You Invent It...We Protect It

Tamara Monosoff. Founder and Chief Executive, Mom Inventors, Inc.
Tamara Monosoff, author and inventor, recommends if you have a great idea, act quickly before someone else does. For step by step guidance regarding your great idea, read her book "The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing."
http://www.mominventors.com

Tamara Monosoff, Founder and Chief Executive, Mom Inventors Inc.
Do you have to patent? Why you should talk to a patent attorney before making this decision.
http://www.mominventors.com

Don Debelak, New Product marketing specialist
A properly written patent is a requirement of manufacturers and distributors. Often, before investing in an invention, the first thing they do is check to see what patent attorney wrote the patent application.
http://www.DonDebelak.com

Are you ready to begin making money with your invention and looking for a buyer such as Guthy-Renker, Thane International, Home Shopping Network, QVC or Shop NBC? All those buyers and more will be present at the ERA’s annual conference.
For more information, go to http://www.retailing.org/new_site/meetings/annual_conference/conf/pick/index.html

Guest: Sheridan Malphurs of NewProductHotSpot.org
http://www.newproducthotspot.org

Over 3000 attendees and 100 exhibitors are expected at the Electronic Retailing Association annual convention at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas running from September 30th - October 2nd 2007. Special pricing is available for guests of the convention. .
For more information, go to http://www.retailing.org/new_site/meetings/annual_conference/conf/pick/index.html

Guest Sheridan Malphurs of NewProductHotSpot.org
http://www.newproducthotspot.org

A prototype is a first full-scale and usually functional form of a new type or design of a construction. You do not a prototype to file a patent application, but you will need a prototype to determine if your invention works properly and most businesses or investors will want to see a working prototype before licensing or investing in your invention.
Guest: Guy Marsden, Electronic Prototyper
http://www.arttec.net

Depending upon the complexity of the prototype, it can take Electronic Prototyper Guy Marsden as little as 1-2 days or as long as 1-2 weeks to complete the prototype. The average prototype Guy creates averages $1,000 to $2,000, although some cost as little as $100-$200 and some cost as much as $10,000.
Guest: Guy Marsden, Electronic Prototyper
http://www.arttec.net

To successfully play with the big boys, proper protection of your intellectual property is a must.

Guest: Julia Rhodes, Owner and Founder of Kleenslate
http://www.kleenslate.com

Tips for landing that lucrative contract include going to tradeshows which have the potential buyers for your invention. Other important avenues include joining inventor and business organizations and above all, doing your homework.

Guest: Julia Rhodes, Owner and Founder of Kleenslate
http://www.kleenslate.com

One of inventors’ biggest concerns is how to get companies to buy their products. Companies are also concerned with how they can obtain new, different and innovative products to offer their customers.

Guests Dave Cormier and Karyl Lynch, New Product Scouts.
http://www.pelhamwest.com

Some companies require patent pending status while others will license an invention that is not even patentable. One thing that almost any company will require is performing an thorough search to ensure your invention does not infringe on someone else’s patent.

Guests Dave Cormier and Karyl Lynch, New Product Scouts.
http://www.pelhamwest.com

One of the options inventors have when determining what to do with their inventions is starting their own business. While this might sound uncomplicated, there are numerous things to consider such as patents, software, web sites, exit plans, employees, etc.

Guest: Tammie Aaron-Barrada, Business Consultant
http://www.pottiestickers.com

A business consultant can help motivate you and keep you on track when launching your business. Guest Tammie Aaron Barrada has extended the offer of a $25.00 initial consultation if you contact her and mention Entrepreneur Magazine’s Inventions, Patents and Beyond.)

Guest: Tammie Aaron-Barrada, Business Consultant
http://www.pottiestickers.com

With the proliferation of internet shopping, your product should be on line. Having your own web page or web site is a good way to make sure your product is accessible for anyone interested in it.
Guest Paul Niemann, founder of MarketLaunchers
http://www.marketlaunchers. com

Paul Niemann, who is one of the Board of Directors of the United Inventors Association, www.uiausa.com, states that even with your own web page or web site, inventions often fail because there is no current market for the invention. Failure to market or failure to properly market your invention also is a frequent cause of failure.
Guest Paul Niemann, founder of MarketLaunchers
http://www.marketlaunchers. com

Inventors Digest is a great resource for inventors and one of our personal favorites.
Formerly under the helm of Joanne Hayes-Rines, Inventors Digest has a new editor-in-chief, Mike Drummond, an award-winning journalist, editor and author.

Guest Mike Drummond, Editor in Chief Inventors Digest
http://www.inventorsdigest.com

Inventors Digest initially started as a newsletter. When Joann Hayes-Rines came aboard, she converted it into a magazine. Currently published quarterly, Inventors Digest will soon be available monthly. With all Inventors Digest has to offer, a one year’s subscription at $27.00 is a bargain.

Guest Mike Drummond, Editor in Chief Inventors Digest
http://www.inventorsdigest.com

Ms. Carolin Best is both an inventor and an animal lover. And she has combined these passions to create her unique animal invention…the Pet Peek.
Guest Carolin Best. Inventor of the Pet Peek
http://www.petpeek.info/

In the opinion of Intellectual Property Attorney, Steven B. Leavitt, you should contact a patent attorney at the concept stage in the inventing process. You can get a free searchability analysis at www.youinventit.com.
Guest Carolin Best, Inventor of the Pet Peek
http://www.petpeek.info/

Whether you are just starting out with a new idea, have a prototype, have a patent, or have a finished product, you still have the dilemma of how to get that product into the market. Matt Yubas, the Product Coach, has developed a six step road map to invention success.

Guest: Matt Yubas, The Product Coach
http://www.productcoach.com

There are several steps between the conception of an invention and money in the bank. According to Matt Yubas, the Product Coach, these include 1) Self Evaluation, 2) Concept Evaluation, 3) Prototype Evaluation, 4) Product and Market Planning, 5)Product Development and Marketing Tactics and 6)Product Launch, Marketing and Selling.

Guest: Matt Yubas, The Product Coach
http://www.productcoach.com

Every inventor wants to invent the next great thing. But often inventors struggle getting started. Michael Planit (author of "Operators Are Standing By"), founded his company Product Strategies, Inc. to help inventors just like you.
http://www.productstrategies.com

Michael Planit, founder of Product Strategies, Inc and author of "Operators Are Standing By", believes that homework is crucial for an inventor. Get on the internet and do your research. Become familiar with what similar products are already on the market and where your product will fit in.
http://www.productstrategies.com

The National Hardware Show is one of the most important events in the inventing industry. Over 35,000 individuals are expected including representatives from major retailers such as Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Black and Decker, Sears, Cooper Tools and many more.
Guest: Rob Cappiello, Vice President of NationalHardwareShow.com
http://www.nationalhardwareshow.com

If you are interested in exhibiting your product at the National Hardware Show, it is not too late. A package plan is available that includes your space, table, chairs, sign, listing in the show directory, press list, etc.
Guest: Rob Cappiello, Vice President of NationalHardwareShow.com
http://www.nationalhardwareshow.com

Guest: Susan Casey
It doesn’t matter what level of education you have, how much money you make, or how many letters you have after your name. If you have an idea and the determination to move forward with it, even your age can’t stop you from being an inventor.
http://www.susancaseybooks.com

Guest: Susan Casey
For adults inventing is usually about a way to make money. For children however, it is usually about helping others or making life easier. Mentors can be very helpful for kid inventors and suggestions for locating one can be found at www.sciencebuddies.com.
http://www.susancaseybooks.com

Guest: Mary Couzin, Title Executive Director Chicago Toy and Game Fair

The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is in its 5th year now and is the only non-hobby toy and game fair open to the public in the United States. Attendees have the opportunity to meet inventors from all over the world and interact directly with the manufacturer. Many of the toys and games available at the fair as well as other high quality toys can be ordered online at www.phun4you2.com.
http://www.chitag.com

Guest: Mary Couzin, Title Executive Director Chicago Toy and Game Fair

Booths are still available at the Chicago Toy and Game Air. For approximately $1,500.00 an exhibitor can have a 10 by 10 booth and a room at the Renaissance Hotel for two nights. This is a great opportunity for inventors as both Hasbro and Mattel will have representatives present.
http://www.chitag.com

Guest: Mary Couzin, Title Executive Director Chicago Toy and Game Fair

Listen to questions from curious inventors from around the country such as “In what ways are games good for the brain?” and “Any suggestions on how to evaluate a game for its educational value?”
http://www.chitag.com

If you’re a lucky inventor, opportunity just presents itself. But most inventors have to create their own opportunities. Mark Friedman has built a vibrant and powerful business community and made online business accessible to all.
Guest is Mark Friedman, Founder and CEO of OnlyBusiness.com
http://www.onlybusiness.com

Registering on the OnlyBusiness site is very easy. OnlyBusiness.com creates a subdomain for your invention or company. If you already have a domain, you can direct your own domain to your new subdomain. Other benefits provided by OnlyBusiness.com include free web press and assistance in creating a paypal payment gateway. Groups and forums can also be created.
Guest is Mark Friedman, Founder and CEO of OnlyBusiness.com
http://www.onlybusiness.com

Nothing good in life ever comes easy and it is easy to get discouraged and give up. Guest Brian Fried has worked through the good and bad times and successfully turned a hobby into starting and building successful companies and bringing his invention portfolio to life.
Guest is Brian Fried, owner of Think Up Designs.
http://www.thinkupdesigns.com