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- May 2025 Inventor Smart Newsletter: Prototyping Insights & Royalties Explained
May 2025 Inventor Smart Newsletter: Prototyping Insights & Royalties Explained
Stay ahead with May’s latest tips on prototyping your idea and understanding how royalties can work for you.
Inventor Smart
May 15, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 24 minutes
May 2025
Whether you're an experienced inventor or a newbie with your first big idea, the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter is your monthly companion—offering resources, inspiration, and expert guidance to help bring your ideas to life.
Take Your Idea Out of Your Head and Make It a Reality
Turning your innovative idea into a tangible product is within reach, no matter your current resources. Prototyping is the key, allowing you to see and interact with your invention. Here are some practical options to consider:
Resourceful DIY Prototyping: Start by exploring what you already have! Can you repurpose parts from existing products to create a basic functional model? Focus on the core mechanics and aim for a visually similar representation. This low-cost approach can be incredibly effective for initial testing. Think creatively about materials and existing objects that can serve your purpose.
Leveraging Professional Design & Engineering: If your budget allows, engaging a product designer or engineer to create CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawings is a smart investment. These digital files provide precise blueprints for your prototype and are essential for manufacturing. They can offer expertise in functionality, material selection, and aesthetics, providing you with 2D drawings, 3D models, and even animations.
Prototyping Options:
Online 3D Printing Services: Websites like Shapeways.com allow you to upload CAD files and order 3D-printed prototypes in various materials and colors.
Local Libraries & Colleges: Check if your local library or nearby college engineering departments offer 3D printing services or equipment access.
Maker Spaces: Search online for "maker spaces" in your area. These collaborative workshops often have 3D printers, laser cutters, and other tools available for a fee, with potential assistance available.
Personal 3D Printers: Investing in your own 3D printer (consider brands like MakerBot and Ultimaker) can be a long-term solution, but factor in software learning, maintenance, and filament costs.
Your prototype is more than just a model; it's a tool for evaluation, feedback, and communication. It doesn't need to be perfect initially, but it should represent the core functionality and appearance of your invention. Use it to refine your design, showcase your idea to potential partners, or prepare for manufacturing. Take the first step and bring your idea into the physical world!
Understanding Royalty
Ever wondered how you get compensated when someone uses your brilliant invention? Let's break down the concept of royalties.
Simply put, a royalty is the payment a licensee makes to you, the licensor, for the right to use your intellectual property. While often in the form of cash, it can sometimes involve exchanging other assets or rights held by the licensee.
When it comes to cash royalties, there are a few common ways they're structured:
Running Royalties: Payment Over Time. This is likely what comes to mind first. You receive ongoing payments based on the licensee's success with your invention. This can be a percentage of their revenue from sales (e.g., 5% of net sales) or a fixed amount per unit sold (e.g., $1 per item).
Period Payments: Fixed and Predictable. These involve a series of fixed payments, often annual, as outlined in the licensing agreement. With this arrangement, there's no per-unit royalty. Keep in mind that if your invention becomes a huge hit, you might earn more with a running royalty.
Milestone Payments: Rewarding Progress. This is a variation of fixed payments, triggered when the licensee achieves specific goals. For example, a payment might be due when they reach a certain total sales figure or hit an annual sales target.
Lump Sum Payment: A One-Time Fee. This involves a single, upfront payment that grants the licensee rights for a defined period.
It's also quite common to see an initial payment made when the licensing agreement is signed or shortly after, in addition to any of the royalty structures mentioned above.
Understanding these different types of royalties is crucial when negotiating licensing agreements. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature of your invention and the licensee's business model.
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Inventor Spotlight Podcast Ep. 14 - From Blowouts to Breakthroughs: The Pac-It-Pants Story with Denise Ramos
Meet Denise Ramos, the inventor behind Pac-It-Pants—a game-changing solution to diaper blowouts. What started as a messy moment at daycare turned into a clever, patented design: a diaper and pants combo with a built-in “poop pocket” and attachable pants to make diaper changes quick and easy, wherever you are.
📌 Highlights include:
Denise shares how a diaper dilemma sparked her innovative idea while balancing work and motherhood.
Hear how she stayed committed through product development and brand pitches.
Denise walks through her experience presenting to top diaper companies.
Honest reflections on challenges, resilience, and learning along the way.
The behind-the-scenes look at how she brought her product to life, step by step.
Encouraging advice on staying true to your vision—progress doesn't have to be perfect.
Denise emphasizes the importance of personal connection in entrepreneurship.
📺 Watch now for a conversation filled with energy, wisdom, and creativity that will inspire inventors of all ages.
Ready to be inspired? Watch the Full Episode on YouTube
📺 Watch the Episode on YouTube
🎧 Now Streaming On: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube
📩 Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email [email protected]
Become a Premium Insider in the Inventor Smart Community App for a chance to be featured!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to protect inventions through patents?
To obtain a patent, an inventor should draft a patent application and then submit it to a national or regional intellectual property (IP) office. This process includes several steps and entails diverse costs, depending on the regional or national laws of the country or countries in which the application is filed.
An invention can be protected in one or multiple countries, depending on the business strategy and financial resources of the inventors.
Consider filing a patent application? Have a look at our How to protect inventions through patents page.
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Recap for National Inventor Club: Tax Hacks for Inventors, Innovators & Entrepreneurs
The April 2025 National Inventor Club meeting offered valuable resources for inventors. Here's a quick recap:
Insightful Presentations:
Our recent session featured a dynamic lineup of speakers offering valuable tools and knowledge to help bring ideas to market. Kaitlin Friedman from GS1 US explained the critical role barcodes play in ensuring product safety and how inventors and entrepreneurs can access GS1 resources to prepare their products for retail success. Elizabeth Dougherty from the USPTO introduced The USPTO Hour, a new virtual program that explores trending topics and updates directly from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. We also heard from Justin Chen of PickFu, a proud sponsor of the National Inventor Club and Inventor Smart, who demonstrated how PickFu provides real-time consumer feedback—an essential resource for validating product concepts, pricing strategies, and perceived value.
Additionally, Steve Moss, CPA and Tax Planning Strategist, joined us as our special guest to tackle tax strategies for inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Steve provided actionable advice on the importance of forming a business entity and the tax benefits of choosing the right business structure. He also discussed how product development costs and trade show expenses could potentially reduce tax burdens, helping attendees understand what’s fully deductible and what’s not. Steve’s insights were tailored to inventors at all stages, demystifying the tax complexities and offering real-world strategies to maximize deductions and credits.
Finally, Vitaly Burov and Allen Wilkinson shared their positive experiences using the Inventor Smart Community app, highlighting its powerful networking opportunities and collaborative features for inventors at all stages.
Topic covered:
When to form a business entity – Understand the right timing for establishing your company.
Choosing the best business structure – Learn which entity type suits your specific needs and goals.
Trade show expenses – Find out what’s fully deductible and what’s not.
Product development costs – Discover how these expenses can help reduce your tax burden.
Tax strategies for all stages – Get actionable advice whether you're just starting out or ready to scale.
Insider tips from a CPA expert – Demystifying tax complexities with guidance tailored to inventors and entrepreneurs.
Leveraging the tax code – Learn how to make it work in your favor for sustainable growth and innovation.
Upcoming NIC Event (Later Tonight): Get the Media Buzz – How to Pitch Your Product to Editors and Get Noticed
Want to get your invention or product launch featured in top trade publications? Join us for a special live event with A.J. Flick, Senior Editor of Gourmet News and Kitchenware News & Housewares Review, as she reveals what editors are really looking for—and how to make your product pitch stand out.
In this exclusive National Inventor Club livestream, you'll learn how to:
Pinpoint the right editors for your industry and product niche
Craft compelling, newsworthy pitches that grab attention
Navigate editorial timelines and publication cycles
Maximize your visibility through trade show coverage
Position your product within current trends for greater relevance
A.J. draws from decades of experience in journalism and trade publishing, offering real-world examples of successful product coverage and advice you can apply right away.
About the Speaker:
A.J. Flick is a seasoned journalist and editor with a background across newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV. She currently leads editorial efforts for two key trade publications in the specialty food and kitchenware sectors. She’s also the author of the true crime book Toxic Rage and a regular attendee of premier industry events like the Fancy Food Show and The Inspired Home Show.
📅 Thursday, May 15th
🕗 5PM PT / 8PM ET
🎥 Live Streaming – Free Event – Open to All
Streaming Links:
The Got Invention Show
Featured Guest: Husny Amerih – Elevator-Safe Leash
A game-changing invention designed to protect pets and their owners from elevator-related accidents.
Husny Amerih, an Occupational Therapy Program director with 27 years of experience, developed a patent-pending leash mechanism after witnessing a terrifying incident on the news. The Elevator-Safe Leash is designed to keep pets safe during elevator rides, preventing accidents where dogs get caught as the doors close.
About the Episode
The Elevator-Safe Leash is a revolutionary product that prevents pets from getting caught in elevator doors, a scenario that can lead to serious injury or death. Husny Amerih, a seasoned occupational therapist, invented the leash after seeing a disturbing incident where a dog was nearly choked when its leash got caught as the elevator doors closed.
The mechanism, protected by a patent-pending safety ball, disconnects under a certain amount of pressure, ensuring that the dog stays safe during regular activities and only releases in extreme situations, like when caught in an elevator. Husny’s solution has the potential to save thousands of pets each year.
His journey from idea to prototype has been a blend of personal passion and professional expertise. Watch as Husny demonstrates the working model and shares his mission to reduce elevator accidents involving pets.
Watch Full Story: Husny Amerih, Elevator-Safe Leash
🌍 Visit: www.elevatorsafeleash.com
Want to be a guest on the show? Sign up here
About the Got Invention Show
The Got Invention Show is a platform for inventors to showcase their products and ideas. It’s available on:
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 and Trademark Resource Centers
The Patent and Trademark Resource Center Program manages a nationwide network of academic, public, and state libraries that have been designated a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC). These resource centers provide the public with various trademark and patent assistance.
If you want to patent an invention or register a trademark, you don't have to navigate the process by yourself. PTRC representatives are trained to help inventors and small businesses find the information they need to protect their intellectual property (IP).
While PTRC representatives cannot provide legal advice, they can:
Show you how to use patent and trademark search tools
Explain to you the application process
Assist you in using the USPTO's directory of local patent attorneys
Offer classes on IP (varies by location)
Help you find patent and trademark owner and assignee information
Connect you to other USPTO resources
Learn more and explore these fantastic resources: Patent and Trademark Resource Centers
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.
Inventor Advice of the Month
“Don't Stop Believing Even When You Feel Like Quitting!”
Nikola Tesla received a patent for his electric power transmission invention on May 1, 1888.
Nikola Tesla (July 10, 1856–January 7, 1943) was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and futurist. As the holder of nearly 300 patents, Tesla is best known for his role in developing the modern three-phase alternating current (AC) electric power supply system and for his invention of the Tesla coil, an early advancement in the field of radio transmission.
During the 1880s, Tesla and Thomas Edison, inventor and champion of direct electrical current (DC), would become embattled in the “War of the Currents” over whether Tesla’s AC or Edison’s DC would become the standard current used in long-distance transmission of electrical power.
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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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.
 Manufacture your invention! Get your product to market faster with expert inventor help. Speak to the experts now. |  Obtain instant consumer insights on your product designs, images, and copy. Use coupon code INVENTOR for a special discount. |
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 John Rizvi offers expert patent law services. Discover more about protecting your ideas through our link. |  Find experts for each stage of your invention journey. Whether you have a big idea or need help with development, Invent Buddy is here for you. |
 Shop for designs and merchandise made specifically for inventors! Show off your hard work with products that celebrate your creativity and innovation. |  Create high-quality photos and videos for your products with ease. Explore special offers through our link. |
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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 Reading
We hope you enjoyed the May 2025 edition of the Inventor Smart Community Newsletter!
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Inventively Yours,
Brian & The Inventor Smart Team
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