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July 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
Getting Started – The first five steps to bring your invention to life
Invention Research – How to build a discovery file and evaluate your next move
$1 Million Pitch Opportunity – Apply for the Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch Competition
Featured Live Event – Pitching Is Everything: How to Land the Deal
Featured Replay – What every inventor should know before accepting investors
Frequently Asked Questions – What copyright protects and how invention ideas are handled
Got Invention Show – Become a guest and revisit David Klein’s inventor journey
USPTO Kids – Free summer activities and invention resources for young creators
International IP – How to protect what you built beyond the United States
Advice from an Inventor – Brian Fried on validating demand before spending money
Invention History – Ross Clay and the swimming pool debris removal net
Inventor Tool – Use uinvent.ai to evaluate an invention idea in minutes
Upcoming Events – Live July programs inside the Inventor Smart Community
Sponsor Spotlight – Welcome TEDAC Inventions to the community
The First 5 Steps to Bring Your Invention to Life
Every inventor knows that exact moment: one minute you’re struggling with an everyday problem, and the next, bam—you’ve hit on the perfect solution. But how do you take that spark of genius and turn it into a tangible product?
Here are the first five essential steps to get you moving from concept to creation.
Step 1: Capture the Idea (And Don’t Lose It!)
An invention idea is like a balloon—if you don't hold onto it tightly, it can easily float away. Whether your idea is a "better mousetrap" or a whole new product category, write it down immediately before you get distracted. Keep a dedicated invention journal or a secure digital folder so you can safely revisit your thoughts when you're ready.
Step 2: Ensure Your Idea is Truly Yours
Before investing time and money, it is your responsibility to make sure your invention is genuinely unique. Start by digging deep into Google search terms related to your concept. Then, head to the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) website to run a preliminary patent search. If no one else has legally claimed your design, consider it a green light!
Step 3: Deep-Dive Into Competitor Research
You cannot stand out until you know who else is in the room. Analyze your future competition across these key areas:
Pricing & Retail: What do they charge, and where do they sell (online or brick-and-mortar)?
Packaging: Does their packaging clearly explain the product? Identify its flaws so you can design something better.
Customer Reviews: Look up online complaints and praises. Use your competitors' mistakes as a blueprint to build a superior product.
Step 4: Name Your Invention
A great name highlights your product's core benefits while standing out from the crowd. Once you have a shortlist of names, go back to the USPTO website to ensure they aren't trademarked. Next, check domain registries (like GoDaddy) to secure an available matching URL. If you want to test names on friends and family first, use a simple Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to keep your idea secure.
Step 5: Protect Your Product
To secure a patent, the USPTO requires your idea to be 100% brand new and unheard of. Protecting your intellectual property from being ripped off requires time and patience, so utilize the inventor resources on the USPTO website to learn how to properly file and shield your creation.
These five steps are just the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey. You have a thrilling road ahead—stay organized, stay curious, and keep moving forward!
👉 Read the full article on Inventor Smart: New Invention Ideas: The First 5 Steps Towards Creating Your Product
Checking In: How Is Your Invention Coming Along?
Navigating the early stages of a product launch can be a whirlwind, so let's pause, see where you are, and figure out your exact next move.
Depending on what your initial research uncovered, you likely fall into one of two camps right now:
Scenario A: You Found Your Idea Out There
If you discovered that your "big idea" already exists, I know it stings. It hurts for a little while, but look at the bright side: you saved yourself thousands of dollars and months of wasted effort. Instead of dwelling on it, dust yourself off and wait for the next spark to hit. Serial inventors know that the next great idea is always just around the corner. Move on proudly, knowing you did the smart thing by checking first.
Scenario B: The Coast is Clear!
If you didn’t find anything similar, and you really took your time digging around, congratulations! You are ready to keep moving forward.
Now, it is time to definitively find out if your invention idea can truly be yours.
Your Next Step: Gathering Your Discovery File
Before we take the next major leap, you need to compile your research into one master "Discovery File." Gather everything you’ve found so far, including:
Links, printouts, and photos of similar products.
Patent artwork from uspto.gov (the official US Patent and Trademark Office site) or Google Patents.
Notes from online retail catalogs or websites in your industry.
Once you have this together, you can make an educated decision on whether to pay for a professional patent search.
Investing in Professional Proof
While you can do a lot of the heavy lifting yourself, hiring a professional search firm is a vital piece of your "Research & Development" budget.
Inventor Insight: Paying a few bucks for a professional search protects your business. It ensures you don't waste real money manufacturing a product that technically belongs to someone else.
When hiring a search firm, keep these two approaches in mind:
Search-Only Firms: They will scour official databases for "prior art" (existing public evidence of your idea) and send you the raw findings. You will then need to take that data to an attorney or agent to interpret it.
Full-Service Firms: Some firms include an assessment from a licensed intellectual property agent or patent attorney who will give you an official opinion on whether your product is actually patentable.
The Licensing Danger Zone
Why is this step so critical? If your ultimate goal is to license your product to a major company, they will do their own strict due diligence. If they discover a hidden patent that you missed, the deal is dead. Discovering a deal-breaker that late in the game is a heartbreaking, expensive let-down.
One final pro-tip: If you discover a patent that blocks your idea but it seems old, find out when that patent expires. An expired patent might just open the door for your updated version.
Keep digging, keep organizing, and let's make sure your foundation is rock solid!
Could Your Invention Win Part of a $1 Million Prize Pool?
Applications close Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
Inventors and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to compete for funding, business credits, exposure, and a place on the main stage at the 2026 Alibaba.com CoCreate Pitch Competition.
In a new interview, Inventor Coach and Alibaba.com Ambassador Brian Fried sits down with Ciara Cristo, U.S. Brand Marketing Lead at Alibaba.com, to explain how the competition works, who can apply, what judges want to see, and how to prepare a strong application.
Three Ways to Apply
The competition includes three tracks for applicants at different stages:
• SME Track: For businesses with a developed product that is already on the market or preparing to launch
• Zero-to-One Startup Track: For inventors who have an idea and are ready to begin prototyping
• Student Track: For eligible high school and college students with an innovative product idea
The competition is primarily designed for physical products, although applicants do not need to have a patent or patent-pending status to apply. Inventors should carefully consider what they are comfortable publicly presenting because finalist pitches will be livestreamed.
What Could You Win?
Twenty finalists will be invited to pitch in person at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and every finalist will receive a prize.
• Grand Prize: $200,000, split between cash and Alibaba.com credits
• Second Place: $100,000, split between cash and credits
• Third Place: $50,000, split between cash and credits
• All Other Finalists: At least $10,000, including $5,000 in cash and $5,000 in credits
Hotel accommodations will also be provided to finalists for the event.
What Makes an Application Stand Out?
Judges are looking for more than a polished product. They want to see ingenuity, a clearly defined problem, a meaningful solution, and an inventor who is genuinely connected to the story behind the product.
A compelling demonstration can also make a major difference. Past grand-prize winner Christian Reed of Recon Tools used his presentation to show the audience the exact problem his invention solved, making the value of the product easy to understand.
Your personal story, passion, product demonstration, and ability to clearly communicate the opportunity can all help your pitch stand out.
Create Your Application Faster with Accio
Applicants can use Alibaba.com’s Accio CoCreate Pitch Assistant to help draft their application. By entering a company website, LinkedIn page, or basic product description, inventors can receive help organizing their:
• Product and market problem
• Target customer
• Competitive advantages
• Business story
• Written application responses
The first draft may take as little as 10 minutes, but applicants should carefully review and personalize everything before submitting.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT
Finalists Announced: Mid-August 2026
CoCreate Event: September 9 and 10, 2026
Pitch Competition: September 10, 2026
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
All finalists must be available to pitch in person in Los Angeles.
The deadline is approaching quickly. Watch the interview, review the requirements, and submit your application before July 25 if your invention is ready for the opportunity.
Pitching Is Everything: How to Land the Deal
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
7:00 PM ET
National Inventor Club Live
Free and open to everyone
You walk into the room with only a few minutes to tell your story, explain your product, and make your case. In that short window, someone may decide whether to invest, license your invention, carry your product, or walk away.
A strong idea is not always enough. You also need to know how to present it in a way that captures attention, builds confidence, and makes people want to hear more.
Join Brian Fried and special guest Vincent James Arcuri for a live conversation about what makes a pitch work. Vincent has spent more than 14 years in casting and producing, listening to thousands of pitches and working with hundreds of founders and entrepreneurs. He has sourced talent for some of the most successful business and entrepreneurial television series in the industry.
During this live event, you will learn:
• How to prepare without overcomplicating your pitch
• What materials you should have ready
• How to structure your story so people stay interested
• The common mistakes that cause pitches to lose momentum
• How body language, personality, and energy affect your delivery
• How to answer difficult questions without becoming defensive
• Why your product and brand need a clear personality
This event is for inventors and entrepreneurs pitching to investors, buyers, licensees, retailers, manufacturers, or anyone who controls the opportunity they are pursuing.
Whether you are developing a prototype, preparing to launch, getting ready for your first pitch, or trying to understand why a previous pitch did not land, this conversation will help you present your invention with greater clarity and confidence.
Bring your questions. You can even bring your pitch if you would like feedback.
We will see you live on Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00 PM ET.
What Every Inventor Needs to Know Before Saying Yes to Investors
Missed the livestream? The full recording is now available to watch.
What Every Inventor Needs to Know Before Saying Yes to Investors
If you missed our latest National Inventor Club livestream, you missed a masterclass in startup survival. Most inventors say they are looking for funding, but very few actually know what they are asking for, what they need to present, or what they are truly agreeing to when they sign on the dotted line.
To break it all down, National Inventor Club Founder and Inventor Coach Brian Fried sat down with Alon Y. Kapen, Partner at Farrell Fritz—one of the region's most trusted attorneys for entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging growth companies. Alon has guided countless founders through raising capital and structuring deals, and he brought that invaluable legal and financial expertise straight to our community.
Key Takeaways From the Event
Whether you are sketching your first prototype or preparing to pitch, here are the core insights covered during this exclusive conversation:
Funding Types Decoded: A deep dive into the real differences between friends and family, angel investors, seed funding, and venture capital—and what each one expects from you.
The Reality of Valuation: How to realistically put a dollar value on an idea before it has ever made a single cent.
Structuring the Deal: A look at how investment deals get structured, how much equity is too much to give up, and what legal documents you need to protect yourself as a founder.
The "Shark Tank" Myth: Why reality TV is great entertainment, but not how real-world venture capital and angel investing actually work.
Alternative Paths: Exploring licensing and other smart funding options if taking on outside investors isn't the right fit for your business.
The Pitch Checklist: Exactly what investors need to see from an inventor before they will even consider saying "yes."
The Big Takeaway: Taking on investors isn't just about getting a check—it's about entering a long-term business partnership. Understanding the legal and financial terms before you pitch is what separates successful entrepreneurs from those who lose control of their ideas.
Missed the Live Q&A?
Brian and Alon took a massive wave of live questions from our community, tackling real-time funding dilemmas from inventors just like you.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming newsletter announcements so you can catch the next livestream, bring your questions, and get them answered live by top industry experts!
Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-zZmwF0uL4
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Copyright Protect?
Copyright, a form of intellectual property law, protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works, such as poetry, novels, movies, songs, computer software, and architecture. Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation, although it may protect the way these things are expressed.
How do I protect my idea?
Copyright does not protect ideas, concepts, systems, or methods of doing something. You may express your ideas in writing or drawings and claim copyright in your description, but be aware that copyright will not protect the idea itself as revealed in your written or artistic work.
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:
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🎬 Featured Episode
Lessons from a Legend: "The Candyman" David Klein Shares His Journey
We were absolutely thrilled to have a true icon join us at our most recent National Inventor Club meeting! David Klein, AKA "The Candyman" and the brilliant mind behind Jelly Belly® jelly beans, hopped on to give updates, share timeless tips, and inspire our inventor community.
His recent appearance reminded us of his unforgettable, deep-dive interview on the Got Invention Show with our founder and host, Brian Fried. Originally broadcast in June 2022, this spectacular interview remains a masterclass for any aspiring entrepreneur. If you want to know what it truly takes to build a household brand from scratch, this is a conversation you need to revisit.
From a Law Degree to a Candy Empire
Born in Syracuse, NY, and raised in Los Angeles, David actually earned a law degree before realizing his true calling. His passion for the candy business was simply too powerful to ignore.
The Birth of a Giant: In 1976, with just $800 to his name, David created the gourmet Jelly Belly jelly bean, pioneering the idea of infusing intense flavor throughout the entire bean, not just the outer shell.
Guerrilla Marketing: David didn't have a massive corporate budget, so he got creative. Through brilliant publicity stunts and sheer determination, he put Jelly Belly on the map—eventually landing spots on The Mike Douglas Show, The Regis Philbin Show, and the cover of People Magazine in his iconic photo sitting in a bathtub full of jelly beans.
The Tables Turn: Crucial Lessons Learned
But David’s story isn’t just about astronomical success; it’s about resilience. During his chat with Brian, David opened up about how the tables quickly turned on him when he ultimately sold his rights to the brand, offering invaluable, cautionary advice on contract negotiations, trademarks, and the realities of the corporate world.
The Candyman's Top Tip: "Don't listen to negative people. Just about everybody told me it was a stupid idea. If you have a good concept, pursue it, and don't let anything stop you."
Beyond his own inventions, David is a lifelong philanthropist who has mentored countless entrepreneurs to massive success. His genuine love for people shines through in every piece of advice he gives.
Watch the Episode here: Inventor of the Jelly Belly Beans on Got Invention Show with Host Brian Fried
USPTO: Spark Your Child's Imagination with USPTO Kids!
Looking for a fun, creative way to keep your kids engaged and entertained this summer? Look no further than the official United States Patent and Trademark Office's youth portal: uspto.gov/kids!
Summer is the perfect time for children to step away from ordinary routines and tap into their inner "tinkerer." The USPTO has built an entire world designed specifically to transform everyday curiosity into a passion for problem-solving, inventing, and entrepreneurship.
What Can You and Your Kids Discover?
Whether you have a preschooler, an elementary school crafter, or a tech-savvy teenager, the USPTO Kids page offers free, interactive resources to keep young minds active:
Young Inventor Spotlights: Read inspiring, real-life stories of kids who saw a problem, came up with a solution, and actually secured their own patents! Seeing peers succeed is the ultimate proof that anyone can be an inventor.
Hands-On Activity Challenges: Turn your living room or backyard into an R&D lab. From nature-inspired invention guides to building working models out of basic household materials, these projects bring STEM/STEAM principles to life.
Inventor Trading Cards: Meet the diverse pioneers, astronauts, and history-makers who shaped our world. Kids can explore collectible trading cards featuring patent holders and their revolutionary designs.
Games & Interactive Media: Engaging videos, science of innovation challenges, and fun activities make learning about intellectual property (patents, trademarks, and copyrights) feel like playtime.
A Note for Parents & Caregivers
Invention education isn't just about science and engineering—it’s about developing resilience, critical thinking, and confidence. When a child learns how to look at a frustration and say, "I can invent a way to fix that," they are building skills that last a lifetime.
Take a little time this summer to sit down with your kids, explore the page together, and maybe even kick off a family brainstorming session. Who knows? The next great invention idea might come right from your kitchen table!
👉 Dive into the fun today at uspto.gov/kids. Happy inventing!
🚨 ATTENTION ALIBABA.COM CO-CREATE 2026 ATTENDEES, STARTUPS, AND EXHIBITORS 🚨
Protect What You Built: Expanding Your Intellectual Property Internationally
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.
Key Takeaways for Inventors
International protection requires planning before presenting or marketing your invention globally.
WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) provides a streamlined pathway for seeking patent protection in more than 150 countries through a single initial application.
The PCT process gives inventors additional time to evaluate costs, identify target markets, and develop an international filing strategy.
Manufacturing overseas may require patent protection in the country where products are produced—not just where they are sold.
Non-disclosure agreements alone may not provide sufficient protection when working with international manufacturers.
Free resources such as PATENTSCOPE and the Madrid Protocol can help inventors research existing intellectual property and pursue international trademark protection.
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.
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Advice from an Inventor
Do not spend all your time and money protecting an idea before you know whether people actually want it. Research the market, understand the problem, and validate the opportunity before taking the next expensive step.
INVENTION HISTORY: On July 29, 1997, Design patent #381,781 for a swimming pool leaf and debris removal net was granted to Ross Clay.
Swimming pools have evolved over thousands of years, from the ancient Great Bath of Mohenjo-daro to the modern backyard pools enjoyed today. Along the way, countless innovations have made pools safer, cleaner, and easier to maintain.
One such innovation came on July 29, 1997, when Ross Clay was granted U.S. Design Patent #381,781 for a swimming pool leaf and debris removal net. While it may seem like a simple invention, thoughtful improvements to everyday tools like pool skimmers help make pool maintenance faster and more efficient—proving that even small innovations can have a lasting impact.
uinvent.ai Built By An Inventor. Powered By AI. Turning Ideas Into Action in Minutes
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.
What It Offers
By simply describing an idea, users can receive instant insights such as:
AI-generated concept visuals
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Market potential overview
A quick evaluation summary to guide next steps
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/
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.
Pitching Is Everything: How to Land the Deal
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Online
Learn how to present your invention clearly, build confidence in your pitch, and make a stronger impression when speaking with potential partners, licensees, and decision-makers.
Ask the Inventor Coach: Live Q&A with Brian Fried
Thursday, July 30, 2026
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Online
Bring your invention questions and get live guidance directly from Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach™. This is your opportunity to ask about licensing, pitching, product development, patents, and your next steps.
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Welcome, TEDAC Inventions
We are pleased to welcome TEDAC Inventions as a new sponsor of the Inventor Smart Community.
TEDAC works with inventors to help move product ideas forward through invention development and related support services. Inventor Smart Community members can learn more and submit an inquiry through TEDAC’s dedicated community page.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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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 is The Inventor Coach™, a serial inventor with 15 patents who has earned royalties from licensed products sold by major retailers including QVC. With over 20 years guiding everyday inventors from idea to income, he built two platforms to support that mission: uinvent.ai, an AI powered tool that gives inventors instant clarity before they spend a dollar, and the Inventor Smart Community app, a hub for inventors to connect and grow. Brian is also the founder of the National Inventor Club, 15,000+ members strong, and a three time author on invention, licensing, and manufacturing.
📩 Contact Brian:
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📧 [email protected]
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Thank You for Reading
We hope you enjoyed the July 2026 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!
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Inventively Yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team