Got an invention idea?

That sounds like a great class. I am transitioning from branding and website design into increasingly more fashion design and have lots of ideas but never know what's considered unique, or just a different version of something else. This class sounds interesting, and I'd love to learn more.

Michael, I'd certainly be game. I just took a post from the packaging of my first "invention"/retail product to log onto Biztalk and noticed your post. My product will be available for sale starting tomorrow but already I thinking about how the next production run can be better, so I'm sure I could learn from your expertise!

yeah, definitely do the class!

I'm down for that!

I may be interested, particularly interested if it covers any details about the patent filling process. I am pretty good at the idea generating part already,. I just feel a little lost at the paper work level.

I am an co-inventor and I went through the patent process and we went to market and we have sold product with 99% happy customers. I have mixed feelings. Any book can lead you to a better answer. When my first patent attorney doubled his patent search fee, I read a book called PATENT IT YOURSELF and compared the performance of my attorney and the list in the book. He failed. Then I met with him and gave him one last chance to justify the charge. I fired him.

There are lots of way to get an invention to market. I have spent over a year's worth of income developing our product to a point where it was market ready.

I also know of a Bahamian Banker who spent close to $250,000 on an $8 product that hasn't sold a one. And I was part of an invention that would have rewritten the security rules. It could have prevented Columbine and 9/11. This concept is sitting in Eastern Washington doing absolutely nothing for anyone.

I wonder who else is inventing here. This is an important subject. It takes a lot of work, luck, help and opportunity to bring any idea to market. So I applaud anyone who brings up the topic.

I'm interested too. Will you let us know when and where please.

Yes please.

Yeah, I'm interested too. I've never been short on ideas. I am curious about patent filing simplicity and the pitfalls of patent processing. Ahh the paperwork thing... Yes, help there is needed.

Thanks for bringing the topic!

Michael,

I just have to address something you said. There are many inventions that can cost a few hundred dollars to create and produce. With the Patent and Trademark Office now with permanent Examiners, you can end up spinning wheels if you get a bad one - and it can get so difficult that you end up losing because the Examiner is unwilling to allow you.

But there are other inventions that will costs real money and there is no work around. This is why I offered to work with you and up to a point agree with you, but saying that anyone can do it - well it depends on what people invent.

I think there are some real basics that every inventor needs to learn. I think what you have to offer is one part of the discussion. It is important to explain what a patent is, how you file, what it may cost, and how to create a prototype, and manufacture it. But where most inventors fail is marketing. Sometimes success can be just dumb luck. Sometimes things can get so successful, you lose control of it. Then you are vulnerable to others who seem to offer a way out, but what it ends up being is putting the inventor out. And there is a question when to sell or to license. There are inventions out there without a Patent that are doing well, but that’s no guarantee for your idea. Just like my college professor, if someone else patents it and you do not, they can shut you down.

Why this is so important today: There is an act before the House right now that would limit an inventor’s rights to sue for infringement and make the hoops you have to jump through very daunting.

There are ways to protect yourself – and I want to say that I am delighted to see so much interest – but I need to be honest about what’s involved and how to evaluate what the invention may be.

I have worked with and watched many other inventors. There are stories on all sides. But I also have one recommendation: I have been working with the only counselor I recommend for small business. Michael Franz of the Small Business Development Center has not only advised us, but also helped us in evaluation and even researching machine shops when we decided to move our manufacturing closer to home. And he's FREE! I will offer his card and/or phone number for anyone that's interested.

My offer still stands – to share hosting an Event. Both sides have real value – and for those with ideas, it is just as important to give a full picture.

I am interested as well. Will you be hosting this event through Biznik Michael?

We have posted an Event called Inventors 101. Bring your ideas, your questions, your concerns. Every angle will be on the table for discussion. We have a Patent attorney, a Biznik member. And we are talking to others in the field to attend and give their expert experience and insight. Did you know that many modern inventions were discovered before the modern era? I encourage you all to check it out.

I'd be for that.

Either class, really.

Now, I'll just have to finally take advantage of Biznik after all this time.

Hey Michael, I admit that I am not an expert on this, but I will chime in anyway. I think that $25 sounds like a normal book price. I am sure that your book is worth it, I don't really know how long your book is or what forms are included though. However, as far as I know, ebooks don't really sell very well at that price. Maybe as a starter price or hardcover and then offer it as an ebook at half price as part of a special offer?