Category: Lander Zone
Inventing Space
What can we invent that is better than shelves, or increases our ability to utilize the wider-than-average shelves that we can install in the laundry room?
Read More
Your Design Features Checklist
“Keep it simple, stupid” is not an idealistic slogan; it’s a necessity if we want our inventions to succeed.
Read More
The Pilot Production Run
Learn more about determining costs for your possible licensee, to prove your invention will sell.
Read More
Dealing With Rejection
There are two aspects to the licensing value of a rejected patent: the probability of salvaging the essential independent claim, and the value of that claim for licensing.
Read More
Elevator Going Up
A 30-second speech can be the beginning of a long licensing opportunity. Break down the sales pitch into four objectives and concentrate on them one at a time, thinking only of the narrow purpose of each.
Read More
Inventing Accessories
Not all inventions need a patent or can qualify for one. Sometimes it is best to produce and market. An invention should be considered as an accessory until we conclude that it isn’t. And accessories can ride to market on the coattails of the product they complement.
Read More
Curmudgeon vs. Millennial
Today’s cars may look essentially like those of 60 or 70 years ago. (Who wouldn’t love to own a like-new ’56 Chevy Bel Air today?) But today’s cars are marvels of dependability and safety.
Read More
Marketing in the Goldilocks Zone: Finding the Sweet Spot of Opportunity
Invent a product that fits the market’s Goldilocks zone. Not too hot; not too cold; just right—a market that has enough competition that you know buyers are searching it but not so much that you’ll be lost in the crowd.
Read More
Prototypes: When Do We Need Them?
An issued patent with approved claims is often key to selling your invention.
A prototype is mainly valuable when you can demonstrate it. But a looks-like, nonfunctional prototype can also be used for sell-sheets.
Start With the Market
Novelty is nice, but an invention that solves a problem is the most important claim.
The world is full of products that aren’t patented. These products are prior art as certain as patents are.
Anatomy of an Invention
Personal experience proves an idea must survive tough questions.
Optimism won’t save the day if you don’t have an invention with benefits for which strangers will pay your price.
Spinning the Inventor Roulette Wheel
Odds favor ‘the house’ in many ways but can’t stop our determination.
What affects the odds perhaps most of all is our approach to inventing.
