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!

Every invention begins with an idea, but not every idea becomes a successful product. One of the most important habits inventors can develop is learning to view their inventions as business opportunities.

It's natural to become excited about a new concept. Inventors spend countless hours thinking about solutions, developing prototypes, and imagining the possibilities. However, before investing significant time and money, it's important to determine whether the invention solves a real problem and whether customers will be willing to buy it.

Research is a critical first step. Take time to explore existing products, understand the competition, and identify what makes your invention unique. Honest feedback from potential customers can also reveal valuable insights that friends and family may overlook.

Brian reminds inventors that success isn't measured by moving every idea forward. Sometimes the greatest value comes from what you learn during the process. Each invention, whether it reaches the market or not, can provide knowledge that helps shape your next opportunity.

✓ Does your invention solve a real problem?

✓ Have you researched similar products already on the market?

✓ What makes your invention different or better?

✓ Have you received honest feedback from people outside your inner circle?

✓ Is there a clear path to making a profit?

"Don't fall in love with the invention—fall in love with solving the problem."

The more objectively you evaluate your idea, the better your chances of turning innovation into a successful business opportunity.

👉 Read the full article on Celebrity Inventors: Brian Fried of the National Inventors Club On How To Go From Idea To Store Shelf

Many inventors dream of seeing their products on store shelves, but not everyone wants to invest in manufacturing, manage inventory, or leave their current job. That's where licensing can become an attractive option.

Licensing allows inventors to partner with an established company that already has the resources, manufacturing capabilities, and distribution channels needed to bring a product to market. In a licensing agreement, the inventor—known as the Licensor—grants rights to their invention to a company, known as the Licensee, in exchange for compensation, often in the form of royalties.

One of the biggest advantages of licensing is that it can reduce the financial risk for inventors. Instead of building a business from the ground up, inventors can leverage the experience and infrastructure of companies already selling products in the marketplace.

Before approaching potential licensees, it's important to protect your intellectual property. Consider these essential steps:

✔ Conduct a patent search to understand the competitive landscape.

✔ File a Provisional Patent Application or Design Patent to establish patent-pending status.

✔ Prepare materials that clearly demonstrate your invention's value.

While some inventors rely solely on confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements, many companies prefer reviewing inventions that already have some level of intellectual property protection in place.

Start by identifying stores where you envision your product being sold. Look for similar products and take note of the companies behind them. These manufacturers may already have the customer base, retail relationships, and industry expertise needed to successfully market your invention.

When reaching out, ask whether the company reviews outside ideas and what their submission process entails.

When presenting your invention, preparation matters. Consider having:

• A working prototype or product sample

• High-quality photos

• A short demonstration video

• A concise explanation of the problem your invention solves

The easier it is for a company to understand your product and its market potential, the greater your chances of generating interest.

Licensing isn't the right path for every invention, but for many inventors it offers a practical way to bring an idea to market without taking on the challenges of manufacturing and distribution. By protecting your idea, researching potential partners, and presenting your invention professionally, you can position yourself for successful licensing opportunities.

Source:  Inventing Secrets Revealed Book by Brian Fried

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

The National Inventors Club recently hosted a special educational livestream featuring Inventor Coach and National Inventors Club Founder Brian Fried. While NIC often welcomes guest speakers to share their expertise, this session put the spotlight on Brian as he led an in-depth discussion on one of the most important decisions inventors face:

Should you license your invention or manufacture it yourself?

Drawing from decades of experience as an inventor, product developer, author, and licensing expert, Brian shared practical insights into both paths. With products that have appeared on QVC, in Walmart, Target, catalogs, and online retailers, he offered a firsthand look at the opportunities and challenges inventors should consider before investing significant time and money into their ideas.

Throughout the presentation, Brian explored the realities of bringing an invention to market and highlighted several important lessons for inventors:

One of the most valuable themes of the session was understanding that there is no single "right" path for every invention. Licensing may offer a lower-risk opportunity to partner with an established company, while manufacturing can provide greater control and potentially larger profits—but also requires a greater investment of time, money, and effort.

The discussion provided inventors with a realistic look at both options, helping attendees better understand how to evaluate their ideas, assess their resources, and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Whether you're just beginning your invention journey or preparing to commercialize a product, this informative session delivered practical guidance from someone who has successfully navigated both sides of the invention business.

Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R-1PLallzw

Most inventors say they are looking for funding but have no idea what they are actually asking for, what they need to present, or what they are agreeing to. This month we are breaking it all down with someone who lives this every single day.

The Inventor Coach Brian Fried sits down with Alon Y. Kapen, Partner at Farrell Fritz, one of Long Island's most trusted attorneys for entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging growth companies. Alon has guided countless founders through raising capital, structuring deals, and building businesses from the ground up and he is bringing all of that knowledge straight to our community.

Here is what we are covering:

No matter what stage you are at this is a conversation every inventor needs to hear.

Bring your questions and Brian and Alon will be taking them live.

🗓 Wednesday, June 24th
🕖 7pm EDT | 6pm CDT | 4pm PDT
🎙 Hosted by Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach
📍 National Inventor Club Live Stream

Add it to your calendar:
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View full event details:
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Click the link in the ad to support the Inventor Smart Community and help us continue building a space where inventors can thrive!

The Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program manages a nationwide network of academic, public, and state libraries that have been designated a Patent and Trademark Resource Center(PTRC). These resource centers provide the public with various trademark and patent assistance.

If you want to patent an invention or register a trademark, you don't have to navigate the process by yourself. PTRC representatives are trained to help inventors and small businesses find the information they need to protect their intellectual property (IP).

While PTRC representatives cannot provide legal advice, they can:

Source: USPTO: Patent and Trademark Resource Centers

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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

One of our past episodes of Got Invention Show featured inventor, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder Samantha Jane St. Raymond, creator of Yellow Dog Table®.

Samantha demonstrated the determination and creativity that drive successful innovators. Her first product to reach the marketplace, Yellow Dog Table®, reflects her passion for solving everyday problems through practical design and product development.

Before entering the world of inventing, Samantha built a diverse career in promotions, events, marketing, and fundraising. Her entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to think outside the box helped pave the way for her journey as a product developer. She credits much of her success to taking chances, embracing new opportunities, and maintaining an attitude of gratitude throughout the process.

In addition to her work as an inventor, Samantha is the founder of Play It Forward STL, a Missouri-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing musical instruments to underfunded music programs. Her commitment to helping children access music education reflects her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to explore and develop their musical talents.

During her appearance on Got Invention Show, Samantha shared insights into her invention journey, the challenges of bringing a first product to market, and the importance of perseverance when pursuing new ideas. Her story serves as an inspiring example of how passion, creativity, and community involvement can come together to create meaningful impact.

Whether through product innovation or charitable work, Samantha continues to demonstrate how inventors can use their ideas and talents to make a difference in the lives of others.

For more information, visit:https://yellowdogtable.com/

Watch the Episode here: Got Invention Show: Samantha Jane St. Raymond of Yellow Dog Table®

When inventors think of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), patents are usually the first thing that come to mind. However, the USPTO also plays an important role in shaping and supporting copyright policy both in the United States and around the world.

The agency's copyright-related responsibilities extend far beyond intellectual property registration. The USPTO helps negotiate international agreements, provides training and technical assistance to government officials, and monitors developments in copyright law through Congress, the courts, and the Executive Branch.

One of the USPTO's key functions is helping to develop and oversee major international copyright agreements that protect creators and innovators across borders. These include landmark treaties such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty, the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, and the Marrakesh Treaty.

As innovation continues to expand across digital platforms and global markets, the USPTO remains an important advocate for intellectual property protection, helping ensure that creators and innovators can continue to benefit from their ideas both at home and abroad.

For more information, read here: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/copyright-policy

For many inventors and entrepreneurs, entering the global marketplace represents an exciting opportunity for growth. However, expanding internationally also introduces new intellectual property challenges that can put valuable inventions and brands at risk if not properly protected.

In a recent discussion, Inventor Coach Brian Fried sat down with Matthias Reischle-Park, Deputy Director and Head of PCT Legal and User Support at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Hanna Kang, Senior Legal Officer in WIPO's PCT Legal and User Relations Division, to explore how inventors can safeguard their intellectual property beyond U.S. borders.

One of the most important lessons from the conversation was that U.S. patent and trademark protection does not automatically extend to other countries. In some regions, publicly disclosing an invention before filing can permanently eliminate the ability to obtain patent protection due to strict novelty requirements.

As more inventors explore global opportunities, understanding international intellectual property strategy becomes increasingly important. Taking the right steps early can help protect your innovations, strengthen your competitive position, and create a foundation for long-term success in worldwide markets.

Watch here: Protect What You Built: How to Extend Your Intellectual Property Internationally

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.

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On June 2, 1857, inventor James Edward Allen Gibbs received a patent for what became the first practical single-thread chain-stitch sewing machine, a breakthrough that helped make sewing faster, simpler, and more accessible.

Unlike many early sewing machines that relied on more complex mechanisms, Gibbs' design used a single thread and an innovative rotating hook to create a chain stitch. The machine proved to be efficient, reliable, and easier to operate than many competing designs of the time.

Following the patent, Gibbs partnered with businessman James Willcox to form the Willcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine Company, which became one of the most successful sewing machine manufacturers of the 19th century. Their machines gained widespread popularity in homes and businesses and helped transform clothing production during the Industrial Revolution.

Learn more here

Inventing often starts with a simple question: Is this idea worth pursuing? For many inventors, the challenge is getting quick, reliable feedback without spending significant time or money upfront.

uinvent.ai is a free AI-powered tool created and developed by Inventor Coach Brian Fried, a serial inventor with over 15 U.S. patents. It was designed to help inventors evaluate ideas in minutes and gain early clarity before moving into patents, prototypes, or manufacturing.

By simply describing an idea, users can receive instant insights such as:

Most ideas never move forward because inventors don’t know where to start. uinvent.ai helps bridge that gap by giving instant direction and clarity, making it easier to decide whether to move forward with an invention.

It’s built to support independent inventors by simplifying the earliest—and often most confusing—stage of the invention journey.

Learn more: https://uinvent.ai/

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
Tuesday, May 26 • 7:00 PM (EST) • Online

👉 Visit Our Events Page
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Have a question? Hit a roadblock? Or maybe you just scored a small win worth sharing?

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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.

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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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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]
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We hope you enjoyed the May 2026 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!

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Inventively Yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team