Inventor Smart Monthly – November Edition

Smart Strategies, New Insights, and Join Us Live Tonight at 7 PM ET

AuthorAuthor

Brian Fried & Inventor Smart
November 18, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 26 minutes

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November 2025

👋 Welcome to the November Edition of Inventor Smart News

November is in full swing, and with Thanksgiving and the holiday season quickly approaching, this is one of the most exciting times of the year for inventors and product creators. Before the rush begins, we’ve got two big opportunities to help you gain clarity, momentum, and expert support.

First up — happening tonight: our Premium Insider Ask the Inventor Coach Live Q&A with Brian Fried at 7 PM EST. If you’re looking for guidance on licensing, pitching, prototyping, or protecting your idea, this is your chance to get real-time feedback in a small-group setting. Premium members can join directly from the event page in the app.

And mark your calendar for next month: on Tuesday, December 2, we’ll be hosting a special Inventor Smart Holiday Innovation Showcase — featuring inventor products, demos, and end-of-year visibility for our community. Check the Inventor Smart App for more details coming soon.

Let’s make this a month of smart decisions, strong progress, and meaningful wins. Let’s jump in.

🗞️ What’s Inside This November Edition

  • 💡 Featured Insight – Looking at Inventions Like a Business with Brian Fried

  • 🧭 Smart Strategy – The Patent Myth Costing Inventors Thousands

  • 🎙️ Live Tonight – Ask the Inventor Coach: Premium Insider Q&A

  • 🎧 Spotlight Podcast – Christine Foley & The Flower Caddy

  • 📝 FAQ Highlight – What Is Patent & Technology Information?

  • 🎥 NIC Recap – What Happens After You Have the Idea

  • 🛠️ Got Invention Show – Be a Guest + Featured Episode

  • 🎙️ Inventor Coach Podcast – Patents 101

  • 🏛️ USPTO Resource – The USPTO Hour

  • 💬 Inventor Advice – Michael Maclean

  • 🧠 Invention History – Garrett Morgan’s 1923 Traffic Signal

  • 💬 Community – Join the Conversation on InventorChat.com

Looking At Inventions From a Business Perspective with Brian Fried

When you’re developing an invention, it’s easy to get emotionally tied to the idea. Your first great idea may feel like the one. But according to seasoned inventor and mentor Brian Fried, that emotional attachment can cloud your business judgment.

Here’s his core advice:

• Step back and evaluate your idea like a business person — not just an inventor.
Ask: Will this product solve a real problem? Does it have a market?

• Separate your emotions from your decisions.
Love your idea — but don’t let that love blind you to the facts.

• Do your homework.
Perform a patent search, evaluate manufacturing or licensing opportunities, and understand what it will really take to bring your invention to market.

Why This Matters

By treating your invention like a business asset (not just a creative passion project), you dramatically increase your chances of success. Brian points out that every product doesn’t need to be a home run — but you can still make smart moves that position you for wins.

Your Next Step

Take 30 minutes this week to:

• Write down the problem your invention solves and who would pay for that solution.
• Identify one competitor or similar product in the market.
• Sketch a simple plan: manufacturing, licensing, or direct-sell — choose one path and list the first two tasks you’ll need to complete.

The Patent Myth That’s Costing Inventors Thousands

Why “Get a Patent First” Is Backwards — and What Smart Inventors Do Instead

Many inventors believe they must file a full patent before doing anything with their ideas — and that mindset can waste time and thousands of dollars. A patent doesn’t guarantee success, sales, or protection from competitors. It’s just one part of a much larger business strategy.

Here’s what to remember:

• A patent doesn’t make your product sell or attract buyers.
• Filing too early can drain resources on an idea that hasn’t been validated.
• You don’t need to rush — focus first on proving there’s real market interest.

A Smarter Approach

• Confirm novelty.
Run a professional patent search and get an opinion before investing heavily.

• Test the market.
Consider starting with a provisional patent application to secure “patent pending” status while exploring interest.

• Lead with value.
Present the problem your invention solves, why it’s unique, and why the timing is right.

• Move with confidence, not fear.
Protect what you must — but don’t let the fear of being copied stop your progress.

Bottom Line

A patent is a tool, not a trophy. Your focus should be on building momentum, validating your idea, and creating a real path to market before spending big on protection.

💡 Ask the Inventor Coach: Live Q&A with Brian Fried

Join us LIVE tonight at 7:00 PM ET!

📅 Tonight — Tuesday, Nov 18
🕗 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST
📍 Zoom (Premium Insider Exclusive)

Got a question about your invention? Tonight’s small-group Q&A is your chance to get direct, real-time guidance from Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach — whether you’re licensing, pitching, prototyping, or figuring out next steps.

🎤 Open Q&A
✅ Real-time support
👥 Small group format

Premium Insiders can access the Zoom link inside the event page.
Not a member yet? Join to unlock the link and all Insider benefits.

Episode 11 — Christine Foley & The Flower Caddy

Host Samantha St. Raymond sits down with floral designer and inventor Christine Foley, creator of The Flower Caddy—a simple, smart solution for safely transporting floral arrangements.

In this episode:
🔹 How Christine turned a common florist challenge into an invention
🔹 Bringing The Flower Caddy to market
🔹 Key lessons from her inventor journey

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

🔗 Order The Flower Caddy: https://caddyupsolutions.com/
▶️ Watch Episode 11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-nS0SrJIiQ

📱 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 on the Inventor Spotlight Podcast!

📝 Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Patent and Technology Information?

Patent information includes all data found in patent applications and granted patents — from inventor details and descriptions of the invention to technical developments and the claims that define the scope of protection.
For researchers, inventors, and entrepreneurs, knowing how to search and use this information is essential.

Why Use Patent Information?

Patent information can help you:

  • Avoid duplicating existing research or development

  • Build on or improve current products and technologies

  • Track the latest developments in your industry

  • Evaluate whether your invention is novel and patentable

  • Avoid infringing on someone else’s IP

  • Identify licensing opportunities

  • Monitor competitors and potential partners

  • Spot new market niches or technology trends early

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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: October 2025 National Inventor Club Meeting

What Happens After You Have the Idea: Licensing, Building, Scaling & Exit

October’s NIC meeting walked members through what comes after the idea — the real-world stages of licensing, building, scaling, and ultimately exiting a product or business. Hosted by Brian Fried, the session delivered practical guidance for taking an invention from concept to market.

🎤 Featured Guest: Steve Greenspon

Founder & former CEO of Honey Can Do • 35 patents • Grew company to $110M+

Steve shared hard-earned insights from building and exiting a major consumer product company.

Key takeaways:

  • Licensing requires proof. Companies want traction—think Amazon or Walmart.com sales—not just enthusiasm.

  • Your pitch must fit. The product should solve a real problem, align with a brand, and be manufacturable at a competitive retail price.

  • Manufacturing is accessible. Many products can be produced overseas or in the U.S., especially plastics; some manufacturers may even share tooling risk.

  • Retail starts online. It’s tough for single-product inventors to get into big-box stores early—marketplace sales often come first.

🌟 Additional Experts

Dr. Charlene Walters — Entrepreneurship & Mindset
Shared strategies for staying resilient, taking consistent action, and managing goals effectively.

Elizabeth Dougherty — USPTO
Provided updates on AI-assisted searches and streamlined initiatives designed to speed up the patent review process.

James White — Freakin’ Reviews
Explained what makes a product stand out to reviewers and consumers: clear instructions, unique problem-solving, and a willingness to improve based on feedback.

Missed the Event?

Watch the replay here:
▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi3K76lvgGI

Learn more or become a member:
🌐 https://nationalinventorclub.com/

More events are coming — stay tuned for the next announcement!

🌟 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.

👉 Want to be featured? Apply today:
GotInventionShow.com

🎬 Featured Episode

Kelly & George Melistas – Child Be Safe

Parents of twins and founders of Child Be Safe, Kelly (Child Psychologist) and George (Civil Engineer) created a safer way to prevent children from accessing electrical outlets and light switches. After partnering with local manufacturers and earning two U.S. patents, they launched their innovative outlet and switch covers — now helping families everywhere create safer homes.

🔗 Learn more: www.childbesafe.com
▶️ Watch the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMnB9DSqASg

💡 About the Show

The Got Invention Show is a platform for inventors to:

  • Showcase their products and ideas

  • Share their stories and lessons learned

  • Gain exposure to licensing, distribution, and investment opportunities

Hosted by Brian Fried, each episode highlights the guest’s invention journey, challenges, and insights — inspiring viewers and fellow innovators along the way.

🙌 Interested in Becoming a Guest?

If you’re an inventor looking to pitch your idea, attract investors, or share your journey, apply now at GotInventionShow.com

Meet the Host:
As an inventor mentor and founder of Inventor Smart, Brian Fried has helped inventors bring their products to market for over 19 years. 🌐 Learn more at BrianFried.com

📢 Subscribe to the Got Invention Show on YouTube for more inspiring stories and inventor journeys!

🎧 The Inventor Coach Podcast

Patents 101: What Every Inventor Needs to Know Before Filing

Thinking about patenting your invention?
Before you spend a dime, listen to this episode of The Inventor Coach Podcast with Brian Fried — your step-by-step guide to understanding patents the smart way.

Brian breaks down the essentials every inventor should know before filing: types of patents, timing, common mistakes, costs, and how to use patents strategically as part of your business—not just paperwork.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

🔹 The 3 types of patents and when each one applies
🔹 How to avoid filing too early (or too late)
🔹 Why patents alone don’t guarantee success
🔹 Records every inventor must keep to protect their idea
🔹 When to talk to a patent attorney or agent
🔹 How issued patents become valuable licensing or manufacturing assets

If you’re new to inventing or preparing to protect your idea, this episode is a must-watch.

▶️ Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQIPkH3iFJ4&t

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

🏛️ USPTO Resource

The USPTO Hour — Supporting Inventors Nationwide

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office invites inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to The USPTO Hour — a live virtual series featuring expert guidance on patents, trademarks, and essential innovation resources.

Each session offers practical insights on:

  • Protecting your intellectual property

  • Navigating the patent and trademark process

  • Accessing tools and programs that support inventors at every stage

Whether you’re new to inventing or building your next product, this is a chance to learn directly from USPTO experts.

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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

Michael Maclean — Inventor & Industrial Designer

As a product designer with over ten years of experience, here’s the advice I’d give anyone developing a new product:

1️⃣ Know Your Audience
Understand who you’re designing for — their needs, their pain points, and what they value. Different demographics prioritize different things, so design for them, not just for what you think they should want.

2️⃣ Don’t Fall in Love with Your First Idea
Product development is iterative. Your concept will evolve as you test, prototype, and prepare for manufacturing. Stay flexible — the first version is almost never the final one.

3️⃣ Be Patient, Persistent, and Realistic
Every stage brings unexpected challenges. Even simple products take longer than you’d think. Keep pushing forward. A great idea is exciting, but turning it into something real takes time, effort, and resilience.

— Michael Maclean
Inventor & Industrial Designer

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🧠 Invention History

November 20, 1923 — Garrett Morgan Receives Patent No. 1,475,024 for the Traffic Signal

Garrett Morgan — inventor, entrepreneur, and the first African American in Cleveland to own an automobile — transformed traffic safety forever.

After witnessing a collision between a car and a horse-drawn carriage, Morgan saw the need for a clearer system to control intersections. While others had experimented with traffic signals, Morgan created one of the first practical, affordable, and widely adopted versions.

What Made His Traffic Signal Unique:

  • A T-shaped signal pole with three positions: Stop, Go, and a third all-direction stop for pedestrian crossing

  • Designed to be manually operated, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture

  • Patented in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada

Morgan’s signal was used across North America until modern red-yellow-green systems replaced manual controls. He later sold the rights to General Electric for $40,000 — a major sum at the time.

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

Thank You for Reading

We hope you enjoyed the November 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!

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🌐 Visit: inventorsmart.com | app.inventorsmart.com

Inventively Yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team

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