February 2025: Inventor Smart Community Update – Insights, Resources & Success Stories

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February 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned inventor or someone who’s just sparked your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Monthly Newsletter is here to support your journey every step of the way!

Who to Trust with Your Idea or Invention

When you have a great idea, the fear of someone stealing it may keep you from sharing it. However, the real risk is waiting too long to act and finding your idea on store shelves because someone else took the initiative. If you're ready to move forward, you’ll need to reveal your idea to others—but it’s important to protect yourself along the way. Here are some key considerations for who you might involve in your invention journey and how to safeguard your idea.

• Who Can Help?

  • Friends and Family: You might start by asking those close to you for feedback on your idea.

  • Patent Attorneys/Agents: If you're considering intellectual property protection, hiring a patent professional is crucial.

  • Product Designers/Engineers: If your idea requires a CAD drawing or engineering expertise, these professionals can assist.

  • 3D Modeling Services/Factories: When making a prototype, you may need to work with a 3D modeling service or get production quotes.

  • Licensing Opportunities: If you’re considering licensing or selling your idea, potential partners may need to review what you’ve developed.

• What to Share?

  • Keep initial conversations general when evaluating service providers. Use examples of similar products to get quotes without revealing too much.

  • Shop around with multiple providers to assess their professionalism, costs, and what they can offer.

• Protect Your Idea:

  • Before diving into detailed discussions, have everyone involved sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect your intellectual property.

  • This legal agreement ensures that anyone you share information with keeps your idea confidential unless you grant permission to disclose it.

  • You might also hear the NDA referred to as a Confidentiality Agreement or Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (MNDA), both of which serve the same purpose of protecting your information.

By taking these steps, you can confidently seek help with your idea while minimizing the risk of it being stolen.

Source: Inventing Secret Revealed Book by Brian Fried

Evolution of a Deal and the Art of Disclosure

Developing a licensing deal is not a one-size-fits-all process. Experienced professionals take various approaches to bring deals to fruition. Here’s an example of how a typical deal might unfold:

• Initial Communication: The process often begins with emails or phone calls to gauge mutual interest without disclosing many details. At this stage, it's crucial to consult with an IP attorney to ensure your intellectual property is protected before sharing any specifics.

• Preliminary Information Sharing: The licensee may request examples of the licensor's past work to assess credibility. Similarly, the licensor may ask the potential licensee to provide examples of products they've licensed in the past.

• Challenges of the Process: Finding the right licensee can be discouraging due to rejections and the significant time commitment involved. However, persistence is key to securing the right partner.

• Confidentiality Considerations: If a licensee expresses interest in the opportunity, the licensor must decide whether a confidentiality agreement is necessary before sharing detailed information. Some licensors may be comfortable making partial disclosures, especially if the invention is already patented or not easily observable.

• Due Diligence: Both sides conduct due diligence. The licensee investigates whether the invention has commercial potential, while the licensor evaluates the buyer’s track record and success in the marketplace.

• Negotiation and Agreement: If both parties are satisfied, they will negotiate terms and conditions for the licensing deal. Ultimately, a successful deal is one where both sides believe they will benefit more from the agreement than the cost of making it happen.

In licensing, communication, confidentiality, and due diligence are key to reaching an agreement that benefits both parties.

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

Inventor Spotlight Podcast Ep. 11 - Christine Foley & The Flower Caddy

Christine Foley, floral designer and inventor of The Flower Caddy—a game-changing tool for florists! 

With 30+ years in the floral business, Christine identified a major industry challenge: safely transporting floral arrangements without damage. Her solution? The Flower Caddy—a simple yet innovative product transforming floral delivery.

What you'll hear in this episode:

🔹 How Christine turned an everyday florist challenge into an invention
🔹 The process of bringing The Flower Caddy to market
🔹 Key lessons from her journey as an inventor & entrepreneur

Ready to be inspired? Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

Learn more about the Flower Caddy: Visit the Website

How do I obtain a copy of a trademark document?

The USPTO allows you to access copies of the documents in almost all pending applications, as well as many registrations. The Trademark Status and Document Retrieval (TSDR) database allows you to view, download, and print documents contained in our electronic records. Also, for a fee you can request a copy of your trademark registration by contacting our Certified Copy Center.

A copy of the trademark registration is $3 per registration. Certified copies are $15 per registration. A certified copy of the registration is also called a “title and status,” as it will include the current status of the trademark and current ownership information according to our records. It will also include a certification statement, a seal, and an authorized signature affirming that the registration is an official USPTO copy. You can pay by credit card, USPTO deposit account, or by electronic funds transfer (EFT).

Read Here to Learn More

Recap for National Inventor Club: USPTO Field Trip Virtual Replay January 2025

The January 2025 National Inventor Club meeting offered valuable resources for inventors. Here's a quick recap:

Inspired Home Show: We were joined by Lori Sedur who highlighted the Inspired Home Show and its Inventor's Corner, a great opportunity to showcase home-related inventions.

Product Naming: Pierre Lepas, business advisor from the Farmingdale Small Business Development Center, emphasized the critical role of a strong product name. He shared invaluable advice on testing names with target consumers

Gather Feedback for your brand: Justin from PickFu shared a helpful platform for gathering feedback and refining your branding. A catchy and memorable name can make all the difference!

Patent Process: Elizabeth (USPTO) discussed the USPTO and the patent system, and announced the "Successful Inventing" webinar series. The webinar also included a replay of USPTO Day, covering patent applications and prior art searches, and information on upcoming Inspired Home Show events.

Additional Highlights

USPTO Day Replay: The National Inventor Club recently participated in USPTO Day on November 15th, 2024, and it was a resounding success! We had a chance to watch the USPTO Day event, which featured a panel discussion with patent examiners and covered topics like the patent application process, prior art searches, and engaging with patent examiners.

Here's a recap of the event:

• Celebrating Innovation: The day kicked off with a tribute to King Camp Gillette, the inventor of the disposable safety razor, reminding us of the impact inventors have on our lives.

• USPTO History: Becky Oaks, the USPTO historian, provided a fascinating overview of the organization and the American patent system, highlighting key milestones and the importance of protecting intellectual property.

• Patent Examiner Panel: A panel of patent examiners answered questions about the patent application process, prior art searches, and how to effectively communicate with examiners during the process. They also discussed the challenges posed by AI and emerging technologies to the patent system.

• Trademark Talk: Christina Callaway, a trademark attorney, gave a presentation on trademarks, covering the basics, benefits of federal registration, and available resources.

Click Here to Watch the Previous Meetings | Become a NIC Member

Upcoming NIC Event: Waiting for Announcement

Stay tuned for the announcement of our next exciting event. Be sure to check the event listings regularly at https://app.inventorsmart.com/events and keep an eye on your email for updates. We promise another engaging and informative session, and we can't wait to share more details with you soon!

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, the show dives into each guest’s challenges, solutions, journey, and future plans. Guests also share valuable insights for viewers and listeners.

Watch This Featured Episode

Eddie Cross Inventor of THE TIME SAVER®️

Eddie Cross, inventor of THE TIME SAVER ® ️ Ducted Floor Dryer/Air Circulation System, shares his journey from a 25-year career at NUMC to becoming an entrepreneur. After experiencing a slip on a wet floor in 2002, Eddie’s work in engineering and facilities sparked the idea for a multipurpose safety product. In 2015, THE TIME SAVER®️ was born.

Eddie talks about his experiences with the Nassau/Suffolk Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club, mentoring from Brian Fried, and securing two patents for his invention. He also shares how movies like Joy and The Pursuit of Happyness motivated his entrepreneurial spirit.

Eddie’s message: If you don't try, you'll never know the outcome. Life can change in half a second.

Watch Full Story: Eddie Cross THE TIME SAVER®️

About the Got Invention Show

The Got Invention Show is a platform for inventors to showcase their products and ideas. It’s available on:

Got Invention Tube | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Apple Podcasts

Interested in Becoming a Guest?
If you’re an inventor looking to pitch your idea, find investors, or share your journey, sign up at gotinventionshow.com.

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 Regional Outreach Office: Resources for Inventors

We're excited to present a special series from the National Inventor Club, featuring the USPTO Regional Outreach Offices! In this exclusive series, you’ll hear directly from the directors of USPTO Regional Offices across the country, offering valuable insights into the many services and resources available to inventors.

From free training and educational resources to expert guidance on patent basics, trademark registration, and more, this series provides essential knowledge for inventors at all stages. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to protect your ideas, this series will help you navigate the world of intellectual property and take your innovations to new heights.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the leaders in IP and boost your invention journey!

Learn more about USPTO Regional Outreach Office

Words from Our Members

On February 2, 1869, James Oliver received a patent for a new type of “chilled plow” with a removable tempered steel blade.

James Oliver—a Scottish immigrant who had settled in Indiana—received a patent for the "chilled plow." Using an ingenious method, the wearing surfaces of the casting were cooled more quickly than those of the back. The pieces which came in contact with the soil had a hard, glassy surface while the body of the plow was made of tough iron. Oliver later founded Oliver Chilled Plow Works.

Oliver was at the forefront of plow manufacturing in the 1860s. His company used advanced chilled molds, in which molten cast iron was immersed in hot water. Although he is quoted as saying that he was “classed with the fools who pursue the fallacy of perpetual motion,” Oliver was determined to create a completely chilled plow. Because his methods allowed for the escape of hot gases from the mold, it created a surface that was smooth and tough.

Over time he received several patents for different kinds of plows and manufacturing processes, including the removable blade. The success of his plows lead to a strong business in the United States and internationally.

Learn more here

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!

Visit Our Events Page

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You're Invited: Meet & Greet – Connect & Network

Expand Your Network & Build Connections

Join us on Monday, February 17th, at 8:00 PM (EST) for a virtual Meet & Greet, an opportunity to introduce yourself, meet fellow inventors and professionals, and make valuable connections. Whether you're new to the community or a longtime member, this event is the perfect space to engage in meaningful conversations and grow your network.

Why Attend?

✅ Connect with like-minded professionals
✅ Exchange ideas and insights
✅ Expand your opportunities through networking

📍 Where: Online via Zoom
🗓 When: Monday, February 17, 2025 – 8:00 PM (EST)

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Download the Inventor Smart Community App

Stay connected, access exclusive resources, and join a vibrant community of inventors. The Inventor Smart Community App is your hub for networking, learning, and sharing ideas.

Don't miss out – download the app now and take your inventions 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 Joining Us!

We hope you found inspiration and valuable insights in the February 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Monthly Newsletter. Here’s to another year of innovation, creativity, and progress. Let’s continue turning ideas into reality together!

Inventively yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team