon-turned-entrepreneur who’s rethinking how the world sits. As CEO and Founder of QOR360, Turner blends his medical expertise and public health passion to create active seating solutions for kids and adults.
We explore two of his groundbreaking inventions:
The Button Chair – A free, DIY tippy chair design for kids to help them focus, fidget, and build confidence in class
The Foot Wave – A dynamic under-desk foot platform to increase movement, improve posture, and boost metabolism for adults who sit for long periods
Explore Turner’s work:
🔗 qor360.com
🔗 buttonchairs.org
🎥 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube:
Inventor Spotlight Podcast — Episode 17
📱 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 an upcoming episode!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be protected by Copyright?
Copyright (or author’s right) is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture, and films to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps, and technical drawings.
Exhaustive lists of works covered by copyright are rarely found in legislation. Nonetheless, broadly speaking, works commonly protected by copyright throughout the world include:
Literary works such as novels, poems, plays, reference works, newspaper articles
Computer programs, databases
Films, musical compositions, and choreography
Artistic works such as paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculpture
Architecture
Advertisements, maps, and technical drawings
Copyright protection extends only to expressions — not to ideas, procedures, methods of operation, or mathematical concepts as such. Copyright may or may not be available for certain objects such as titles, slogans, or logos, depending on whether they contain sufficient authorship.
Upgrade to Premium Insider
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!
Recap for National Inventor Club: Turn Your Invention Into a Business with SBA
Our latest National Inventor Club meeting featured an exclusive and insightful session with Paul Fitzpatrick, Associate Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development.
Paul shared how the SBA supports inventors, entrepreneurs, and small business owners — and how you can tap into these powerful (and often free) resources.
🧭 Key Takeaways from Paul’s Presentation:
✅ What the SBA is and how it can help accelerate your entrepreneurial journey
✅ The difference between loans, grants, and other SBA funding programs
✅ How to navigate SBA support tools for inventors and startups
✅ Step-by-step guidance to transform your idea into a viable business
✅ Immediate action steps and contacts you can use today
This session was a goldmine for inventors looking for practical funding strategies, expert support, and reliable government-backed guidance to bring their inventions to market and grow their businesses.
Plus: A Strong Lineup of Guest Introductions
We also heard from an incredible panel of intro speakers who shared quick, impactful insights:
Pierre Lespinasse (SBDC) – Prototyping tips for inventors and entrepreneurs
Hannah Hernandez (SCORE) – Choosing the right business model for your business
Charlene Walters – How flexibility fuels innovation and better problem-solving
PickFu – Using crowdsourced feedback to test and refine your product ideas
Matthew Bordy (Prototype House) – Testing your invention before investing
Deepak Dashairya (USPTO) – How to maximize free tools at USPTO.gov
Michelle Beaver, inventor of Simply Sensory – Our newest Premium Member!
Missed the Event? Be Part of the Next One!
If you weren’t able to join us this time, don’t worry — more events are on the way! Whether you’re an inventor ready to present, a curious viewer, or an industry professional, our upcoming showcases and meetups are open to you.
📅 Upcoming NIC Event: Waiting for Announcement
Stay tuned! Our next exciting event is coming soon.
👉 Check the latest event listings at: app.inventorsmart.com/events
📬 And keep an eye on your inbox — we’ll be announcing all the details shortly.
We promise another engaging and informative session, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!
The Got Invention Show
The Got Invention Show features a 30-minute interview where inventors promote their inventions, seek licensing deals, or explore distribution opportunities.
Hosted by Brian Fried, each episode dives into the guest’s:
Challenges & solutions
Invention journey
Lessons learned
Future plans
Guests also share valuable insights for fellow inventors and entrepreneurs.
🎥 Watch This Featured Episode: Young Inventor Challenge 2024 Winners
About the Episode
In this special episode of the Got Invention Show, we’re showcasing the creative talent of the 2024 Young Inventor Challenge winners — an initiative led by People of Play (P.O.P), the organization dedicated to honoring and uniting the creators behind toys, games, and all things playful.
Meet three young visionaries making waves in the world of invention:
🎲 Gideon Koffman – Recognized for Skirmish-Battle-War, taking home the Senior Best Pitch award
🧸 Maria Schwartze – Wowed the judges with Calming Cuddlees, earning Junior Most Engaging
🎮 Olivia Scheetz – Stood out with Smack It!, awarded Junior Best Potential
Watch as these rising stars talk about what inspired their inventions, demonstrate how their products work, and share advice for other young innovators eager to bring their ideas to life.
The episode is hosted by inventor and mentor Brian Fried, joined by Ahren Hoffman, Director of the Young Inventor Challenge. Together, they offer insight into how People of Play is shaping the future of innovation through hands-on opportunities and mentorship for young creators.
🎉 Plus: Get a sneak peek into what’s coming for the 2025 Young Inventor Challenge, taking place November 5–9!
📍 Learn more and get involved: chitag.com/yic
🎧 Watch the full interview: Meet the 2024 Young Inventor Challenge Winners – Game Inventions
About the Got Invention Show
The show is a platform for inventors to:
Showcase their products
Share their stories
Gain exposure to licensing, distribution, and investment opportunities
📡 Available on:
Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, and more
Interested in Becoming a Guest?
If you're an inventor looking to:
Pitch your idea
Attract investors
Share your journey
Sign up at: GotInventionShow.com
Meet the Host: Brian Fried
As an inventor mentor and founder of Inventor Smart, Brian has helped inventors bring their products to market for over 15 years.
🌐 Learn more at brianfried.com
📢 Subscribe to the Got Invention Show on YouTube for more inspiring stories and inventor journeys!
USPTO: Access Our Free Services
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers a wide range of intellectual property (IP) resources, including:
Application assistance
Education and training
Help appealing or fixing an issue
Other services that support the full spectrum of customers — from independent patent and trademark filers to attorneys and business advisors
📖 Read here to learn more: USPTO: Access Our Free Services
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.
Advice from an Inventor:
One of the best introductions is an introduction to failure.* It’s the perfect opportunity to meet improvement.
INVENTION HISTORY: August 1906 – Philo Farnsworth, American Inventor and TV Pioneer
Philo Farnsworth (August 19, 1906 – March 11, 1971) was an American inventor best known for his 1927 invention of the first fully functional all-electronic television system.
Holding 300+ U.S. and foreign patents during his lifetime, Farnsworth also made significant contributions to:
Nuclear fusion
Radar
Night vision devices
The electron microscope
Baby incubators
The infrared telescope
Fireside Chat with Licensing International
Understanding Brand Licensing with Licensing International at the National Inventor Club
In this Fireside Chat episode hosted by Brian Fried, Elizabeth Foster, VP of Content and Communications at Licensing International, shares valuable insights into the world of brand licensing — and why it matters for inventors.
Foster explains how licensing a brand, character, or design to a third party can help inventors:
Scale their products
Increase exposure
Tap into established markets
She also discusses:
The role of trade shows in building connections and closing deals
The tools and resources offered by Licensing International to support creators and entrepreneurs
🎥 Watch the full interview and learn how licensing can unlock your invention’s potential: https://youtu.be/E49UzU2OK9c
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
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
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
Join the Inventor Smart Community
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 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 August 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!
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🌐 Visit: inventorsmart.com | app.inventorsmart.com
Inventively Yours,
Brian & The Inventor Smart Team
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