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July 2024 Inventor Smart Community Newsletter – New Book Club Session, Inventor Spotlight, and More!
July 2024
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!
The 4 Phases of Innovation
Innovation is the key to success in any industry, but it's not just about coming up with a great idea. It's about taking that idea and turning it into a reality. That's where the four phases of successful innovation come in: inspiration, ideation, implementation, and iteration.
Innovations are challenges, characterized by uncertainty, risk, and complexity. This makes it all the more important to develop a structure, system, and methodology for the development and implementation of new products. This also includes a practical innovation process according to different phases, which on the one hand leaves enough space for creativity, but also leads to the goal in a focused manner.
The Phases of an Innovation Process:
Idea: Collection of innovation potentials, derivation of ideas, evaluation, and release of ideas.
Concept: Extensive analysis and derivation of concepts for the solution, implementation, and marketing.
Solution: Development and testing of the solutions to the finished product.
Market: Arouse and fulfill a customer's needs by implementing in procurement, production, and logistics as well as marketing and sales.
Each phase has its own characteristics. If the front phases are more creative and less structured, the phases of implementation and marketing are very process-oriented and focused.
The development of the individual phases depends very much on the individual requirements of a company. For example, larger companies have a more intensive assessment with several decision-making stages in the idea phase. Or technology-intensive organizations with complex products will have a more comprehensive production implementation. And service providers have different requirements.
Basic Search Tips for Your Invention
Before investing time and resources into your invention, conducting a thorough search is crucial to ensure its novelty. Here are some key steps to effectively search for your invention online and in the real world:
Conduct online searches: Use various search engines (Google, Yahoo) and online retailers (Amazon, AliExpress).
Use quotes: Place quotes around your invention phrase to find exact matches.
Try different word combinations: Describe your invention using different terms (e.g., men's vs. children's shoes).
Search physical stores: Visit malls and specialty stores where your product might be sold.
Look through printed catalogs: Check store inserts and advertisements in printed materials.
Familiarize yourself with the marketplace: Spend time understanding the market for your invention.
Keep your eyes open: Stay observant wherever you are and wherever people are selling things.
Remember, you’re still in the discovery stage. This information will empower you to make informed decisions about moving forward with development and potentially avoid wasting time and resources on an idea that already exists.
Inventor Spotlight
Inventor Spotlight on Chris Ix with The Portable Gym That Transforms Your Workouts
"There I was, running in the desert with my dog Colby by my side..." This line often starts Chris's favorite stories and describes how the idea for the Olympus Grip was born.
After military service and graduate school, Chris and his wife moved to Nevada. Balancing work and family made it hard to maintain his fitness level. Despite running marathons, his upper body was neglected. Seeking a solution, he invented the Olympus Grip, a versatile tool for comprehensive fitness.
When he created the prototype, Chris was recovering from a leg injury and battling Golfer's Elbow. He embarked on a 90-day challenge with these rules: Always use the Olympus Grip while exercising. No diet changes or supplements. Limit workouts to 45 minutes daily.
The ergonomic handles eased his wrist and elbow pain. A week after the challenge, Chris competed in two Spartan Races, finishing in the top tier of his age group and qualifying for the Spartan North American Championships. The Olympus Grip was key to his success.
You can find Chris in the Inventor Smart Community App @chris.ix and visit his website fitnix.com. Read more about Chris’s journey in our Inventor Spotlight feature here.
Revolutionizing Sliding Glass Doors: Ginger Thomson's Doorhickey - Inventor Spotlight Ep. 4
Join us for the fourth episode of the Inventor Spotlight Podcast, hosted by Samantha St. Raymond and powered by the Inventor Smart Community App. We sit down with Ginger Thomson, the mind behind the "Doorhickey," a hands-free handle for sliding glass doors.
Ginger shares her journey from the inception of the Doorhickey to bringing it to market. Learn about the challenges she overcame, the victories she achieved, and how her product won contests and attracted QVC's interest. Ginger also discusses the role the Inventor Smart Community played in her success.
Don't miss Ginger's expert advice and the exciting future possibilities for the Doorhickey. Tune in now to be inspired!
Watch the episode on YouTube or replay in the community app for valuable insights and inspiration!
What Does it Mean to License a Patent and Why is it Done?
Licensing a patent simply means that the patent owner grants permission to another individual or organization to make, use, sell, etc., the patented invention. This takes place according to agreed terms and conditions, such as the amount and type of payment made by the licensee to the licensor, for a defined purpose, in a defined territory, and for an agreed period of time.
A patent owner may grant a license to a third party for many reasons. For example, the patent owner may not have the necessary manufacturing facilities and opts to allow others to make and sell the patented invention in return for royalty payments. Alternatively, the patent owner may have manufacturing facilities but may not be able to cover market demand. In this case, licensing the patent to another manufacturer can provide another income stream. Another situation could be that the patent owner wants to focus on one geographic market and grants a license to another individual or organization with interests in other markets. Licensing agreements can help build mutually-beneficial business relationships.
Unlike selling or transferring a patent to another party, the licensor continues to have property rights over the patented invention.
Upcoming NIC Event: Inventors Got Talent
Join us on Wednesday, July 24th, at 8 PM ET for the NIC Inventor Showcase, where talented inventors will present their products and prototypes. This exciting event will feature live pitches, community voting, and awards for the best inventions.
Premium Insiders of the Inventor Smart App are invited to showcase their invention or prototype in front of an audience, including NIC members and live streaming viewers on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Date: Wednesday, July 24th, 2024Time: 8 PM ETLocation: Live streaming on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter
Each inventor will have approximately 4 minutes to pitch their invention. Introduce yourself, share the inspiration behind your idea, demonstrate your product or prototype, and outline your future plans.
Engage with the NIC community and social media followers to vote for their favorite inventions. Prizes will be awarded based on community votes and judges' decisions.
To participate, please submit this form by Wednesday, July 17th. We will have a brief call before the event, and you will receive a private studio link to join the video stream.
Get ready to showcase your invention and connect with fellow inventors. Start planning and practicing your pitch now!
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Recap of June’s National Inventor Club Meeting
In case you missed it, the National Inventor Club held an exciting meeting in June where we learned about trademark basics. We explored what trademarks are and how they differ from other forms of intellectual property like copyrights. We also discussed the strategic use of trademarks, understanding when and why they are essential for protecting your brand and inventions. The meeting featured David Gooder, Commissioner of Trademark.
Highlights of the Meeting:
Benefits for Innovators: Learn how trademarks can be a powerful asset for inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups.
Q&A with the Commissioner: Get your burning questions answered by the expert.
Upcoming SCORE Events
The Got Invention Show
The Got Invention Show features a 30-minute interview where an inventor promotes an invention, seeks a licensing deal, or looks for distribution opportunities. Host Brian Fried focuses on his guest’s challenges and solutions. He asks about their journey, where they are right now, and what will come next. He invites guests to offer words of wisdom to viewers and listeners.
Meet Andy Kossowsky, the inventor of the Doorway Cart, Vertex Toothbrush, and VerPet Toothbrush. Host Brian Fried explores Andy's journey from idea conception to product development, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way. Discover how Andy's inventions are reshaping everyday experiences and bringing practical solutions to life. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on creativity, problem-solving, and the power of invention!
Be Our Guest on the Got Invention Show!
Would you like to be our guest on the Got Invention Show? Schedule your interview today to promote your prototype or product now available for sale, reaching 100 million households! Host Brian will conduct a 28-minute interview, which you can use for your website and social media. The show airs on Amazon Fire, Roku TV, YouTube TV, and will soon be on Apple TV! The podcast audio version is played on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google and Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music! Small fee, great promotion for you and your invention!!
USPTO and the UK IP Office Agree to Collaborate on Policies Related to Standard Essential Patents
Two offices look to improve transparency in the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing of technical interoperability standards. “Standards touch all aspects of modern life, including video compression, wireless communication technologies, computer connection standards, automotive technology, and more,” said Under Secretary Vidal, “This important collaboration with UKIPO will help us work together toward a fair and balanced international standard essential patent ecosystem that benefits all businesses in our two countries, including small and medium-sized enterprises and new market entrants.”
Under the Terms of the Agreement, the USPTO and the UKIPO Will:
Cooperate on activities to facilitate collaboration and exchange of information on policy matters concerning SEPs, to better ensure a balanced standards ecosystem.
Explore means to educate small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to implement or contribute to the development of technical interoperability standards on fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms.
Examine ways of improving transparency in the fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory licensing of technical interoperability standards.
Engage in outreach to stakeholders to raise awareness of issues related to SEPs.
Discuss means to incorporate additional jurisdictions into the USPTO’s and the UKIPO’s activities concerning SEPs, including exploring a venue for such broader discussions.
The agreement will remain in effect for five years from the date of signing.
Advice from an Inventor
Shawn TaylorEntrepreneur – Inventor, NIC MemberChief Community Officer at www.inventorsmart.app
Invention History: “Sparkler” Patent No. 2,063,601, Filed: 8/15/1934
Independence Day would be incomplete without the glowing tails of sparklers waving against the dark summer sky. It is hard to believe that the patent application for this July 4th staple was filed over 80 years ago on August 15th, 1934.
Fun Fact: The USPTO has received 145 patent applications that specifically refer to “fireworks” in their claims. The earliest “fireworks” claim language dates back to April 24th, 1900 in a patent titled “Means For Loading Fireworks-Bodies.”
Proud Sponsors and Supporters
We are grateful for the support from our esteemed partners who provide valuable resources and special offers to the Inventor Smart Community and National Inventors Club. Check out their services and take advantage of the exclusive benefits available to our members.
Fiverr: Get access to a vast marketplace of freelance services. Use our exclusive link for special benefits.
PickFu: Obtain instant consumer insights on your product designs, images, and copy. Use coupon code INVENTOR for a special discount.
Soona: Create high-quality photos and videos for your products with ease. Explore special offers through our link.
PatentAwards: Celebrate your patent achievements with beautifully crafted awards. Check out exclusive offers for our community.
The Patent Professor: John Rizvi offers expert patent law services. Discover more about protecting your ideas through our link.
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.
Contact Us or call (631) 565-7074
Book Club Meeting: July Session - Featuring Laura Fredricks' "Hard Asks Made Easy: How to Get Exactly What You Want"
Join us on Tuesday, July 16th, at 8 PM ET for our next Book Club Meeting, featuring Laura Fredricks, JD, and her latest book, "Hard Asks Made Easy: How to Get Exactly What You Want." Laura, a best-selling author and international consultant, will share her "5 Laws of Asking" to help you achieve your goals. This session is perfect for anyone interested in inventions and patents, whether you're a seasoned inventor or just starting out.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights from Laura's expertise and connect with fellow inventors. We'll discuss key takeaways from the book and explore the importance of having the right mindset as an inventor. Join us on Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81665067096.
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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
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.
Order your paperback or Kindle copy now!
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, known as "The Inventor Coach," is a highly accomplished innovator, author, and speaker. With 15 patents to his name, he has successfully licensed and manufactured his own inventions, gaining recognition through QVC, infomercials, catalogs, and major retailers. For over 18 years, Brian has been working closely with inventors, providing one-on-one coaching as an invention licensing agent and guiding inventors in commercializing their ideas into tangible products.As an expert speaker, Brian captivates audiences with his engaging talks on innovation and invention. He has authored three books, offering practical advice and strategies for aspiring inventors. In addition to his speaking and writing endeavors, Brian hosts the "Got Invention Show," a platform that showcases inventors and their creations, providing them with valuable exposure. Brian is the founder of the National Inventor Club, a community that supports and connects inventors, fostering collaboration and networking opportunities. He serves as the Chief Invention Officer of Inventor Smart, an invention consultancy that assists inventors in bringing their ideas to fruition.In October 2023, Brian officially launched the Inventor Smart Community, an innovative social media and resource center exclusively designed for inventors. The app, now available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store, aims to create a vibrant community where inventors can connect, share ideas, and access valuable resources.With his extensive experience, resourcefulness, and commitment to helping inventors succeed, Brian Fried has become a trusted figure in the invention industry. Inventors and aspiring innovators can rely on his expertise and guidance to navigate the complexities of the invention process and turn their ideas into reality.brianfried.com | inventorsmart.app | Linktree | [email protected]Let's stay connected on LinkedIn
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.
Contact Us or call (631) 565-7074
Thank you for reading the July 2024 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Monthly Newsletter!
Stay connected with us by subscribing to our newsletter on LinkedIn HERE
Inventively Yours,Brian and the Inventor Smart Team
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