January 2025: Inventor Smart Newsletter – Fresh Insights, Innovation, and Community Spotlights

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January 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!

The Inventor’s Roadmap: 10 Steps to Success

Innovation transforms how we live, work, and connect daily. Every groundbreaking invention, from the lightbulb to the smartphone, started as an idea. Turning your idea into a market-ready product may feel complex, but with determination, strategic planning, and creativity, success is within reach. Here’s your 10-step guide to navigating the inventor’s journey:

1. Capture Your Idea
   Don’t let your brilliant thoughts slip away. Write them down, sketch them out, or record them as soon as they spark.

2. Protect Your Idea
   Safeguard your intellectual property with patents, trademarks, or copyrights.

3. Bring It to Life
   Transform your concept into a reality with detailed designs, material choices, and a working prototype.

4. Choose Your Path
   Decide whether to license your invention for royalties or manufacture it yourself. If you choose licensing, proceed to Step 5. If manufacturing, skip to Step 7.

5. Licensing: Secure Your Deal
   Research potential licensees, prepare licensing agreements, and negotiate terms that benefit your goals.

6. Licensing: Monitor and Collect
   Track royalties, review sales reports, and manage your relationship with the licensee. Then move to Step 9.

7. Manufacturing: Prepare for Production
   Find the right factory, negotiate terms, determine margins, and get ready for production.

8. Manufacturing: Launch Your Product
   Develop packaging, create sales materials, refine your pitch, and explore distribution opportunities.

9. Get Noticed: Share Your Story
   Promote your invention through press outreach, social media, and other channels to build excitement.

10. Enjoy the Rewards & Innovate Again
    Celebrate your success, and let it fuel your next big idea!

For more tips on navigating the inventor’s journey, read the full article here:
👉 The Inventor’s Roadmap: 10 Steps to Success

Take Your Idea Out of Your Head and Make It a Reality

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or have funds to invest, the goal remains the same: bring your idea to life. The key is to create a prototype that looks and functions as close as possible to the real thing.

Options for Creating a Prototype:

1. Low-Cost Option
   Build your prototype using parts or products you already have. This hands-on approach saves money and allows you to focus on functionality.

2. Professional Help
   If your budget allows, hire a product designer or engineer to create CAD drawings and a polished prototype. These CAD files can also be used for manufacturing and production.

Affordable Resources:

• 3D Printing Services: Use platforms like Shapeways to create prototypes easily.

• Local Libraries & Maker Spaces: Many libraries now offer 3D printers, and maker spaces provide equipment and assistance for your project.

Tips for Success:

• Keep Improving
  Don’t worry about making your prototype perfect right away. Iterations are part of the process to refine the design for production or licensing.

• Gather Real-World Feedback
  A prototype is an invaluable tool to get input from others and prepare for licensing or retail production.

Start turning your idea into a tangible product today and take the first step toward making it a reality!

📖 Learn more in How to Make Money with Your Invention Idea by Brian Fried.

Inventor Spotlight Ep. 10 | Mike Senerchia & the Picc Pouch

In Episode 10 of the Inventor Spotlight Podcast, Samantha St. Raymond sits down with Mike Senerchia, the inventive mind behind the Picc Pouch—a hands-free, safe, and convenient solution for individuals undergoing home infusion therapy.

About the Picc Pouch

Inspired by Mike’s personal journey with infusion therapy, the Picc Pouch revolutionizes how patients manage their treatments at home. This innovative product:

• Keeps infusion therapy secure and hands-free.

• Reduces risks of tangling and dislodging the infusion line.

• Provides comfort and mobility during extended treatments.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How a medical necessity sparked a life-changing invention.

• Insights into navigating design patents, utility patents, and copyrights.

• Mike’s passion for solving problems through invention and innovation.

• The challenges and triumphs of bringing a product to market in the healthcare industry.

Ready to be inspired?
Watch the Full Episode on YouTube

Learn more about the Picc Pouch: Visit the Website

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

What rights does copyright give me and what are my rights as author of a work?

Copyright provides creators with two key types of protection:

1. Economic Rights
   These allow the rights owner to earn financial rewards from their work. Owners can authorize or prevent:

   • Reproduction (e.g., printed publications or sound recordings).

   • Public performance (e.g., plays or musical works).

   • Recording (e.g., CDs or DVDs).

   • Broadcasting (e.g., via radio, cable, or satellite).

   • Translation into other languages.

   • Adaptation (e.g., turning a novel into a screenplay).

2. Moral Rights
   These protect the creator’s non-economic interests, including:

   • The right to claim authorship of a work.

   • The right to oppose modifications that could harm their reputation.

Copyright empowers creators to control how their work is used while safeguarding their legacy and financial interests.

Learn more about copyright and how it works:
👉 Explore Copyright Basics

National Inventor Club

Ready to elevate your invention journey? The National Inventor Club episodes are filled with insights, tips, and inspiration to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re refining your prototype, navigating patents, or looking for motivation, these episodes have what you need.

Watch Now
Gain expert advice and learn from fellow inventors who are turning their dreams into reality. Catch up on past episodes and take your next step today.

Become a Member
Join a community of inventors making a difference. Become a NIC Member to access exclusive resources, connect with others, and grow your ideas.

Upcoming NIC Event

Mark your calendar!
Our next NIC meeting is on Monday, January 27th, at 8 PM ET.
Check the event listings for more details, and stay tuned for updates in your inbox.

We look forward to seeing you there for another engaging and inspiring session.

The Got Invention Show

The Got Invention Show features 30-minute interviews where inventors promote their inventions, seek licensing deals, or explore distribution opportunities. Hosted by Brian Fried, each episode dives into the challenges, solutions, and journeys of inventors, offering valuable insights for viewers and listeners.

Featured Episode: Mike & Skylar Walker – Inventors of Hot Wireless

About the Episode
Hot Wireless™ is a veteran-owned, innovative wireless engineering firm based on the Gulf Coast of Florida. Focused on solving real-world frustrations with weak and inconsistent cell phone and WiFi signals, the company has developed a line of patented and USA-made products that make everyday communications easier and more functional.

Hot Wireless™ engineers created the Hot Cloud® Products and HottieXtreme® Products, designed to meet specific consumer and commercial needs. These products are rooted in years of technological advancements and innovation, delivering reliable solutions to improve connectivity at home, work, and beyond.

Learn how Mike and Skylar Walker turned frustration into innovation and built a brand that delivers unique and functional wireless solutions.

🎥 Watch the Full Story: Mike & Skylar Walker, Hot Wireless

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

Patent Pro Bono Program: Free Patent Legal Assistance

If you’re an inventor or small business owner, you may qualify for free legal assistance to help prepare and file a patent application. The Patent Pro Bono Program is a nationwide network of independently operated regional programs that connects financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses with volunteer patent attorneys and agents.

This program provides invaluable support to secure patent protection at no cost.

Learn more about the Patent Pro Bono Program:
👉 Visit the USPTO website

Words from Our Members

Abraham Espadas
Inventor – NIC Member
Santa Ana, California

About Abraham
With a background in construction management and a passion for innovation, Abraham recently transitioned to becoming a full-time inventor. Currently, he is designing his first product, with a working prototype scheduled for completion in May 2024.

Abraham joined the Inventor Smart Community to connect with like-minded inventors, share ideas, and learn from others on similar journeys. He values the collective knowledge and mentorship within the community to help bring his invention to life.

🔗 View Abraham’s Profile

On This Day in Inventor History

January 7, 1913: William Burton’s Patent for Thermal Cracking Process

On January 7, 1913, William Burton was granted a patent for the thermal cracking process used to extract gasoline. This groundbreaking technology doubled the yield of gasoline extracted from crude oil, revolutionizing the petroleum industry.

The Burton Process remains widely used in petroleum refining to this day, showcasing its lasting impact on energy production and innovation.

Patent Information:

• Publication Number: US1049667 A

• Patent Title: Manufacture of Gasoline

• Publication Type: Grant

• Publication Date: January 7, 1913

• Filing Date: July 3, 1912

• Priority Date: July 3, 1912

• Inventor: William M. Burton

• Original Assignee: Standard Oil Co

Learn more about this invention and its legacy:
👉 Read the Full Story 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

Add event to calendar

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 January 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