InventorSpot

I LOVE THE AMERICAN INVENTOR SPOT WEBSITE..... if is jam packed with so much great info for all... Thanks, Michelle and Alexis and everyone else that contributes here.

This has been a busy year! Here are some of the things that I have been up to.
1. attending numerous charity events
2. four magazines, nine tv interviews, eleven newspaper interviews, twenty plus blog interviews, podcasts and more.
3. Threw out the first pitch at the MILWAUKEE BREWERS GAME
4. Road in the 4th of JULY parade as an AMERICAN INVENTOR TOP FINALIST
5. Closed TWO spokesperson deals(Techno Systems(Invent Help, Inpex, Intromark) and SIGNATURE EYECARE in BROOKFIELD, WI)
6. Flew to LA to film two TV commercials and radio commercials.
7. Met the Admirals Hockey team, attended game as guest star.
8. Did several motivational Speaking events.
9. Became a WBEC.. Woman based company
10. Registered wth D &B, created my UPC codes, TPIN and MPIN numbers, SIC and NAISC codes...got my company in order.. getting ready to launch our NEW HEADLINE IT! WEBSITE..where people can purchase our product.
11. Designed my products shape for effectiveness SIX times.
12. Re-designed the packaging three times
13. R & D, and product testing
14. Working with manufacturer three times a day or more.
15. Appeared on LIFETIME TV FOR WOMAN... on HEALTH CORNER as a FEATURED GUEST. The story was about ALOPECIA.
16. FINISHED MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY... BALD IS BEAUTIFUL, MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING. It has a lot of great "behind the scenes info." from AMERICAN INVENTOR SEASON ONE
17. Kept in close touch with my other top 12 and top 24 friends...and DOUG, ED, PETER and MARY LOU.
18. WON MOST UNIQUE PRODUCT in 2006-07 and ADULT and CHILDREN"S WELL BEING AWARD for 2006-07 for HEADLINE IT!
19. Won the ADDING WISDOM AWARD www.addingwisdom award, for my CHILDREN'S BOOKS.. BELLA AND GIZMO'S ADVENTURES, THE HAIRLESS SPHYNX CAT and BELLA GET'S A NEW SWEATER..and my TWELVE INCH PLUSH DOLL.
20. WON BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR TO COME.. for my AUTOBIOGRAPHY
21. Will be going to LA to hit some big media outlets, to help promote season TWO Amerian Inventor and RELEASE MY HEADLINE IT! product and book to the world!
22. Praying that I will be able to share my story on OPRAH...
23. Always being MOMMY FIRST and FOREMOST... TOOK my daughter to LA with me, and went to DISNEY for FOUR WONDERFUL FUN FILLED DAYS TOGETHER.. swam in the PACIFIC ocean in SHARON'S neck of the woods!
24. MORE TO COME....... LIFE IS AMAZING when you can follow your dreams, and watch them come true!

GOD BLESS US ALL!
hugs!

JODI
HEADLINE IT!

I heard that not one of the inventions from American Inventor got a deal. Is that true?

Is the show a complete waste of time for those watching and for those auditioning?

I mean if you don't get a deal, what's the point? If you want to be famous, can't you just go as well go on American Idol and audition there? At least someone would be watching.

It's wonderful that all these things are happening for Jodi, but how many Headline its have you sold?
Sy Stebins

For those of you budding inventors: notice numbers eleven and twelve in Jodi's list.

Don't assume your first prototype design or packaging idea will be the last. When facing these issues you have to remember to look at your baby with a very critcal eye. YOU may like it, but you could be the only one. Just because it fits your head doesn't mean it will fit everyone's. My bottle slings (name coming soon) can be made to fit different size people and they all hold bottles of different sizes and shapes. They can be made with different fabrics in different colors and designs.

You may love the fundamental aspects of your invention but be willing and able to be flexible with everything else.

I'd like to ask Jodi if she has a patent for the HeadlineIt!? And if she is aware of any competition in the marketplace? I love the idea of the HeadlineIt! and would like to suggest Jodi designing a style sort of like those snowboarding caps everybody and their brothers are wearing even in warm climates. Make them out of the same absorbant material as the HeadlineIt! but in designer colors and patterns. I would wear one in the summer to protect my scalp and absorb sweat while I work. Jodi could you wear one and pour water over it in order to keep your head cool?

Concerning Samul's post: I've said all along, if the show doesn't produce some actual products it will lose all credibility. I think Peter Jones would be wise to have America start voting much earlier in the show.

I hate to say it but I have a feeling we'll never see the Anecia again. It's an interesting concept but I don't think it can be ergonomically feasable due to the size variations of children and cars. When a baby is the size and shape of a ten pound sack of potatoes it could work fine, but six months later the baby's arms and legs grow longer and they tend to flail them around constantly. That may be a problem with the nested spheres rotating like an amusement park ride. How does the Anecia allow for this? Maybe some sort of damping system to slow it down. This would also stabilize it at low speeds and during turns (don't want the child getting seasick). Evenflo has had some crappy design problems lately, they need to come up with a winner. I hope they can get the bugs worked out at a reasonable price.

Francisco's bike? Come on guys... did anybody think that would actually ever be sold in stores like the show says the product has to be able in order to qualify? So many, much better, products got overlooked for lack of a sob story. And don't get me wrong, I sat next to Francisco and his partner on the way up to the "green" waiting area just outside the set on the second floor of the LA Design Center. We wished each other good luck and I hope he's now making the most out of his opportunity since the show, I just think the show (and MLBooHoo in particular) used him.

But the toilet seat and the restroom survival kit should be no-brainers. They can be made and sold ANYWHERE. I think as the show progresses it should follow the design/packaging/testing phases of the finalists so America can either build a liking or lose it as we see the progressions from budding inventions to actual "products in a box". We could vote on packaging options and other details so they will know they have a winner with the public. Maybe there should be five top prize winners instead of only one?

The show's contract retains rights over finalists so they can't use the spotlight to promote their products privately for one year. After that you can do what you want, that's probably why we don't hear much about any products actually hitting the stores yet.

My slings are ready to hit the stores PRONTO! Please check them out at Bottle Sling - Invention Gallery .

HI Bottleslingguy!

I wish you the best of luck on your invention.

Yes.. I have both the UTILLITY and DESIGN patents on my product. Thank you for asking.

We are happy that there are NO OTHER PRODUCTS like mine that will be on the market. With my claims in my patent, we have that industry covered, so far. I was really blessed to make it as a finalist on the show. With the publicity and powerhouses behind us all... success will be achieved.

If you check out my website, you will see the artwork can be different on each HEADLINE IT! for variability of marketing the product.

The HEADLINE IT! is UNIVERSAL. It will fit any sized head and in any cap! On the website.. is the OLD DESIGN. I will be launching the new effective shape and packaging on my new HEADLINE IT! website, in JUNE.

We will be marketing to SNOWBOARDERS, just like you!
I would hope that you will contact me on my website, and we can swap products to test. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOUR PRODUCT as well. It sounds very interesting and I wish you all the luck in the world! If you have questions or need any help, please ask. Maybe I can direct you to some that could help further your product. KUDOS TO YOU.

The HEADLINE IT will be launched to market in JUNE/JULY of this year... with the start of SEASON TWO AMERICAN INVENTOR.

Please remember, it is a REALITY TV SHOW.. where you know that there may not be full truths being told.

PETER JONES has the contestants best interest at heart. I still write to PETER weekly, and he is willing to give advice and continue as my MENTOR. HE REALLY CARES about the show and the contestants a great deal. He is an amazing man.. and what a joy to meet! BRILLIANT!

All the other judges, MARYLOU, ED and DOUG have bent backwards to help so many of us contestants. They all cared about the show a great deal, as well..... as MATT GALLANT who is a super, wonderful person that will give you the shirt off his back if you asked! I am so honored to have him as my friend.

Great things can come out of any situation... and we were blessed to be part of this show.. regardless of what comments anyone posts!

Sometimes, the publicity of one's product is just enough to launch it into the market place. I am living proof of that.

Thanks for watching SEASON TWO, it will be better than ever!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!
JODI
HEADLINE IT!

Jodi Pliska,
I understand that you have both a design and utility patent.
What is the patent number for the utility patent? I've been following all these comments and hope you wouldn't mislead us. If the other ex judges are being let go how have they helped you? Please answer these questions instead of ignoring them as you have in the past.

Sy

HI SY,

Each of the judges has been in pivotal in helping with endorsements, design, teaching, mentoring, marketing, business plans, taking products to companies and more. I am not avoiding your question, but some of the info is not privy at this time, and I would rather have my other top finalist friends tell you how they were helped, in their own words.

I am still working on several projects with some judges, and will release this information in JUNE, with the launch of my product. Thanks!

As for patent numbers, I am sure that you can find all of these on record. We all are protected. They took GOOD CARE OF US ON THE SHOW...and protected us before the release of SEASON ONE.

That's all for now.. I have written a lot of BEHIND THE SCENES INFO in my book, BALD IS BEAUTIFUL, MY JOURNEY TO BECOMING!

Hope that you will read it and enjoy, SY.

THANKS for the questions and best of luck to you!

GOD BLESS!
JODI
HEADLINE IT!

Thanks for the questions.

Jodi if you have a marketable invention that sells  a design patent is worthless. All you have to do is make a suble change of it and sell the same- only in a different material than what's stated in your utility patent. They already have cool hat & cap bands that can be slightly changed for wigs.

I understand the differences between Utility and design patents but how could anyone on the American Inventor show who did not have a utility patent prior to the show have one this fast. I don't believe it. It takes almost two years to receive a proper Utility patent. The prior comment about sweat absorbing headbands existing already is correct. I did the research. There's no way that Jodi has a utility patent for this. Design yes, utility no. Patents are only a defense against copycats. Even with copycats it's hard and costly to fight them in court.

I'd like to hear the real stories from the final twelve without all the BS. I know that this business is tough but we bloggers like hearing the truth. If we wanted to hear fluff and BS I can go to Invent help or Davidson. As far as I understand the Judges have been zero help to any of the finalists.I don't personally know any of the Judges but I'm happy that most, if not all are gone. Inventors need respect not mockery.

I've invested in a few inventors dreams and have been mostly successful. If I were to invest in any of the final twelve from last year I would bank on The Sackmaster (really works) The toilet seat (I went to the site and it could be a winner with the proper marketing), the door clip (cheap to make but could be an item at every truck, travel stop), Portable exercise equiptment. Easy X guy (Could be winner for us out of shape types or even in shape guys and girls who want to stay that way on the road). The Toner belt falls into the same category. Niya doll is marketable.Everything else is a long shot.

This site is also a great thing for inventors. Just my professional thoughts.

Sy

Just kidding. I would disagree with you regarding the EasyX. The key to a "portable" gym is to make it portable. Instead of lugging around 100 lbs. you need something that weighs like twenty pounds yet provides enough resistance to give a good workout. I didn't really see anything beyond what's already out there, nothing about it stood out to me. 

The SackMaster, while useful and efficient doesn't have a very big market (does it?). I think the Niya has some incredible competition. I agree the toilet seat, toner belt and survival kit are winners. 

I think Jodi is being very cautious (understandably) and not telling us the whole story. There doesn't seem to be anything in the USPTO under her name. What's up wit dat? Hint: she signed contracts with Tick Tock Productions. I think Jodi is a genuinely good person immersed in a sphere of cold hard tv reality. I think it would be detrimental to this site if you kept pressing her any further. I think she's trying to be polite and really doesn't need any hassles. You and I may call it searching for the truth, but believe me, she doesn't need us and may decide to leave making this place a little less exciting. Sort of like the Inventor's Underground site.

Hey, check out my invention Bottle Sling - Invention Gallery . and see how it could make you even more successful.

Hey everyone, look. American Inventor was what it was, a reality TV show, with that said if I had to do it all over again, ya dam right I would! The show made it easier for me to make contact with sport industry movers and shakers as well as help other inventors make contact with different companies and industry reps.

Everyone needs to step back for a second and stop playing "the head inventor" what we need to do is pool all of our resources, this way we can capitalize on the many opportunity that are out there.

Companies like Davidson know how to sucker the everyday inventor out of their cash because there is no sure shot way to get your invention to market and the average inventor is desperate and these companies know this.

Did American Inventor do all it promise, yes and no. Yes we got some great exposure and made some great contacts plus we learn the rules of the game from the inside. No it didn’t change our lives like American Idol, Our product is not on store shelves but we’re selling product, the show didn’t get our invention pick up by a major company. In defense of AI this was the very first series and a lot of it was done on the fly, the second season will be much more together.

With that out of the way let’s be real, when American Inventor 2 hold it’s casting calls in selected cities, everyone with an idea, a real idea is going to be their. If you are looking to get your product out their, this is your best chance without paying a dime!

Remember that 10.7 million viewer tuned in weekly, someone out their may like what you have and put their money behind. You can bet on this, if you don’t try out for AI-2 someone else will.

 Patents on like inventions are not that difficult, ex. tonerbelt & Denise Austins. This is why a "very good" Patent attorney is needed! Kershaw Knives is another example. they patented their assisted opening folder with various patents. One had a leaf spring while another had a coil piston spring opening.  This was just a few years ago and now look at the market! About every knife company- Buck, Sharp eagle, Camillus. Benchmade, S&W, United, Browning, and many others have what looks to be the same leaf spring assisted opening? They apparently got around the claims of kershaw to claim another patent or patent pending.

All of this chatter is interesting, but here is what caught my eye.

 

10. Registered wth D &B, created my UPC codes, TPIN and MPIN numbers, SIC and NAISC codes...got my company in order..

 

Expanding on this process with contact info and prices would be very helpful and interesting.

 

Thanks, Jodi 

LOOK! This topic should be very, very active.  There are thousands of people out there getting ready to line up for the upcoming auditions.  WHY!?  Do they have a clue what they are going to be required to do?  - NO - There is no information being shared with the contestants about show format (participant involvement of time and travel) - Last time it was three months which helped cause Eric to go bankrupt, Januz lost his job, only those who are self employed/or supported by others kept their heads above water.  Time is money. 

THEN, there is this super big issue of - Whats in it for the inventor?  What are the results?  From season one the results are none.  The producers give little of no reason for the next batch of inventors to be motivated to risk everything.  What does the WHOPPING 25% really mean??

Is it the same mathematical formula as Bouncing Brains 10% -  Look into this discussion and then come back to this discussion and post your findings.

http://www.americaninventorspot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=825#825

 

If ABC gives you 25% of their profit, and they license your invention to (lets say HASBRO like they did with Word Ace), does this mean that the inventor gets 25% of the 5% that ABC might be lucky enough to license.  For example if an invention generates $1,000,000 worth of profit for HASBRO, then HASBRO will pay ABC the standard 5% royality for their license.  That mean ABC gets $50,000, then ABC turns around and gives the inventor his WHOPPING 25% of the agreement, which is $12,500.  Not bad if you generate a huge amount of sales, but if your product only makes a small splash, you will end up with a drop.  I challenge anyone to dispute these findings. Especially if they are from season one and they know the inventors cut is better.

 

Then ask, why does ABC and Freemantle Media need to make a cut at all?  Greed?  Do you think it is absolutely necessary?  At Deal or No Deal they don't ask the participants to give percentages back. 

 i believe in Janusz situation the $1,000,000 will have to be paid back with his 25% royalties to AI before he can start accruing more money. As for Ed, he may have to pay back the $50,000? After that I believe he gets all the 5% royalties. Tell me if I'm wrong ED?

Dear Jodi,

I have been trying to contact you through your website, but there simply seems to be NO CONTACT page anywhere? So I guess I'll try this.
I think your idea is a good one, as I work as a firefighting pilot, and need to wear a helmet. Because I'm bald I currently use a skull cap from http://www.flightsuits.com/helm_bags.html
At the end of a flight or during refuelling I take it off and let it dry out. This product has been around for 10 years or more and works great.

How is yours different? What are the advantages? I tried to contact you because I wanted to purchase and test yours, there is always room for improvements.

Best of luck with your invention

LGO

Hi:

I heard you wanted to hear from last years top 12 of American Inventor.

OK, here it is.

Out of the thousands of people who tried out for the show, I was the only person who came out singing. I wrote a rap song using the back bet of Eminem song "Lose Yourself". I altered it a little but I used the main verse,
"If you had one chance, one opportunity would you use it or would you let it slip away? This is my chance and I'm going to go for it."
You need to stand out when you audition.

I had a idea for the SackMaster around the time of el Niño. The rain was coming down and help is being needed so I put down a plan
that I had in my head, got it down on paper and that's how the Sackmaster began.
It's a tool that I made for those hard rainy days when the rain is coming down hard and things are floating away. Itt's quicker, it's takes half the time and it wont
hurt your back because it is ergonomically designed.

So what happened after American Inventor?

The day after I got off the American Inventor show I took out a loan on my house then I took my mold for the Sackmaster to a plastic company were I had 100 units
made. Once the units were finished, my wife and I went on a Donation Tour with the SackMaster.

I was under contract with Fremantle not to sell my product! but it didn't keep me from giving them away! So we did.

First we went to Hawaii where
we met and donated several units to the civil defense department and they gladly
accepted them since they just had 30 days of flooding and mud slides ,then
we went to New Orleans and met up with Fire chief Tomas Stone. He is the same
person who help me on the show with my testing with his help we donated over
28 shovel to some of the areas hit hardest by hurricane Katrina , then we
went to Florida to Orlando and drove from Orlando to Port St.Lucys all the
way to Miami over 700 miles donating Sackmasters all the way to several
different counties and cities meeting mayors and city council people all the
way.

It was great. The people of Hooters Corporation sponsored a party for us on the beach at Fort Lauderdale by the sea.

Thing are going good for us.

We sold Sackmasters to the US Army base in Fort Rucker, Alabama and the air force base in California, the US forestry department has purchased 95 Sackmasters and there is so much more.

Overall, the American Inventor show was a great experience. I learned a lot and got some great exposure for Sackmaster.

Good luck to the Season 2 Inventors.

Mark Martinez

Joseph Safuto of Pure Flush fame wrote up some tips for auditioners:

It's here

http://www.americaninventorspot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=1092#1092

My name is Terry LeBleu, I was looking into trying out for the show and found myself further researching info after reading all their rules of eligibility. And found myself on your site.  I always love to discover a new source of information regarding inventing.  I have not been able to pull away from this site all morning!

I pretty well convinced myself NOT to bother trying out on American Inventor.    There has to be a better way to market my various inventions. I have already dealt with theft of my technology from a man

that was going to "help me further my patent filings"  he did the paperwork alright and took liberties in the filings adding himself as a co-inventor and gave his newly formed company exclusive assignment, right, title, royalties ect to himself.  I am listed as the first inventor on the utility patent and he as the co inventor.  He had absolutely nothing to do with the concept or reduction to practice; but through his filings in the PTO gained total control and my rights! I am continuely working and filing against his deception to the PTO.

He was a manager working for me!  He has continued filing CIP patents with my paperwork that was intrusted to him (and will NOT give back) stating he owns everything including my papers!  The assignment he filed in the PTO to World Wide Water, Inc. is a forgery of my signature and the assignment is not even filled out!  I have a certified copy of it from the PTO, but it doesn't matter!  The PTO doesn't LOOK at the contract, just records it!  I am told I need to file against the contract in Federal Court.  Not an inexpensive avenue.  and the guy whom I would sue has a team of attorneys invested in his company!  How could one afford the long journey he and his attorney partners would put you through?   

How does a man without the funds to fight for his rights fight a man with plenty of resources to fight you?  Have not found the answer to that one.  But I do all I can to file against him in the PTO i.e. record my OWN assignment to my company Drought Masters, Inc. over the top of his assignment in the patent office.  see patent number 5,669,221 and 5,845,504 "Portable Potable Water Generator"

He has publicly made statements in newspapers such as front page of "Singapore Times" that he is the "sole inventor" of this machine. (I can forward anyone interested in reading this article a copy) He sold rights to www.hyflux.com for millions (also in this article).  They market it as The Dragonfly.  He who stole from me is rich.  Me?  Left out completely.  In depositions this man openly admits that he saw the machine and drank from it at my father home.  That is how he discovered my machine!   

He further stole and refiled another invention of mine called "The fishing Gun"  I had a design patent on it in 1985 (still shows in PTO designs if you research it)  This same man who stole my water machine patent refiled my fishing gun as a utility calling his "The linear pulling and retrivial system"  also known as "The CableCaster" sold by GreenLee Textron he granted license to his patent of MY invention.  I met this man Francis C. Forsberg in 1995 I already had disclosure documents; provisionals, and a design patent filed before meeting him, yet he now owns it all.  I have many inventions that he doesn't know about that I have filed on.  I just didn't invent one or two ideas; but have many, many.  I am a full time inventor.  If you would like to see a few ideas go here

www.droughtmasters.com  would love to hear from anyone with ideas for me to get back my rights, or is interested in any of my other inventions and designs.

One would think it would be simple to just go get another investor on the water machine, but one look at the guy who stole my water machines website scares off any potential investor from it.  See www.freewaterinc.com on the front page they have a link to patents and legal to which they put you on notice that if you plan to distribute or manufacture any of these patents (mine numbers included there) 5,669,221 & 5,845,504 you will be sued for infringement.  Nice guys huh?

This is WATER, drinking water. And they wrongfully hold out that they own exclusive rights of mine.  People are dying from drinking unsafe water and here I have the machine but can't get it moving forward.  Sad, sad, situation.

All hope will never be gone, I have a few more tricks up my sleeve to gain my rights and have justice served, but any ideas are extremely welcome!               

No, I don't think I want to take a chance with American Inventor and have a repeat in history of my ideas perpetually assigned to them.  There just has to be a better way.  Thank you for your time.

Terry LeBleu,

Inventor

www.droughtmasters.com

        

Question: From the time you audition, at the individual cities, and are turned down, how long are you required to wait, exactly, before you are allowed to pitch your invention elsewhere (ie: manufactures, etc.)? Please advice someone who is motivated to "get-on, getting-on" after having not made it to LA. Can someone help me to re-confirm in my mind what I signed on the "Consent & Release" form, at the city's audition, as to what rights the Producers have on my ability to sell my licensing rights to my patent, elsewhere. I heard talk about a three month wait only. Is that right, or what? Please advise. Most appreciated. ALee

Hi Izeroin:

You may want to try posting this in our forums and this is an old article and I am not sure many people are still following the comments here.

You may want to try the audition thres to the forums at http://www.americaninventorspot.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4

Hi Terry Le Blue:

I liked your comment and thought we should share it in the forums so I have postedit there as well.

http://www.americaninventorspot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=208 

Again, this article is a bit old so I don't know how many people are reading this, so go check in he forums for the latest discussions.

Thanks,

Michelle 

 

It seems like many of you are upset about the show. We'll forget the show for now.

For those of you who would like your invention questions answered. I will answer them right here for free!

It's painfull to see so many bright inventors stuck simply becasue they don't have the information they need to bring their product to market. Selling you ideas can be done. I've done it for many years and would be happy to share what I know with you.

I have licenced over 20 products and would be happy to answer your questions through this blog.

So post any quesiton you have abot inventing and I'll do my best to post a concise response so everyone can learn from.

Kindest Regards,
Stephen Key

From what I understand, you dont have to wait at all. When we didnt get a yes to move on (6 hours ago, I am in Chicago now), we were handed a paper that read...

"As you have not been selected to move forward in the competition, you are under NO obligation to the show or ABC with respect to rights in your invention, and you are free to independently pursue any other avenues for marketing and distributing your invention."

That is what I have right here.

After we didnt make it today I got on this site. Now I am actually happy to have not made it. It makes me want to work harder to market our invention so we can be so-called "American Inventor rejects that made it!"

We have a tool that has some serious global potential. I mean we have no competition in the field and there is such a great need for what we have to offer. I was seriously confused because I saw some of the junk they accepted... I mean, did it really have global potential? Could they really make that much money off of it? My answer was no.

When we were waiting in line outside in the rain (for about 8 hours)at the Navy Pier, I started to think...

This is all for a show. I walked around and there was plenty of room to house us. We were friggin freezing and wet and the line barely moved! I went to a gift shop and the lady says she cant understand why they didnt bring us inside??!??!?!

haha joke was on us.

Thanks to everyone for hearing what you have to say about the show, I feel better knowing everyone isnt all about it.

April

Testing one two three. I can't believe the DroughtMaster story. I would probably hunt the guy down and wind up in jail over that one.

Maybe now that season two is starting we'll hear from more of them. I get the feeling though that many don't want to take any risks and say something here they may regret later. Same goes for the current auditioners although I liked ApeApe's story. I'm interested in mechanical inventions like tools.

There has to be a way for them to get some exposure!? Hey why not post a video of your product here at this website? That would be awesome! Let's ask "why not". This site would not only gain exposure for the AI Rejects, but it would get more traffic from the popularity of broadcasting yourself. This could be the web version of an inventor reality show.

 Bottle Sling - Invention Gallery .

If anyone want to create a SHORT video of their invention for us and its interesting to watch, we will post it on our site. I think 2 minutes max. I won't promise as I need to check with our Webmaster but I am pretty sure we can do it.   Perhaps we'll even have a whole section with people who can vote on best invention video. Anybody? 

If its interesting and catchy enough, we can get several hundred thousand veiwers to see your invention.

 

 

That would be so awesome, I will definately will post a video. We are working on a better one right now. Some local people bought my fathers tool and he is installing 12' lengths of pine by himself! Bring it on warped or bowed boards! You can see the tool at www.originaldevices.com

The website will be actually showing the video soon, by Apr.17th

Michelle: That is a very good idea. Not only will it help all of the inventors on here but with todays world, you never know what may come of it!

Thanks so much!

Ape Ape

Ape Ape:

If you are interested, you can submit your invention to our Invention Gallery for FREE...I think we do have video capability even for teh Invention Gallery but we have not enabled it as it take too much resources and we are afraid of how much is will cost us.:) Maybe as a premium service if enough people are interested?  

The gallery and instructions are here: http://www.americaninventorspot.com/inventiongallery 

First may I start with what a very well laid out site this is and inventors should be very thankful that such a site is available to them.The posts by last seasons inventors have been very helpful to all and I can fully understand the frustration by SY in regards to The Headliner inventors replies.

 

 I am an international patent attorney and would like to drop some advice to all who are about to audition for the 2nd Series of American Inventor.Within this thread are some frightening disclosures and hopefully the following is of help to all.I am going to first of all summarise in points the crucial processes every inventor must take,then expand more on these points.I hand a variation of this process below to my clients to familiarise themselves with whats ahead.What follows is advice and does not replace seeking professional advice from a registered attorney.

 

1.-DO NOT DISCUSS,SHOW OR DESCRIBE ANY PART OF YOUR INVENTION WITH ANY PERSON,ORGANISATION,MANUFACTURER,FRIEND,RELATION,EVEN YOUR PARENTS....100% SECRECY PERIOD.

 

2.-DO NOT WALK IN WITH NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS TO THESE ENTITIES-THEY ARE NOT YOUR GUARDIAN ANGELS NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU HAVE KNOWN THEM.

 

3-DO NOT SIGN ANY AGREEMENTS PERIOD WHETHER WITHIN OR OUTSIDE YOUR JOB ENVIRONMENT,NO MATTER WHAT FINANCE WILL BE PROMISED TO YOU.

 

4.-NO INVENTION IS TOO SMALL-DO NOT BELIEVE YOUR INVENTION IS NOT OF MUCH VALUE.

 

5.-EVERY COUNTRY CONTAINS A PATENT OFFICE AND WITHIN THAT PATENT OFFICE ARE A LIST OF REGISTERED PATENT ATTORNIES.

 

6.-ON REALISATION OF YOUR CONCEPT OR INVENTION YOUR NUMBER 1 PRIORITY IS PROTECTION...PROTECTION..PROTECTION..PROTECTION.NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.

 

7.MOST REGISTERED ATTORNIES PROVIDE FREE CONSULATION ON THE FIRST VISIT.

 

8.-THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE ENTIRE PROCESS WILL BE:

 

    (A)-YOUR REGISTERED PATENT ATTORNEY

 

    (B)-THE UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE @ www.uspto.gov ; THE EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE @ www.epo.org ; THE INTERNATIONAL PATENT OFFICE @ www.wipo.int and the best informative Patent Office in the world by a wide margin ; THE UK PATENT OFFICE @ www.ipo.gov.uk .

 

    (C)-A BOOK AUTHORED BY THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON ON THE PLANET WHO HAS BEEN ADVISING GLOBAL PATENT ORGANISATIONS FOR DECADES- “FROM EDISON TO IPOD” by Frederick Mostert available @ http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-8508946-9563255?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=from+edison+to+ipod .This publication will become your new friend in your quest ahead.

 

9.-DRAW YOUR INVENTION ON A4 PAPER OR DESIGN IN POWERPOINT AND PROTECT THROUGH AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED COPYRIGHT ORGANISATION

 

10.-DO NOT BE MISLED BY ATTORNIES ON HOW EASY THE PROCESS WILL BE.THIS PROJECT YOU ARE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON IS GOING TO BE THE MOST DIFFICULT JOBS YOU WILL EVER UNDERTAKE AFTER MARRIAGE.BUYING A HOUSE IS EASY COMPARED TO THIS PROCESS.

 

11.-TRUST NOBODY…IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE THEN IT IS…

 

One

 

Of all the aspects you must do,this first point is your lifeline and is the difference between you making it or being taken apart by the most ruthless and unscrupolous individuals you will ever meet.Every business has its sharks and there ain’t no bigger sharks than the ones who operate within the legal system.I have met clients who come in for the first time and my first question is “Who have you discussed or disclosed the invention to?”..Do not be one of the ones who have to realise that their invention is worthless before they even begin.I have seen cases where parents or relations have ran away with 100% rights to an invention and no court of any land will retrieve it for the sole inventor.Please be very careful.The current legal process for any invention in the United States is “first to invent”-this means an inventor who can claim and prove they were the first to invent a product will gain precedence over the person who is first to file a patent.Every other country outside the US requires “first to file” which holds precedence over the “first to invent”.Another important aspect is if you discuss any part of your invention with any person or entity before filing a patent application you may aswell flush your invention down the drain.Its worhtless.The “Grace Period” aspect of certain countries is very strict on disclosure so to be safe-keep your invention 100% secret.

 

Two

 

Non-disclosure agreements are not worth the paper they are written on if you have not filed a Patent Application.

 

Three

 

Do not sign any agreements with your employers from the moment you have invented your concept.It doesn’t matter if it’s a safety course or permission to enter onto a construction site.Until you speak with a registered patent attorney you are dangling your rights in the open air.I have seen cases where a normal person working within a company mentioned to a few of his workmates he had created an invention-the directors of the company a few weeks later tried to get him to sign a silly contract of employment.Luckily he had taken the initiative and seen an attorney,showed the attorney the contract before signing it.If he had signed it all his rights for his invention would have been owned by the company.sign nothing.

 

Four

 

You may think your invention is of small value but think of how many miniature umbrellas are placed into cocktails or drinks,the inventor of the box of matches.Until you speak with your REGISTERED patent attorney you really do not know your inventions potential.

 

Five

 

There are thousands and thousands of unqualified attornies all around the globe and some are very rich by taking advantage of niave inventors.Only seek counsel from a registered attorney in your own country initially.All registered patent attornies are under oath and bound by legal law to operate an attorney/client privelege and can lose their license on breaking that confidentiality.They will be able to advise you on the feasibility of your product and what process to go through.

 

Six

 

This cannot be understated.Your number one priority is to file a patent application as soon as possible.You will not obtain a patent if you discuss it with someone and it becomes public domain.Your invention is referred to as IP or Intellectual Property which contains:Trademarks,Trade Secrets,Design Rights,Copyright & Patents.Software is currently not covered under International Patent Law but the United States allows it.By speaking with your attorney he/she will be able to advise what category your invention falls into.

 

Seven

 

Research to ensure your invention is novel @ the US Patent Search System or WIPO Patent Search System.Book an appointment with a registered and qualified patent attorney as soon as possible.Your first consultation should be free but check when making your appointment as the average rate of European Attornies can be anywhere from €250 euros upwards per hour.Do your research on the registered patent attornies from your patent office.Most of them provide results of cases they have litigated to show their presence and power within the legal patent system.Remember as with everything by going with a cheap and utterly useless attorney will end up costing you in the end.Unless you are a qualified patent attorney do not even attempt to file a patent application on your own as the most important part of any part is to broadness of its claims.Patent DIY Kits are pointless and a waste of money.

 

Your basic scenario could be as follows:Create your patent Application (Non-Provisional)-A Provisional Application is a waste of time and money and are relative useless in litigation cases.Expect to pay on average for US Application between $3000-$5000 dollars.Ensure your attorney files a non-publication request with your application to prevent it from being published on the US Patent Search System.After filing the US application within 12 months an international patent must be filed to gain the priorty date (date you filed your US Application).If you do not file within this timeframe all international rights are lost and you will obtain a new filing date rather than a priority date.A PCT International Application will cost between $9000-$12,000 dollars.Expect an office action on your first US Patent within 15-18 months of which you must prove your invention differs from the previous patents cited by the US Patent Office.95% of US Patent Applications receive an office action and it is very unusual for any inventor to be granted a patent subsequent to the 18 month average reply.On filing of your PCT International application within the 12 month period you are protected in 132 countries of the world.Within 24 months you receive a non binding search report from the PCT Office on how strong your application is in obtaining an internation patent.Depending on the report if you have some strength now is the time to file a CIP on any changes you wish to file.This CIP will be your building block on your invention and will provide a very important file date of which you can fall back on,during future changes to your invention.Both your US Application and PCT are published usually after 26 months and everyone will have access to your application via the internet.They will also be able to see your exact home address if you have used it in your application so discuss this with your attorney on whether you wish to have your home address public knowledge.

 

After 32 months (which is from your first US Filing date) you must decide on nationalisation of your International PCT Application ie, very expensive process where the language of your patent application is translated into various languages + filing fees which is determined by the countries you wish to obtain protection in.After 32 months you are no longer protected (excluding the protection you have over the US through your US Application) in any of the countries around the world.Expect to pay upwards of $27,000-$500,000 depending on the amount of protection you require.Most applicants choose the following countries:Europe,China,Japan,Canada,India,Australia,South Africa-covers about 4.7 billion people of the global population of 6.6 billion.This will cost around $30,000 dollars depending on your attorney.Depending on your attorneys’ litigiation you could be granted a US Patent from your filing date of within a 25-32 months period .If it occurs before the PCT nationalisation deadline consider yourself very lucky as you will be able to decide whether to nationalise your PCT (receive a US Patent) or not (you can’t obtain a US Patent for your invention is not novel).

 

Please remember that every good invention no matter how small will develop into something more so after filing your first US application by marketing it and making the invention public knowledge allows manufacturers and other entities the ability to develop further ideas on the back of your invention-so be 100% sure that you have strong claims and very broad description of your invention within your US application before marketing it.This is where priority dates of previous applications are so important.Large manufcturers have specific research departments,where their job is to see if they can develop products around already patented ideas in order to profit.My advice to any inventor before going public after filing is to speak with an Intellectual Property Attorney (who operates within your invention category) who can advise you on how to build a house of protection around your invention that even the biggest wolf can’t blow down.These are the basics of the process and expect a damn hard process ahead of you,but with the right people under you,it will be an enjoyable experience as when you have the best people working for you,the less you have to worry about the smaller things…

 

Eight

 

The best informative Patent Office is by far the UK and its well laid out site is most helpful to all inventors with lots of advice in simple terms.

 

Nine

 

Do not think by posting an envelope to yourself will protect you.No more is this the case with regard copyright.Standard drawing on A4 or Powerpoint (cheap adaptable drawing software for novelists-a feature many users of Powerpoint do not know is to move a line,text,box or other feature within the presentation in slight increment steps is to hold down the “ALT” key which allows 360 degree mobility.Scan/Save your work into a file like .ppt / .doc / which allows password encryption.Join a site called www.worldwideocr.com opening with the Mozilla browser as the Internet Explorer browser doesn’t function properly on upload.Protect your file with a password and upload and receive an official copyright date on your file.Copyright is a very strong part of IP and in the case of a “first to invent” provides to the courts a valid piece of evidence of the exact date and time you created your invention.

 

 

 

Ten

 

Creating an invention which is novel and useful to society is a wonderful gift.Unfortunately the ones who are the inventors are usually the ones who are common normal people who do not have the finance to take on the process.You must believe in your invention 100% because for the next few years it is going to detrmine what food is available at your table and will completely take over your life.However,the joy of seeing someone use your product will make all these misery’s disappear and this will be your food and nourishment to go on..I hope this article will be helpful to all and its length I apologise for,but not knowing what is ahead is not a nice option for any inventor and clients deserve to by knowledge on the subject.Good luck.

 

 

I hope that any inventor who entered last seasons competition filed their patents before meeting any representative of American Inventor.If they hadn’t done so..I’m afraid they will be able to do nothing from losing all rights to their invention and any manufacturer will be able to produce identical copies of their product on disclosure into the public domain.No court will uphold their rights..their reply will be “you messed up-you should have done your research before opening your mouth to anyone”.The other thing that should scare inventors is the contracts there are being asked to sign on their audition.Always discuss with your attorney before signing anything.By signing they are flushing their invention down the toilet.The public marketing obtained by appearing on the show is immense but I wonder at what price.The internet is a very powerful allie for any inventor and everyone knows a family or relation who has a bit of finance.Check out all options before signing any contracts.

 

I would just like to say I agree with attorney. It is VERY SOUND advice. If you have an invention and believe it should be produced, DON'T go showing it on american inventor without a PATENT!! That's like giving a burglar the key to your house!

It's not cheap to apply to a patent either, a few thousand dollars. And if you're really serious about your invention you will have already applied and I will wish all the best for you!

But remember:
A great idea doesn't do much for you if someone else has the patent for it.

InventorSpot.com received an update from Mark Martinez one of the finalists from season one of American Inventor. 

He has told us the following wonderful news:

American Inventor Mark Martinez - yes ,yes ,yes WE ARE IN The
Home Depot said yes, The Sackmaster will be on the shelves within 3 to4
months at The Home Depot.

Congratulations Mark! 

Hello everybody this is Mark Martinez of the first season of American inventor on June 27th 2008 the Sackmaster will be on the shelves of The home depot In Quincy illinois and in Jacksonville illinois Thank you" American inventor " I will be in Quincy Doing demos on June 28th and the 29th at 5432 Broadway Street Quincy illinois 62301and on the 30th june thru the 2nd of july I will be in Jacksonville illinois at the Home Depot at 1601 west Morton ave JV iL 62650