Inventor Smart Community Update – Insights, Resources & Success Stories
Brian Fried
Inventor Consultant/Coach, Invention Licensing Agent, Author, TV/Radio Host, Innovation Speaker/Presenter, Serial Inventor
Start the year with expert advice, real inventor experiences, and essential tools to support your journey.
Who to Trust with Your Idea or Invention
When you have a great idea, the fear of someone stealing it may keep you from sharing it. However, the real risk is waiting too long to act and finding your idea on store shelves because someone else took the initiative. If you're ready to move forward, you’ll need to reveal your idea to others—but it’s important to protect yourself along the way. Here are some key considerations for who you might involve in your invention journey and how to safeguard your idea.
By taking these steps, you can confidently seek help with your idea while minimizing the risk of it being stolen.
Evolution of a Deal and the Art of Disclosure
Developing a licensing deal is not a one-size-fits-all process. Experienced professionals take various approaches to bring deals to fruition. Here’s an example of how a typical deal might unfold:
In licensing, communication, confidentiality, and due diligence are key to reaching an agreement that benefits both parties.
Inventor Spotlight Podcast Ep. 11 - Christine Foley & The Flower Caddy
@Chris Foley, floral designer and inventor of The Flower Caddy—a game-changing tool for florists!?
With 30+ years in the floral business, Christine identified a major industry challenge: safely transporting floral arrangements without damage. Her solution? The Flower Caddy—a simple yet innovative product transforming floral delivery.
What you'll hear in this episode hosted by Samantha St. Raymond from Inventor Smart Community App :
?? How Christine turned an everyday florist challenge into an invention ?? The process of bringing The Flower Caddy to market ?? Key lessons from her journey as an inventor & entrepreneur
Ready to be inspired? Watch the Full Episode on YouTube
Learn more about the Flower Caddy: Visit the Website
Fuel your invention journey with real-life stories and tips from the Inventor Smart Community’s top inventors.
Now Streaming On:
Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Email?[email protected].
Become a Premium Insider in the Inventor Smart Community app for your chance to be featured in our Inventor Spotlight Podcast!
What is a trademark?
A trademark?can be any word, phrase, symbol, design, or a combination of these things that identifies your goods or services. It’s how customers recognize you in the marketplace and distinguish you from your competitors.
The word “trademark” can refer to both trademarks and service marks. A trademark is used for goods, while a service mark is used for services.
A trademark:
A common misconception is that having a trademark means you legally own a particular word or phrase and can prevent others from using it. However, you don’t have rights to the word or phrase in general, only to how that word or phrase is used with your specific goods or services.
For example, let's say you use a logo as a trademark for your small woodworking business to identify and distinguish your goods or services from others in the woodworking field. This doesn't mean you can stop others from using a similar logo for non-woodworking related goods or services.
Another common misconception is believing that choosing a trademark that merely describes your goods or services is effective. Creative and unique trademarks are more effective and easier to protect. Read more about strong trademarks.
Owning a trademark vs. having a registered trademark
You become a trademark owner as soon as you start using your trademark with your goods or services. You establish rights in your trademark by using it, but those rights are limited, and they only apply to the geographic area in which you’re providing your goods or services. If you want stronger, nationwide rights, you’ll need to apply to register your trademark with us.
You’re not required to register your trademark. However, a registered trademark provides broader rights and protections than an unregistered one.
For example, you use a logo as a trademark for the handmade jewelry you sell at a local farmer’s market. As your business grows and you expand online, you might want more protection for your trademark and decide to apply for federal registration. Registering your trademark with us means that you create nationwide rights in your trademark.
Using the trademark symbols TM, SM, and ?
Every time you use your trademark, you can use a symbol with it. The?symbol lets consumers and competitors know you’re claiming the trademark as yours. You can use “TM” for goods or “SM” for services even if you haven’t filed an application to register your trademark.
Once you register your trademark with us, use an ? with the trademark. You may use the registration symbol anywhere around the trademark, although most trademark owners use the symbol in a superscript or subscript manner to the right of the trademark. You may only use the registration symbol with the trademark for the goods or services listed in the federal trademark registration.
Learn more: https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/basics/what-trademark from USPTO
Recap for National Inventor Club : US Patent & Trademark Office Field Trip Virtual Replay January 2025
The January 2025 National Inventor Club meeting offered valuable resources for inventors. Here's a quick recap:
Inspired Home Show: We were joined by Lori Szudarek who highlighted the Inspired Home Show and its Inventor's Corner, a great opportunity to showcase home-related inventions.
Product Naming: @Pierre, a business advisor from the Farmingdale Small Business Development Center America's SBDC , emphasized the critical role of a strong product name. He shared invaluable advice on testing names with target consumers
Gather Feedback for your brand: Justin from PickFu shared a helpful platform for gathering feedback and refining your branding. A catchy and memorable name can make all the difference!
Patent Process: Elizabeth Dougherty (USPTO) discussed the USPTO and the patent system, and announced the "Successful Inventing" webinar series. The webinar also included a replay of USPTO Day, covering patent applications and prior art searches, and information on upcoming Inspired Home Show events.
Additional Highlights
USPTO Day Replay: The National Inventor Club recently participated in USPTO Day on November 15th, 2024, and it was a resounding success! We had a chance to watch the USPTO Day event, which featured a panel discussion with patent examiners and covered topics like the patent application process, prior art searches, and engaging with patent examiners.
Here's a recap of the event:
Upcoming NIC Event: Feb 27th, 2025
Stay tuned for the announcement of our next exciting event. Be sure to check the event listings regularly at https://app.inventorsmart.com/events and keep an eye on your email for updates. We promise another engaging and informative session, and we can't wait to share more details with you soon!
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
Eddie Cross Inventor of THE TIME SAVER??
Eddie Cross, inventor of THE TIME SAVER ? ? Ducted Floor Dryer/Air Circulation System, shares his journey from a 25-year career at NUMC to becoming an entrepreneur. After experiencing a slip on a wet floor in 2002, Eddie’s work in engineering and facilities sparked the idea for a multipurpose safety product. In 2015, THE TIME SAVER?? was born.
Eddie talks about his experiences with the Nassau/Suffolk Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club, mentoring from Brian Fried, and securing two patents for his invention. He also shares how movies like Joy and The Pursuit of Happyness motivated his entrepreneurial spirit.
Eddie’s message: If you don't try, you'll never know the outcome. Life can change in half a second.
Watch Full Story: Eddie Cross THE TIME SAVER??
About the Got Invention Show
The Got Invention Show is a platform for inventors to showcase their products and ideas. It’s available on:
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 Regional Outreach Office: Resources for Inventors
We're excited to present a special series from the National Inventor Club , featuring the US Patent & Trademark Regional Outreach Offices! In this exclusive series, you’ll hear directly from the directors of USPTO Regional Offices across the country, offering valuable insights into the many services and resources available to inventors.
From free training and educational resources to expert guidance on patent basics, trademark registration, and more, this series provides essential knowledge for inventors at all stages. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to protect your ideas, this series will help you navigate the world of intellectual property and take your innovations to new heights.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the leaders in IP and boost your invention journey!
Words from Our Members
?Learn to enjoy the process... and the product will take care of itself.? Remember, the key to inventing is not to recognize that a square peg won't fit in a round hole, but rather that a square peg can become the handle of a hammer. With which you can use nails instead of pegs!
@Larry
James Oliver—a Scottish immigrant who had settled in Indiana—received a patent for the "chilled plow." Using an ingenious method, the wearing surfaces of the casting were cooled more quickly than those of the back. The pieces which came in contact with the soil had a hard, glassy surface while the body of the plow was made of tough iron. Oliver later founded Oliver Chilled Plow Works.
Oliver was at the forefront of plow manufacturing in the 1860s. His company used advanced chilled molds, in which molten cast iron was immersed in hot water. Although he is quoted as saying that he was “classed with the fools who pursue the fallacy of perpetual motion,” Oliver was determined to create a completely chilled plow. Because his methods allowed for the escape of hot gases from the mold, it created a surface that was smooth and tough.
Over time he received several patents for different kinds of plows and manufacturing processes, including the removable blade. The success of his plows lead to a strong business in the United States and internationally.
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!
Expand Your Network & Build Connections
Join us for our virtual Meet & Greets, 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
???Visit hq.inventorsmart.com events area for more info.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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
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.com at InventorMart.com
About Brian Fried
Brian Fried, 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 February 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
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President, Clean Energy Research Foundation Inc
1 周I have an unpatented drone game invention that is novel and patentable. It will be a game of skill and source of entertainment like an arcade game with prizes. Confidential information to investors will be provided under a nondisclosure agreement.