We at Tangible IP get bombarded every day by inventors who want us to help them sell their one or two patents and expects to receive “several millions” (sometimes even billions) from their worthy invention, based primarily on reading some headline about a large patent verdict and thinking, naturally, “Why not me?”
The USPTO has outlined a comprehensive strategic approach for the federal government, academic institutions, and private industry to share and implement best practices that inspire and support a diverse population of problem-solvers.
The headquarters of Riggs Bank, so prominent it was referred to as the “Bank of Presidents,” resided down the street. Patrons could easily stroll through Lafayette Square, attend a service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, or—given the proper invitation —enjoy a conversation with pre-eminent intellectuals and community leaders at the Cosmos Club, a private social venue for science enthusiasts.
Marketing sometimes inadvertently takes a back seat to the excitement of creating a groundbreaking product. Because many of us have limited time and resources to devote to all aspects of product development, marketing efforts can become sporadic or inconsistent, hindering an invention’s potential success.
Hungarian-born Maria Telkes was an energetic, accessible, determined pioneer for solar energy who was underappreciated. With a prism-shaped aluminum box tucked under her arm, 54-year-old scientist Maria Telkes walked across the campus of New York University toward a group of faculty members and students who gathered under the midday sun.
Federal Trademark Searching: Get an overview of the fundamental mechanics of using the USPTO’s trademark search system, May 10 from 3 to 4 p.m. ET. The free webinar is geared toward new users and anyone interested in conducting basic searches.
USPTO IP Champions educate communities on the importance of IP protections such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets to innovation. They support local educators and are available to discuss important IP concepts, share our free online resources, and empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Many of the patent rules are subtle and cause amateurs (including me) to lose a large chunk of the patent’s strength and value if we prepare a patent on our own.
Despite the significant economic challenges and geopolitical tensions throughout 2023, the year concluded on a positive note with an increase in patent transactions. This upturn in activity within the patent secondary market coincided with a growing interest among companies to invest in research and development, particularly in the technology sector.
Is it worth the time? What has worked before? What will have to change? I look into factors such as demand, market size, manufacturability, cost and trends. I also do an extra layer of evaluation.
Evolutionary and revolutionary product development define how companies improve existing products, introduce new products and innovate. Both approaches have their advantages and drawbacks.
HBCUs have played a crucial role in advancing intergenerational economic mobility for Black families and communities throughout generations. Additionally, HBCUs have been instrumental in fostering innovation and intellectual property (IP) development. A late 2021 report by ThePlug said HBCUs accounted for almost 400 U.S. patents.
This can be a nervy time for the inventor: the real test of whether the device can stand on its own in the marketplace, and whether people want to buy it. Because the launch has such high consequences, you must take the utmost care in preparation to ensure you have everything right.
I have seen inventors with amazing products that never made it to market. The No. 1 reason is that they gave up too soon. Besides a few obvious character traits, these others are consistent in successful inventors.
Efforts by high-tech companies to undermine both the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2023 and the Promoting and Respecting Economically Vital American Innovation Leadership Act ramped up in mid-March, via a joint letter sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee by a number of tech industry organizations and a campaign launched by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were designated as Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) in 2023, and the USPTO plans to add more. The three are the John B. Cade Library at Southern University and A&M College, John B. Coleman Library at Prairie View A&M University, and Miller F. Whittaker Library at South Carolina State University. Howard University’s Founders Library was designated a PTRC in 1986.
We have done many things at the USPTO to push those doors of opportunity wide open, but I want to highlight a few in particular that I need your help in sharing with others. Collectively, they make access to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) easier and more transparent than ever, for both legal practitioners and the inventors they represent.
Grenada innovation workshop was memorable for beautiful innovation, people and scenery. Once the sample projects were completed, teams had the afternoon to use the parts to build their own prototypes and work on their digital prototypes.
As innovative products continue to emerge, what are some of the ways for inventors to reach a wider audience for effectively launching their inventions?
In 1979, Lisa Lindahl, Hinda Miller, and Polly Smith received U.S. Patent No. 4,174,717 for the athletic brassiere, or “Jogbra.” More than 40 years after their invention, they gathered in the National Inventors Hall of Fame Museum in Alexandria, Virginia, to discuss their experiences as pioneers in the women’s fitness industry and to reminisce about their days as young friends and creators.
Woman’s inventing experience reveals production, design and expense challenges. After your first year or two, when sales appear to be at their peak, approach manufacturers who have a product line in which your product would fit.
A small, unknown percentage of inventors are entrepreneurial, and a small, unknown percentage of entrepreneurs are inventive. All traits, talents and driving forces of the inventor and entrepreneur are combined. Hence, the Inventrepreneur.
The Patent Pro Bono Program’s “Pathways to Inclusive Innovation” event, April 12 at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, has roots that extend 14 years and about 1,100 miles to the north. A 2010 lunch in Minneapolis between two renowned patent professionals sparked food for thought that eventually became an invaluable and historically significant resource for financially challenged inventors.
Key factors in a licensing agreement may vary in importance, depending on the inventor and situation. No one can claim definitively what should be the most important factor in a licensing agreement.
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