February 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

• 💡 Featured Event – Inventor Day 2026 at the USPTO (registration open + spots still available)

• 🧠 Invention Strategy – Patent options, pivots, and smart next steps 

• 🚀 Go-to-Market Insights – Smart ways to promote your invention

• 💼 Live NIC Event – Trademark Essentials (FREE, Feb 18)

• 🎙️ Inventor Spotlight – David Chaney & BetterGrip Paint Roller

• 🎙️ Inventor Coach Podcast – Test Before You Invest (Episode 8)

• 🎥 Replay Available – Kickstart 2026: The Inventor’s Mindset

• 🎬 Got Invention Show – Be a guest + featured episode with Prepared4X

• 🏛️ USPTO Resources – Patent policy insights + TM vs. ® explained

• ⭐ Premium Insider – Upgrade benefits + exclusive access

• 📜 Invention History – Statue of Liberty design patent (1879)

• 📅 Community Events – Trademark Essentials + Live Q&A this month

• 💬 InventorChat.com – Your 24/7 inventor conversation hub

Inventor Day 2026 at the USPTO — Registration Now Open

Some moments in the inventor journey change how you see everything.

Walking the halls of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office is one of them.

On March 26, 2026, the National Inventor Club returns to USPTO Headquarters in Alexandria, VA for our third annual Inventor Day, and there are still spots open.

This isn’t a webinar.
This isn’t theory.
This is the system… up close.

You’ll:

• Tour the USPTO facilities
• Learn directly from USPTO staff
• Connect with inventors from across the country
• See how ideas move through the patent system in the real world

Arriving early? Join us for the Inventor Smart Community Networking Mixer on March 25 (evening), a relaxed, informal way to connect before the big day.

📍 USPTO Headquarters — Alexandria, VA
📅 March 26, 2026
🕖 Networking Mixer: March 25
⏳ RSVP deadline: March 5, 2026

🎥 Watch a short video from a previous visit to experience the setting, conversations, and energy for yourself.

👉 Learn more: https://inventorday.com
👉 Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc-USfVZFXKA_WPlViq1aR1G7LQJH6wUpWC0BmPIwpyqsQdxQ/viewform

Premium Members receive priority registration. Space is limited.

This is one of those experiences that makes the journey feel real, and reminds you that you’re not doing this alone.

Don’t Let a Good Idea Sit Still

Can You Protect Your Invention—and What Are Your Options?

Before moving forward with an invention, it’s essential to understand where you stand. A professional patent search with a patentability opinion, combined with your own market research, helps you decide your next steps with clarity and confidence.

But what if the results aren’t what you hoped for?

If your search uncovers a similar or identical patent—or shows that your idea has little to no chance of being patented—it doesn’t mean the journey is over. It simply means you have decisions to make.

Here are your main paths forward:

• Know where you stand. A “no” on patentability isn’t failure—it’s information. With that knowledge, you can decide whether to manufacture the product yourself, pivot, or move on to your next idea.

• Check patent expiration dates. Utility patents last 20 years; design patents last 15 years. If a competing patent has expired (design patents often start with a “D”), the invention may now be in the public domain—opening the door for you to move forward legally.

• Consider manufacturing on your own. Many inventors assume manufacturing is out of reach, but once you speak with factories and understand the real costs, it may be more achievable than you expect. Funding options can include saving over time, loans from friends or family, traditional loans, or even crowdfunding.

• Build value without a patent. Even without patent protection, you can create a strong business by developing a trademarkable brand name—as long as you’re not infringing on an active patent.

• Learn from success stories. The Snuggie is a great example: the underlying product idea was already in the public domain, but the company built massive value through branding and trademark protection.

• Explore partnerships. If a patent is still active, you may be able to partner with the patent holder, license the technology, manufacture for them, or collaborate on an improvement.

• Understand the risks. Filing a provisional patent or moving forward without clear rights can carry legal risks, including cease-and-desist orders or lawsuits. These are strategic decisions that must be weighed carefully.

The bottom line:
Not being able to get a patent does not mean you have to give up. Whether through manufacturing, licensing, trademarks, partnerships, or moving on to a stronger idea, the goal is always the same—find a smart, legal path to turn your creativity into income.

Ultimately, the decision is yours. With the right information, you can choose the path that makes the most sense for you and your invention.

Source: How to Make Money with Your Invention Idea Book by Brian Fried

Ready for Market? Smart Ways to Promote Your Invention

by Brian Fried

Once your invention is ready, the key is choosing the right path to market. Different products require different strategies, so research is essential—make sure you’re pitching to companies that truly fit your invention.

Popular options include:

• Infomercial & DRTV Companies: These companies look for mass-market, problem-solution products that can be clearly demonstrated on TV. Study infomercials, pricing, and target audiences before pitching.

• Industry-Specific Companies: Identify leading brands in your product’s industry and learn their invention submission process. Your idea should align with their existing product line.

• Trade Shows: Inventor-friendly trade shows can help you connect with licensees, buyers, and industry leaders while showcasing your invention.

• Catalog Companies: Catalogs buy finished products (not licenses). Be ready with inventory, samples, and shipping timelines. They can be a great launch platform with smaller orders and higher margins.

• TV Shopping Channels: Home shopping networks allow you to test demand quickly. A finished product, strong demo, and clear pricing are essential.

Know your product, know your audience, and think like a marketer. Focus on what’s in it for your potential partner, and choose the marketing path that gives your invention the best chance to succeed.

👉 Read the full article here: Inventing Secrets Revealed Book by Brian Fried

💼 Trademark Essentials: Building Your Intellectual Property Assets

Join us LIVE on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 for a special FREE National Inventor Club event focused on protecting and strengthening your brand the right way.

📅 Wednesday, February 18, 2026
🕗 8:00 PM EST (5:00 PM Pacific)
📍 Live Online

You’ve got a brilliant invention, innovative service, or startup idea. But have you thought about protecting your brand name, logo, slogan, or product identity? Trademarks are one of the most powerful — and most misunderstood — tools for building long-term business value.

We’re bringing in Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to break down everything you need to know — in clear, practical terms without legal jargon.

In this session, we’ll cover:

• What trademarks actually protect — names, logos, slogans, colors, sounds, product shapes, and more
• When to file — and why timing can make or break your application
• The registration process — simplified step-by-step from someone who has reviewed thousands of applications
• How trademarks create real business value and become assets you can leverage
• Trademarks vs. Copyrights vs. Patents — clearing up the confusion once and for all

This event is for you if:

• You’re naming your business, product, or service and want to do it right
• You’re building something unique that needs protection
• You’ve launched but haven’t secured your trademark yet
• You’re unsure what trademarks actually cover
• You want to build intellectual property assets that increase your company’s value

Your intellectual property is an asset. Let’s protect it and build it the right way.

👉 Join the Event:
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/165

When: Wed, Feb 18, 2026 — 8:00 PM EST
Where: Online

The Tech newsletter for Engineers who want to stay ahead

Tech moves fast, but you're still playing catch-up?

That's exactly why 100K+ engineers working at Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.

Here's what you get:

• Curated tech news that shapes your career - Filtered from thousands of sources so you know what's coming 6 months early.

• Practical resources you can use immediately - Real tutorials and tools that solve actual engineering problems.

• Research papers and insights decoded - We break down complex tech so you understand what matters.

All delivered twice a week in just 2 short emails.

Join 100K+ engineers

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 #15: David Chaney’s BetterGrip Paint Roller — Painting with Comfort & Control

Host Samantha St. Raymond sits down with inventor David Chaney, creator of the BetterGrip Paint Roller — an ergonomic, double-sided roller designed to reduce wrist strain and give painters greater comfort, balance, and control.

What began during the 2020 COVID lockdown — while repainting his pool deck — quickly turned into a patent-pending innovation. Frustrated with traditional wire frame rollers that bend, flex, and strain the wrist, David engineered a smarter solution that attaches on both sides, balances pressure evenly, and eliminates many of the frustrations DIYers and professionals experience every day.

Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, David spent 25 years as a physical education teacher before dedicating himself fully to building BetterGrip alongside his wife Debbie. In this candid episode, he shares the realities of prototyping, manufacturing, pitch competitions judged by industry leaders like Daymond John, retail conversations, global patents, grassroots sales, and expanding the product line.

This conversation goes beyond the product — it’s about perseverance, belief in your invention, and navigating the long road from idea to market.

🎧 Listen in the Inventor Smart Community App
Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube & more

🔗 Learn more about BetterGrip Paint Roller: https://bettergrippaintroller.com
📲 Join the Inventor Smart Community: https://app.inventorsmart.com

📱 Now Streaming On

Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Spotify | YouTube | iHeartRadio

📧 Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email [email protected]

✨ Become a Premium Insider in the Inventor Smart Community App for your chance to be featured on the Inventor Spotlight Podcast!

Frequently Asked Questions

Trademarks: What is the difference between TM and the R within the circle ®?

Use of the TM and SM symbols may be governed by local, state, or foreign laws and the laws of a pertinent jurisdiction to identify the marks that a party claims rights to. The federal registration symbol, the R enclosed within a circle, may be used once the mark is actually registered in the USPTO. Even though an application is pending, the registration symbol may not be used before the mark has actually become registered.

The federal registration symbol should only be used on goods or services that are the subject of the federal trademark registration.

PLEASE NOTE: Several foreign countries use the letter R enclosed within a circle to indicate that a mark is registered in that country. Use of the symbol by the holder of a foreign registration may be proper.

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office

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!

Join Premium Insider Today →

🎥 Now Available: KICKSTART 2026 — The Inventor’s Mindset (Replay)

Missed the live event? The full recording is now available to watch.

In this special National Inventor Club livestream, Brian Fried sits down with David Meltzer — renowned entrepreneur, investor, and Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute — for a focused conversation on execution, accountability, and building the mindset that moves ideas forward.

This session is designed to help inventors reset, refocus, and take action. You’ll learn how to set goals you’ll actually execute, turn ideas into measurable progress, break through frustration and stalled momentum, create timelines that work, and apply Think and Grow Rich principles to your invention journey.

David Meltzer, former CEO of the Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment Agency (the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire), shares practical insights that inventors can apply immediately.

🎬 Watch the full replay here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oH3jIVcRMZ8

📲 Join the Inventor Smart Community:
https://app.inventorsmart.com

🌟 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

James Isbell Inventor and Entrepreneur of Prepared4X

One of the past episodes of Got Invention Show, we spotlight James Isbell, founder of Prepared4X, as he shares his journey from idea to selling his products through major online retailers.

Prepared4X is on a mission to become the most trusted preparedness brand on the market, and they do it in two ways:

1. Best Products – Every product is tested in real-world conditions to ensure quality and reliability. Feedback from customers and rescue professionals helps refine existing products and inspire new solutions that aren’t available anywhere else.

2. Best Community – Prepared4X goes beyond gear, educating their community with actionable tips through blogs and social media updates. Knowledge is just as important as the tools themselves when it comes to emergency preparedness.

James’ passion for preparedness stems from his days as an Eagle Scout, where his inventive mindset and desire to help others inspired him to create innovative tools the market lacked. Guided by the Scout Law—Trustworthy, Helpful, Friendly—James and Prepared4X strive to give you confidence to protect yourself, your family, and your friends.

🔗 Discover more at www.prepared4x.com

Watch the Episode here: Got Invention Show:  James Isbell Inventor and Entrepreneur of Prepared4X

🎧 The Inventor Coach Podcast

Test Before You Invest: How to Validate Market Demand for Your Invention
Episode 8

You’ve got a great idea — maybe even a prototype — but here’s the real question: Will anyone actually buy it?

Before you pour time and money into production, this episode walks you through how to test market demand the smart way. Brian Fried shares practical strategies to help you avoid assumptions, gather real feedback, and let the market guide your next move.

In this episode, you’ll learn why falling in love with your idea can be risky — and why proof beats assumptions every time.

Here’s what Brian covers:

• How to get honest feedback from real potential customers (not just friends and family)
• What questions to ask when showing a sketch or prototype
• How to research Amazon, Etsy, retail sites, and brick-and-mortar stores for competition
• Why negative reviews on similar products can reveal opportunity
• How to create a simple landing page to test buying interest before manufacturing
• Using small ad campaigns, surveys, social media polls, and local events to gather real-world reactions

You don’t need a finished product to test the market — you need clarity.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Don’t build it and hope they come. Test early. Test often.

If you’re serious about validating your invention idea and want support along the way, the Inventor Smart Community App connects you with inventors, entrepreneurs, startups, and service providers who are actively building and learning together.

▶️ Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQPHfPdz0ZM&list=PLP2qqTBTyDnSY0JFnA97O4EOLOTGcDXHK&index=4

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

USPTO: Understanding USPTO Patent Policy

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) not only grants patents but also guides how patent laws are interpreted and applied, both in the U.S. and internationally. Its patent policy provides leadership and expertise on critical issues, including patent eligibility, emerging technologies, and global cooperation.

What This Means for Inventors:

• Domestic & International Guidance – Balances U.S. patent rights with global standards and treaties.

• Policy Initiatives – Adapts to new challenges like digital inventions and evolving patent standards.

• Education & Support – Offers resources to help inventors understand the patent process and international protections.

Understanding patent policy helps you make smarter decisions about filing, protecting, and enforcing your invention rights, ensuring your innovation is safeguarded today and recognized worldwide.

To learn more, visit: USPTO Patent Policy

Invention Playbook

The Invention Playbook — is focused on one clear mission: helping inventors make better decisions that move their ideas forward. Whether you’re aiming to license, manufacture, sell, or pivot your invention, the key to success is finding clarity early on and taking the right next step.

Brian knows that most inventors aren’t stuck because they lack ideas — they’re stuck because they lack clarity. That’s why his goal this year is to help 1,000 inventors navigate the invention journey with confidence. This could mean helping you refine your strategy, decide on licensing vs. launching, identify what’s holding you back, or simply point you toward the smartest next step for your invention.

Here’s what Brian emphasizes for inventors in 2026:

• Set clear goals for what you want to accomplish with your invention this year.
• Identify the decisions you need to make — and make them with confidence.
• Connect with other inventors to share progress, setbacks, and wins.

You’re invited to share your invention goals, ask questions, and get guidance directly from an expert who’s been in the invention space for years.

Here’s to a focused and productive year ahead for your invention!

Want to dive deeper? Visit: Invention Playbook

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.

Explore Premium Benefits →

💬 Advice from an Inventor

INVENTION HISTORY: On February 18, 1879, French sculptor Frédéric‑Auguste Bartholdi was granted U.S. design patent No. D11023

On February 18, 1879, French sculptor Frédéric‑Auguste Bartholdi secured a U.S. design patent for his monumental creation Liberty Enlightening the World—better known today as the Statue of Liberty. Bartholdi’s use of intellectual property protection helped him safeguard the statue’s unique design during a pivotal fundraising campaign, allowing him and supporters to sell statuettes and images that raised money for the statue’s pedestal and construction. 

Design patents protect the ornamental appearance of an article, making them ideal for artistic works like sculptures, decorative objects, and other visually distinctive creations. For Bartholdi, patenting the statue’s design was a strategic move to prevent unauthorized copies of the statue and related merchandise—a clever early example of using IP to support a major cultural and engineering achievement.

Today, the Statue of Liberty stands not only as an icon of freedom but also as a historical testament to how patent protection can support creative and monumental works. 

Learn more here

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

• TRADEMARK ESSENTIALS: Building Your Intellectual Property Assets
Wed, Feb 18 • 8:00 PM (EST) • Online
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/165

• Ask the Inventor Coach: Live Q&A with Brian Fried
Wed, Feb 25 • 8:00 PM (EST) • Online
https://app.inventorsmart.com/events/164

👉 Visit Our Events Page

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 February 2026 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!

📩 Subscribe to our updates on LinkedIn
🌐 Visit: inventorsmart.com | app.inventorsmart.com

Inventively Yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team