March into Innovation: Protect, Develop, and Launch Your Inventions

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March 2025

Whether you're an experienced inventor or your first breakthrough idea is just taking shape, the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter is your monthly companion—providing resources, inspiration, and guidance to support every step of your invention journey.

Protecting Your Idea: What’s a Patent? Why Do I Need One?

There are many opinions on whether a patent is worth it or not. Here's why I believe securing a patent can benefit you and your invention:

• A patent protects your intellectual property (IP), increasing its value.

• It’s a great tool if you want to sell your invention or license your IP to earn royalties.

• As long as you’re not violating another’s patent, you can continue moving forward, even if your invention isn’t patentable.

Types of Patents

• Utility Patents: For inventions that are functional or new processes.

• Design Patents: For new and original ornamental designs.

• Plant Patents: For discovering or inventing a new plant variety.

What is a Patent?

A patent is an intellectual property right granted by the U.S. government, allowing the inventor to:

• Exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention.

• Have protection for a limited time in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.

Now that you have your prototype, it’s time to think about protecting your IP. In the next section, I’ll walk you through the steps to safeguard your invention.

Source: How To Make Money With Your Invention Idea

Innovation is Accessible to Everyone

You don’t need a fancy lab or a huge budget to bring your ideas to life. Here’s a deeper dive into key advice on how to make your vision a reality:

1. The Power of Simple Beginnings

It is important to break your grand vision into smaller, actionable steps. Overwhelm can stall progress—start with the simplest aspect of your invention and build from there.

2. Market and Patent Research: Your Foundation

Before diving in, research is essential! Understand your target market:

• Who are your potential customers?

• Are there similar products on the market?
  A thorough patent search is also key to ensure your idea is unique and can be protected.

3. The Value of Mentorship and Collaboration

No one succeeds alone. Seek out mentors, industry experts, and fellow inventors for guidance, feedback, and support. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—they’ll help you navigate the journey.

4. Focus on the Problem You Solve

Successful inventions solve real problems. Clearly define the issue your invention addresses and how it benefits your target audience. Focus on the value it brings.

5. Embrace the Iterative Process

Invention isn’t a straight line. Be ready to iterate, refine, and adapt your idea based on feedback and market research. It’s all part of the journey toward success.

Remember: innovation is within everyone’s reach—start small, stay focused, and keep improving!

Source: Inventor Coach Brian Fried at The Anna & Raven Show Podcast

Inventor Spotlight Podcast Ep. 12 - Featuring Lorri Cornett

Revolutionizing Cycling: How Lorri Cornett’s CycleSole Solves a Major Cyclist Problem

Every cyclist knows the struggle—stepping off the bike and suddenly, your cleats become a hazard. Whether it’s slipping on pavement, scuffing up floors, or wearing down expensive cleats, the challenge is real.

In this episode of the Inventor Spotlight Podcast, host Samantha St. Raymond talks with innovator Lorri Cornett, the creator of CycleSole—a simple yet game-changing shoe cover designed to give cyclists stability and protection off the bike. Lorri shares her journey from idea to invention, revealing the key steps that brought CycleSole to life, including:

✅ Navigating prototype development and real-world testing
✅ Trade show strategies and how direct cyclist feedback shaped the product
✅ The licensing vs. self-manufacturing debate—what she’s learned so far
✅ The unexpected challenges of U.S. manufacturing

For anyone in product development or cycling, this episode delivers insights, inspiration, and hard-won lessons from an inventor making a real impact.

Discover How CycleSole is Revolutionizing Cycling Footwear!

🎥 Watch the Promo Video: CycleSole on YouTube
👉 Get CycleSole & Learn More: www.link-gear.com

What is a trade secret?

Trade secrets are intellectual property (IP) rights on confidential information which may be sold or licensed.

What qualifies as a trade secret?

In general, to qualify as a trade secret, the information must be:

• commercially valuable because it is secret,

• be known only to a limited group of persons, and

• be subject to reasonable steps taken by the rightful holder of the information to keep it secret, including the use of confidentiality agreements for business partners and employees.

The unauthorized acquisition, use or disclosure of such secret information in a manner contrary to honest commercial practices by others is regarded as an unfair practice and a violation of the trade secret protection.

Read Here to Learn More

The Got Invention Show

The Got Invention Show features a 30-minute interview where inventors promote their inventions, seek licensing deals, or explore distribution opportunities. Hosted by Brian Fried, the show dives into each guest’s challenges, solutions, journey, and future plans. Guests also share valuable insights for viewers and listeners.

Watch This Featured Episode

Rick Kellow, Inventor of GreatPlate

The brainchild of Milwaukee-area husband-and-wife team Rick Kellow and Beth Kuehl, The GreatPlate came about like many great inventions: They had a problem that needed solving.  

The couple was frustrated that after their teenagers had friends over to play video games and watch movies, there were cans, cups and bottles strewn all over their floor. One day in 2010, tired of nagging them about the mess, Kellow sketched out a plate with a raised cavity in the center for a cup.

With sales over $10M so far, GreatPlate product line continues to grow.

Watch Full Story: Rick Kellow, GreatPlate

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

USPTO Learning Resources for Kids, Students, and Educators

Are you looking for ways to inspire the next generation of inventors and innovators? The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers a wealth of educational and outreach programs designed to engage and empower students, educators, and young minds.

For Teachers and Classrooms:

• National Summer Teacher Institute: Provides professional development for educators.

• Educator Webinars: Offers training and resources on intellectual property.

• Resources for Parents and Teachers: Access materials to inspire innovation in the classroom and at home.

For Students and Learners:

• USPTO Kids Webpage: A fun and engaging platform to learn about patents, trademarks, and inventions.

• Inventor Cards: Discover inspiring stories of inventors and their creations.

• Young Inventors Spotlight Series: Celebrate the achievements of young innovators.

• Student Work Experience Programs: Gain hands-on experience in the world of intellectual property.

• Go for Real Campaign: Encourages students to pursue their inventive ideas.

Community and Connections:

• Community-Based Invention and Innovation Programs: Support for local initiatives that foster innovation.

• Connect with the USPTO: Explore various networks and programs to engage with the USPTO.

Learn more and explore these fantastic resources: USPTO Learning and Resources for Kids and Educators

Words from Our Members

In March 1821, Thomas L. Jennings patented "dry scouring of clothes"

Thomas L. Jennings was likely the first Black person in the U.S. to receive a patent. In 1821, he was granted a patent for “dry scouring,” a method for cleaning clothes that preceded modern-day dry cleaning. Jennings is also renowned for being a leader in the civil rights and abolitionist movement in New York City. 

Learn more 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

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You're Invited: Meet & Greet – Connect & Network

Expand Your Network & Build Connections

Join us on Monday, March 17th, at 8:00 PM (EST) for a virtual Meet & Greet, an opportunity to introduce yourself, meet fellow inventors and professionals, and make valuable connections. Whether you're new to the community or a longtime member, this event is the perfect space to engage in meaningful conversations and grow your network.

Why Attend?

✅ Connect with like-minded professionals
✅ Exchange ideas and insights
✅ Expand your opportunities through networking

📍 Where: Online via Zoom
🗓 When: Monday, March 17, 2025 – 8:00 PM (EST)

We look forward to seeing you there!

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

Join the Inventor Smart Community

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 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 Being Part of Our Community!

We hope you enjoyed the March 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter and discovered fresh ideas and valuable insights. Let's keep the momentum going—together, we're turning innovation into reality!

Inventively yours,
Brian Fried & The Inventor Smart Team