It goes around and around, in and out based on an ebb and flow of ART and SCIENCE.  The SCIENCE is your personal skill, expertise and drive, the ART is who you happen to meet that helps open up the right support you need at the perfect time.

The definition of LUCK is when Preparation, meets Opportunity.

Submitted by Carrie Jeske.

QVC Sprouts™ springs into action in March 2012 at the International Home + Housewares Show. To kick off the Sprouts program, QVC is giving attendees the opportunity to present their products live to a panel of QVC buyers at the show!

Find out more.

I am a fellow inventor and 15-year member and current board member of the Inventors Association of Arizona.  www.AZInventors.org.

As you know, UPC bar codes are required if you want to sell a product in retail channels and internet channels like Amazon and other websites.  An inventor has two choices to obtain a bar code.  One is to pay $750.00 to join the GS-1 in addition to paying an initial fee and an annual renewal fee for each bar code number.  The other choice is to purchase the bar codes from a reseller such as my company, GotBarCodes.com,  for a one-time fee of as little as $8.49 per bar code.

I offer a 10% discount to any of your members purchasing UPC bar codes.  I also offer a referral fee to your organization for adding a GotBarCodes.com link to your website.

Here is a link to my website www.GotBarCodes.com.

Please call or email for more information. I look forward to helping your inventors chapter and its members.

Kind Regards,

Linda

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Linda Anderson

602-679-9123

Proof of Concept

The use of existing materials, parts and components to prove the new Idea works or not.

Mock up 

A rough construction using crude materials such as cardboard, foam, paper or wood typically done to show the idea in 3D form.

Model  

A form built and painted for aesthetic appearance only

Working Prototype

A fully functioning item yet may not be fully designed & engineered for manufacturability, nor it may not be appearance like.

Black Box Prototype

An existing enclosure or box  with mechanical, electrical, optical and or software internals fully functioning.

Virtual Prototype

3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) rendering

Rapid Prototype

A group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a part or assembly using three dimensional CAD data.

 

 

Contributed by:

Steve Pope

CEO/Owner

R2FACT Product Development Inc.

1009 W. 8^th Street Suite 401

Kansas City, MO 64101

t) 816-994-8822  f)816-994-8821

The International Home + Housewares Show offers you the opportunity to see first-hand consumer lifestyle and product trends for all areas of the home, both inside and out, under one roof.  Housewares products are categorized into four show-within-a-show expos:

Check Everyday Edison website for Casting Calls and Show Times.

Everybody has a great idea that could change the way we work, the way we live or the way we play. From thousands of hopefuls screened at nationwide casting calls, each season the Everyday Edisons crew hand selects an elite few to transform their extraordinary ideas from a sketch on a napkin to a store shelf. Season Three is no exception, returning with 10 new inventors encountering both product successes and setbacks, as audiences learn precisely what it takes to turn an idea into a retail-ready product.

AUTOMOTIVE
If you have an original tool invention in the automotive service industry, Lisle Corporation is interested in evaluating your invention.

Kraco Enterprises, Inc. is seeking new products for the automotive aftermarket, as well as related home, workshop or hardware products for development, license and retail distribution. marketing@kraco.com, or write or call Brad Kraines or Connie Huffa, Marketing Department, KRACO ENTERPRISES, INC., 505 E. Euclid Avenue, Compton, CA 90224, ph: 1-800-678-1910

HIGH TECH GADGETS
The Sharper Image – High Tech Gadgets. Please call their product submission line at 415-445-6125 or contact them at: productideas@sharperimageonline.com See their product line at: The Sharper Image

Gadget Universe – High Tech Gadgets, 16060 Ventura Blvd. Suite 158 Encino, CA 91436, hyeung@aroamarketing.com. See their product line at: GadgetUniverse.com

Got a Cutting-Edge Product to Sell? Amazon.com reaches millions of early adopters every week. If you have a new product or invention you’d like to offer for sale on the Amazon.com Web site,Click here for details

INFOMERCIAL PRODUCTS
ICKC Hosted As Seen on TV Contest with monthly winners, sponsored by Media-Corp.

QVC National Product Search, The largest electronic retailer in America is always looking for new products to air on TV. For more information or to get a submission form, visit www.QVCproductsearch.com or call (866)302-4633.

Guthy-Renker For more information or to get a submission form, visit Product Submission.

Home Shopping Network (HSN) For more information or to get a submission form, visit Become a Vendor.

Thane For more information or to get a submission form, visit Submissions.

KITCHEN and HOUSEWARES
National Presto Industries is seeking outside inventions for the kitchen, housewares, and food preparation market.

The Dial Corporation is looking for new consumer products. in the following categories: *Personal Care products and devices (Skin, Hair, Feet, Oral), *Laundry cleaners or additives, including Soil & Stain removers and devices, *Home Air treatment products or devices (Fragrancing, Freshening, Filtering), *Auto Air treatment products or devices (Fragrancing, Freshening, Filtering), *Carpet and Upholstery treatments, *Household surface treatment or cleaning products *Auto surface treatments or cleaner products, *Dog and/or cat fur & skin care products, *Novel Food packaging or dispensing systems, *Other novel packaging or dispensing systems, *Devices that simplify or enhance the cleaning or home freshening process

Orange Glow International Safe cleaning products. Contact Frank Kvietok at (303) 740-1909, ext. 345.

COLEMAN-POWERMATE , a subsidiary of the SUNBEAM Corp., has a detailed policy regarding submitting new product ideas for consideration. You may obtain a copy of the submissions policy by calling (561) 912-4900 or writing to: Invention Submissions, Sunbeam Corporation, 2381 Executive Center Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33441.

OFFICE SUPPLIES
Fellowes, www.fellowes.com, one of the worlds largest manufacturers of office products, is seeking patented products in the field of computer accessories, ergonomic accessories, laptop accessories, and office products.
Contact: Tim Shipley, Senior Marketing Manager, Phone: 630-671-5112 or email TShipley@fellowes.com

STAPLES Office Supplies is seeking innovative ideas and products in the office supplies field.

TOOLS and HOME IMPROVEMENT PRODUCTS
Garden Weasel is seeking: nearly any mass appeal item, pet related items, gift items, lawn and garden, hardware, houseware, toys, plumbing, home improvement, automotive, recreational.

Big Idea Group is seeking innovative, highly marketable ideas for tools and home improvement products on behalf of multiple corporate partners. See their “Wish List”.

Benjamin Obdyke, national manufacturer of home improvement products is Inc., and they’re looking to license or acquire new products or tools used in exterior construction (primarily residential) more specifically, roofing and siding products. They sell through wholesale roofing and siding distributors and lumberyards. You can learn more about Benjamin Obdyke — and the types of products they’re looking for — on their web site: Benjamin Obdyke

Homax Products, national supplier of paint sundry, tile maintenance and fencing products, seeks inventions to market in retail home improvement industry. Inventors call (800) 729-9029, 840 W. Horton Road, Bellingham, Wash. 98226

Pelham West Associates is a product scout company for a group of small manufacturers/distributors. They seek a wide range of products. For their procedures and a current list of products wanted by their clients, check their web site: www.pelhamwest.com.

Orange Glow International Safe cleaning products. Contact Frank Kvietok at (303) 740-1909, ext. 345.

Pacer Technology is looking for consumer friendly adhesive products. Call Greg Lindsay at (800) 538-3091 or visit the website.

COLEMAN-POWERMATE , a subsidiary of the SUNBEAM Corp., has a detailed policy regarding submitting new product ideas for consideration. You may obtain a copy of the submissions policy by calling (561) 912-4900 or writing to: Invention Submissions, Sunbeam Corporation, 2381 Executive Center Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33441.

TOYS and KIDS’ PRODUCTS
Big Idea Group is seeking innovative, highly marketable ideas for toys and kids’products on behalf of multiple corporate partners, reaching out to inventors of all ages and all levels of experience. See their “Wish List”.

Hogwild Toys Innovative toys, gifts and fun products for the young and old.

Parent Smart Products is seeking infant safety products invented by parents.

MISCELLANEOUS CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Garden Weasel is seeking: nearly any mass appeal item, pet related items, gift items, lawn and garden, hardware, houseware, toys, plumbing, home improvement, automotive, recreational.

Big Idea Group is seeking innovations in all areas of consumer products, with special emphasis on the following categories: QVC items, toys and kids’ products, office supply, school library items, promotion and impulse, home & garden, holiday & seasonal, pets, tools, kitchen & housewares, health & wellness, organization & storage, arts & crafts, and sports & recreation.

The Dial Corporation is looking for new consumer products. in the following categories: *Personal Care products and devices (Skin, Hair, Feet, Oral), *Laundry cleaners or additives, including Soil & Stain removers and devices, *Home Air treatment products or devices (Fragrancing, Freshening, Filtering), *Auto Air treatment products or devices (Fragrancing, Freshening, Filtering), *Carpet and Upholstery treatments, *Household surface treatment or cleaning products *Auto surface treatments or cleaner products, *Dog and/or cat fur & skin care products, *Novel Food packaging or dispensing systems, *Other novel packaging or dispensing systems, *Devices that simplify or enhance the cleaning or home freshening process

The National Mail Order Association (NMOA) is seeking unique, interesting products for its “Made in America Hot Product Contest”. Inventors, manufacturers, artisans and craftspeople are invited to participate. The contest helps buyers from mail order marketers find new and interesting products for their companies to sell. For more information and to obtain an entry form, visit www.nmoa.org/contest.

Got a Cutting-Edge Product to Sell? Amazon.com reaches millions of early adopters every week. If you have a new product or invention you’d like to offer for sale on the Amazon.com Web site,Click here for details

FOOD PRODUCTS
Food Inventors Network, a division of the Big Idea Group, with a focus on food, beverage, and related packaging, helps inventors get ideas commercialized through licensing, evaluates ideas at open-call Roadshows, and conducts Idea Hunts and contests for clients who are looking for specific product ideas.

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL
Hogan Manufacturing Company,manufactures wheelchair lifts and ramps for city buses and buildings, in addition to other steel products. They are now looking to acquire products in the following areas: (1) Mass transit industry, i.e. products for buses – (2) Garbage, landfill equipment – (3) Lifts for the handicapped community – (4) Alternate co-generation., including: Energy savings; Solar; and Geothermal.
They are looking to acquire patented products that have the potential of selling at least 1,000 units per year, with a market price of $4,000 to $5,000 or more per unit, that are made of metal and can be shipped by truck. Their web site is www.hoganmfg.com.

My name is Tamela Hill. I am the President of Peace of Mind Innovations LLC located in Olathe Kansas. As a Mother and an In Home Childcare provider, I designed a Patent Pending, Individually wrapped, Sterile, Single use, disposable, applicator/dispenser of liquids or creams with easy one hand use. They are light weight, transportable and TSA requirement friendly. Great for on the go germ free application and disposal. Did I catch your attention in an elevator minute? I am looking for a licensing agent and one who does not want money up front, but a reasonable percentage of royalties from the licensing of my product.. I am looking at trying to get this dispenser into the Military, Johnson and Johnson, Proctor and Gamble, any pharmaceutical companies so they can fill them with their products.. Can you recommend anyone and/or send me any information? The prototypes, Virtual and real and CAD drawings should be done within 2 months. Thank you for your time and I wish you a Healthy, Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year. Have a peaceful day.

Next Step: ” I am looking for a licensing agent and one who does not want money up front, but a reasonable percentage of royalties from the licensing of my product..”

My contact info is
Tamela Hill – Peace of Mind Innovations
Olathe, Kansas
913-634-6343
peaceofmindinnovations@yahoo.com

Q1. What is a patent?

A. A patent is a right granted by the United States, and other countries, to exclude others from making, using or selling your invention for a limited time in exchange for the public disclosure of your invention.

Q2. Why should I file for a patent and not just place my product on the market?

A. As discussed above, a patent gives the inventor the right to exclude others from a particular market space. If the invention can be readily produced and sold by competitors then it may be advisable from a business perspective to seek to protect your intellectual property. Also, if you seek to sell or license your idea to a third party you will have more leverage in your negotiations with that third party if you have secured a patent on the invention.

Q3. Once I file my patent application how long until I hear back from the patent office?

A. U.S. Patent Office statistics reveal that the average time until the first office action is 28 months.

Q4. How long, on average, does it take for the patent application examination process to run its course?

A. U.S. Patent Office statistics reveal that the average time until allowance of a patent is 33.7 months.

Q5. How much does it cost to file a utility patent application prepared by a patent attorney?

A. Depending on the billing rate and the time required it is common for a patent application to cost $3,500-$5,000 at the low end and $12,000-$18,000 or more for a complex application. These amounts generally only include legal fees and not the cost of drawings or government filing fees. Once the application is filed additional fees will be incurred when the Patent Office Examiner responds with an office action following his or her examination of the application. About 85% of all applications receive a rejection upon first review by a Patent Office Examiner. It is then the job of the patent attorney to respond to the Examiner with both technical and legal arguments and possibly amendments to the claims in the originally filed application. The cost of responding to the Examiner following an office action can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending upon the complexity of the rejection raised by the Examiner and the number of references (patents and applications cited by the Examiner) that must be reviewed by the patent attorney.

Q6. What is the difference between a design patent and a utility patent?

A “utility patent” protects the way an article is used and works, while a “design patent” protects the way an article looks. The ornamental appearance for an article includes its shape/configuration or surface ornamentation applied to the article, or both. Both design and utility patents may be obtained on an article if invention resides both in its utility and ornamental appearance.

Q7. What is the purpose of a provisional patent application?

A provisional application for patent is a U.S. national application for patent filed that allows filing without a formal patent claim, oath or declaration, or any information disclosure statement. It provides the means to establish an early effective filing date in a later filed non-provisional patent application. It allows the term “Patent Pending” to be applied in connection with the description of the invention. A provisional application for patent has a pendency lasting 12 months from the date the provisional application is filed. The 12-month pendency period cannot be extended. Therefore, an applicant who files a provisional application must file a corresponding non-provisional application for patent during the 12-month pendency period of the provisional application in order to benefit from the earlier filing of the provisional application.

Q8. For how many years are utility and design patents enforceable?

A utility patent is enforceable for 20 years from the date of the application. A design patent is enforceable for 14 years from the date of issue.

Q9. Before commissioning a patent attorney to prepare a patent application what, if anything, should be done?

Many patent attorneys recommend the performance of a patentability search (also called a prior art search) prior to the drafting of a patent application. A patentability search is a cost effective way to further evaluate whether or not the invention will be patentable. If prior art is located that is close to your concept then it may not be worth the effort and expense to fully develop and market your concept.

Q10. Is a patent issued by the U.S. Patent office enforceable in foreign countries?

No. A U.S. patent is only enforceable in the United States. If you want foreign patent protection you will have to file in the foreign countries of your choice. Under treaties with most foreign countries, if you have filed a patent application in the U.S., it’s possible to delay filing your application for a foreign patent for up to one year after the U.S. filing and still claim “priority” in the foreign country. Under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, many countries have actually combined and streamlined their processes. In Europe, for instance, you file a single application and submit it to the European Patent Office which then processes and sends out individual applications to all requested countries with each country’s individual requirements.

Q11. Who is responsible for enforcing an issued patent?

The owner of the patent is responsible for enforcing their patent rights. The U.S. government does not enforce patents unless they are also the owner, e.g., the patent is assigned to the U.S. Navy, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy, etc.

Q12. If there is more than one inventor can all inventors be listed on the patent, should it ultimately be allowed by the U.S. patent office?

Yes. All inventors must be listed on the patent application. Failure to list all inventors can result in the patent being invalidated.

Q13. Can I sell my patent or license another party to make, use or sell my patented invention?

Yes. A patent owner can outright sell (assign) the patent to another party or license one or more parties to produce the product covered by the patent claims.

Q14. Have there been any new developments in patent statutes in the recent past?

Yes. On September 16, 2011, President Obama signed the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act and which will marshal in major changes to the U.S. patent system. Many provisions of the Act take effect a year or more after this date including, e.g., procedures for post-grant review proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and a change to a first inventor to file system (after March 16, 2013). However, a number of changes took effect on September 16, 2011, or soon thereafter.

Q15. What are the odds on any particular patent being allowed by the U.S. Patent Office?

A In 2010 the U.S. Patent Office had an allowance rate of about 45%.

Written by ICKC Board of Director, Bob Lambrechts. Mr. Lambrechts is a licensed patent attorney with Lathrop & Gage LLP [www.lathropgage.com]. If you have questions of a general nature about patents feel free to contact a Board Member of the Inventor’s Center of Kansas City for additional information or contact Bob Lambrechts at (913) 451-5126 or at blambrechts@lathropgage.com.