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www.ideanextstep.com.......Are you ready for the next step?
| Title |
Date |
Nickname |
| What is an inventor ? |
11/04/2009 9:05 pm |
Mr. Idea |
I could write this blog ten times and come up with a different difinition at each writing. However, there are a few characteristics which should be common in all who profess the craft of invention. The dictionary defines the word inventor as a person who creates or discovers new methods, means, or devices for performing a task. The word inventor comes from the latin verb "invenire", invent- to find. This definition lends balance to a word that is all too often used. I believe if we blend this definition with our own experiences, then and only then can we truly say what an inventor is. For me, an inventor is one who refuses to accept the status quo. You are someone who constantly challenges the norms in your field, your experiences, and in your life. And then you ask why? Why can't it be done? Why can't it be done more productively? Why can't it be more cost effective? Why can't it be done safer? Why can't it be more user friendly? And then there's the gift. Oh yes it's a gift! In most cases it has nothing to do with engineering, education, or background. I believe inventors are a rare breed of people, that for whatever reason creativity exist within the very core of their soul. They have diaries filled with ideas that came to them while driving, while working, while jogging, and even while they were sleeping. They can look at a problem and see solutions. They can hear about a problem an envision a suggestion. They can dream about a particular project and wake up the next morning and begin to sketch. After all is said /done / and designed, we work tirelessly toward financing, protection, production and marketing. If you can relate to all of the above, then the answer to what a true inventor is, it's you !
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| Marketing Update !! |
04/04/2009 11:44 pm |
Mr. Idea |
Hello Members,
Are you ready for the next step?
During the last few months I've been busy preparing our site for the next step. The next step is marketing. Four products from this site have been chosen as preliminary examples of the type of new inventions we have available. The feedback was positive. Now we're in the process of becoming certified suppliers to several national outlets.
This is very time consuming and requires much patience. I will give more updates as details and opportunities become clearer.
Mr. Idea
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| Major Site Update |
12/15/2008 10:31 pm |
Mr. Idea |
Hello Members,
Are you ready for the next step?
Dear Members,
We've had 14 very successful invention contest. However, do to input from you we will convert our site from focusing on the Inventors contest to focusing on the marketing of your products.
The contest will be terminated until further notice while we ramp up our marketing efforts. Currently there are four products from this site that are being reviewed by major retailers. I will keep you posted.
Please continue to post your inventions and use all the available resources and tools on this site. (Webpages, Video upload, Photo upload, Invention advertisement, Inventor resources, etc, etc.)
We will make every effort to market certain inventions that are of interest to retailers and manufacturers.
This is a major site adjustment and we can't succeed without your support. Ultimately every inventor is searching for a medium to promote and market their product. It is our hope that the changes we're making will be more inline with the optimum goal of the inventor community.
www.ideanextstep.com...Are you ready for the next step?
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| Be Careful to New Scams on Patents! |
12/02/2008 4:34 pm |
Inventore76 |
Hello to all, my friends. As I told you, I've had a positive negotiation with a company which is going to buy my patents. I have been trying to sell them since 2004 and in these 4 years I came across several attempts to scam. In fact on the web there is people which, using the contact info found on the ads, contact the inventors to extort confidential information on the "How-to" technology of patents. I was often contacted by them and I've always ignored it, but a few months ago I was contacted with a new scam. I have unmasked it but it was not easy, so I decided to report it to you, to avoid anybody may fall in it or others similar; several people (inventors and traders) did it and spent a lot of money to travel and/or buying material to do anything!
They often use the same data and have a their own web page.
This is the 1° email they sent to the chosen victim:
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Dear Sirs,
We are China Shijiazhuang shenzhouyilong Trade Co., Ltd.At present we are interested in your Patent,Active Filter: Biquad Self-Compensated .We shall be pleased to receive your quotation. We hope to establish good business relations with you. Can you give me your website or some details of your patent ?We wish you give us an early replying. Thank you very much!
Yours faithfully,
China Shijiazhuang Shenzhouyilong Trade Co., Ltd
Business Manager: Wenliang Wang
Tel: 0086-(0)311-66182036
Mobile phone: 0086-15175108739
Email: szylwa@126.com
Assitant: Jenny
Website:www.sjzszyl.com
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Don't reply to them, they haven't even a license to operate!
Always protect you using the non-disclosure agreement you can find on this site of IdeaNextStep, so you could denounce anybody who disseminates your confidential information; and if they don't accept to sign it, probably it means they are not serious people.
I hope to be useful to somebody which will read this blog.
We are honest inventors and our way is already difficult, but unfortunately we have to fight against this dishonest people which want to steal our work.
All the Best to all of you and remember..we can do it!
Roberto Cavazzoni
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| Suggestion on How to obtain an issued US patent using less independent claims as possible, saving money without any limitation |
10/17/2008 11:47 am |
Inventore76 |
I've obtained a granted US patent and another one is going to be granted too. Now I can say I've a lot of experience on claims and even if each examiner could have a personal vision of the patent application, I saw there are common aspects on their evaluation process. The following ones are my suggestion on how write them to avoid USPTO office actions from examiners, saving money and accelerating the granting process:
1)If you have the need to put an alternative technical solution in the claims but you don't want to use more than an independent one and said alternative is about the same solution as, for example, a connection between 2 or 3 points, you can do it but don't put more than one. For example you can write: "..further comprising a direct connection between A and B or C" but you shouldn't write: "..between A and B or C or D" or also: "A and B or A and C";
2)Don't use therms like "Preferably", "In particular" or "Predetermined".
3)To avoid "inventive unity" oppositions, recite all the independent claims's beginning in the same manner, as: "An active filter comprising: ..".
I hope I'll be useful to somebody. Write me for any suggestion you could need.
Good Luck!
Inventore76
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| September Invention Champion ! |
09/27/2008 7:25 pm |
Mr. Idea |
Hello Members,
Are you ready for the next step?
A very special thanks to all the members who participated and voted in this month's invention contest. You are the key to success for both Idea Next Step and the Inventors who participate. This was our fourteenth contest and the closest contest thus far...
We sincerely thank all the inventors for supplying such wonderful products to vote on. Your continuous suggestions for site improvements / site offerings / comments and participation are really helping to make Idea Next Step.Com the place to go for inventors and creative people.
And last but certainly not least, we'd like to give a great big congratulations to "Rich Melton" inventor of "The Projector Screen". Rich's invention is now featured prominently in the Idea Next Step Inventors Hall of Fame !!! And Oh yea, he will be receiving a certified check shortly from Idea Next Step.Com in the amount of $1000.00. Congratulations Rich !!!
www.ideanextstep.com...Are you ready for the next step?
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| Invention Contest Finals !!! |
09/26/2008 11:51 am |
Mr. Idea |
Invention Contest Finals !!!
Hello Members,
Are you ready for the next step?
The judges have selected the top five finalist. 1. Projector Screen 2. Safety Caps 3. X-Skin 4. Fishing Lure 5. Baby Changing Table.
These items can be voted on in the Polling Center until 6:00 p.m. central time this coming Saturday (9-27-08).
Please log in and access your account to receive your 25 vote credits and support the finalist of your preference.
Help your favorite inventor win the $1000.00 grand prize award.
www.ideanextstep.com...Are you ready for the next step?
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| Thanks for the vote of confidence. |
09/26/2008 06:56 am |
Devoted Daddy |
Hello All. Thanks for voting SafetyCaps into the top 12 and thanks to the panel for voting them into the top 5.
To answer any concerns as to the type of plastic and any potential poisons in the plactic, not to worry! As my SafetyCaps are made clear, there is no paint which is where the lead poison comes from. Also, they are made in Vermont to ensure that other plastics are not subtituted for the high quality plastic that I want my plugs to be made of.
If I win the $1,000, I will be using the money to go to the Annual Safe Kids Conference in October. This conference is held in Washington DC, and will not only consist of Safety Coalitions from every State but also Toys R US is a major sponsor this year. It will give me a chance to discuss child safety with safety coalitions from around the country as well as discuss with Toys R Us the safety issue related to standard sized outlet safety plugs and choking. Rest assured your vote will be a vote that will make a difference in the life (and not the death) of children around the country (and potentially around the world).
Fianlly, Congratulations to all the other inventors, including the ones who did not make it into the top twelve. Inventing is a hard process and all efforts should be rewarded. Good luck to all the other inventors.
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| Geat message about distribution companies and what they look for when selecting a product. |
09/23/2008 06:20 am |
Devoted Daddy |
Hello George,
Having been in product marketing for a large manufacturer (before starting my own business), I would get several solicitations about new product every week. Out of all the requests, only two were picked. Those suppliers were picked because they did a great job of defining their value statement and proved that they didn't just have what we call, a "me too" (same product, just different packaging or spin) product.
The "me too" factor will be your biggest challenge, but not impossible. Sounds like you do have something that has a unique value, just need to refine your value a bit. Here are a few tips that should help per your suggestions:
1) Format: CD with simple PPT or video or media kit (folder with spec sheet & F&B's) are attention-grabbing.
I know you're just starting out and funds are tight, but unfortunately a PM doesn't care. They are looking to have something stand out and your funds don't factor into their equations. (not trying to be harsh, but I think it's important to know what you are up against). I empathize, since it is not cheap to get/keep a patent, it would be a shame to be overlooked for just not having the right attention-grabbing material.
How does your product differ from the competition? You mention the anti-choking reg, this is a good start. Back it up with facts on choking deaths, cost of prevention vs. average hospital visit costs etc.
2) Product:
Naturally, PM's are looking for what can make the company money, as the bottom line. It should also fit into the company's profile. In other words, it should be part of the company's portfolio of product or what we call a "line extension" of existing products. Using your product as an example, the manufacturer should already make outlet plugs or injection molded products for children as a natural fit.
Why? Because the sales force knows how to sell product bundles and portfolios. There would be no extra training cost and it would serve as what we call a "pull-through" item. Your product could be sold and packaged with other similar products with little effort and sales expenditure.
3) Company:
As mention earlier, product portfolio is important. The company's stock and shareholders often require that manufacturers have new product incorporated into their product portfolios. Often, that number can be as high as 20%. That means, new products are essential for manufacturer sustain growth. Product life cycles are often a large component to whether a product is considered and the cost of R&D. This translates into how long will it take to make this product (if you are seeking to source manufacturing and sell your patent). Are you looking to outsource manufacturing and then resell as a private label to a manufacturer or distributor? This will also need to be explained.
Is there exclusivity available? In other words, will you offer proprietary us your product to the chosen manufacturer or distributor only? (They LOVE exclusivity.) But it can be a bad move for you, because if they do not promote your product, you could be stuck for the term of your contract with low or no sales!
There is lots of overlap as you I'm sure can see, but I hope this is helpful. I certainly wish you all the best and if I (or my firm) can help, we are here for you.
Best of luck!
Regina Bell
Passion Marketing
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| Inventor Hero's |
09/19/2008 08:35 am |
Mr. Idea |
Hello Members,
Just a brief reminder of a great tool available at your disposal.
There are several biographies of great inventors available in the member video section. Simply click on the member video tab and then the inventor interest section. The first 20 or so videos are member videos, and immediately afterward you will see biographies of some of the greatest inventors of all time. These biographies are approximately one hour long, but they're uploaded in 5 to 8 minute clips so you can watch one clip and pickup later with the next clip, or you can watch them all at once based on the time you have to watch.
Please check out our inventor video library. See how Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Bill Gates and others think and changed the world.
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