Mark Reyland, Executive Director, UIA gave a short course in inventing and working with Telebrands™:

• Education about this process (invent-to-market) is your responsibility.
• Will it work? Will anyone care? Will anyone buy it?
• Understand the core function of your product.
• Do you want to license (be an inventor) or manufacture (be an entrepreneur)? Licensing gives someone else permission to use without fear of reprisal in exchange for money. Manufacturing is a capital investment with your assets.

Steve Sponder, inventor and serial entrepreneur, offered his expertise as startup and turn-around CEO:

• Five minutes of business planning can save five years of headaches.
• There are no right deals between wrong partners.
• You don't make money the way you thought you would.
• Always consider sales people as your best first point of contact.
• Leverage resources in partnering company.

Jose Gutman of Fleit, Gibbins, Gutman, Bongini & Bianco PL (Intellectual Property Law) inspired attendees to consider the other forms of IP in addition to patents for protecting their works.

• Micro entity has fewer than 4 patents and income ceiling to qualify and get 75% off cost of filing.
• Applying for a patent is like buying a car – negotiation. You have to know how to deal.
• Register copyrightable media to protect yourself against infringers as soon as possible. Protection is not retroactive from date of registration.
• Trade secret – this information is protected as long as it is a secret. Trade secret has independent commercial value. Violating a trade secret is a third degree felony.
• July, August and early September are the best times to negotiate with the USPTO because the end of the fiscal year is nearing

Darla Phillips of LOOK! Marketing, Inc. impressed listeners with her invention marketing experiences. She hit the mark with product video, licensing and blogging:

• You MUST have some sort of video on your web site, no more than 2 minutes long. Use YouTube if possible and get it out there. Have people put it on their facebook pages and ask for help.
• You should NEVER give a license company total exclusivity. She had several different licensing deals with different sections of the industry (sports, novelty, general) and she knocked off her own product. If you can’t beat them, join them.
• Start BLOGGING!!!! Get the word out. MommyBloggersClub.com can be a huge connection for your product. People talk about what they love and they love to recommend good products. Get on and start blogging.

Frank Bowker of Solid Concepts circulated many concept models among the attendees as he spoke about the various methods of creating concept models. Three key points he made were:

• Solidworks simulation minimizes the need for prototypes bcause you can dynamically change design parameters.
• Simulation oftern reveals design changes not previously considered.
• The cost of concept models and early prototypes depends on how many, when needed, intended use and dimensions.

Claire Berger, of Transworld Business Brokers (MLS for businesses) discussed “Transfer and Exit
Strategy”. Her presentation centered on these two key points:

• Strategy = company image.
• Business value is based on buyer confidence determined by
  • Consistent profit
  • Sustained customers and market share
  • Retain management and employees
  • Policies and procedures in place
  • Solid technology platform
  • Sales and market plan

Miriam Richter, Esq., of Richter Trademarks, gave a very detailed presentation covering all issues regarding Trade Marks including some unusual strategies. Topics included:

• Types of marks including their strengths and weaknesses
• The many ways a mark can be lost
• The ways to avoid confusion in commerce
• Optional strategies when a mark cannot be obtained the usual ways.

Melinda Dixon, Client Management VP of Merlin A.I. Soft inpsired attendees with her discussion of wesbite design, search engine optimization and mobile application development. Some key points include:

• People are visual.
• Image names can help you improve your search placement.
• Links to articles also improve search placement.
• Links to GOV, EDU and IDO sites improve search placement.

Edith Tolchin of EGT Global Trading is “The Sourcing Lady” (SM). She gave us two presentations one regarding the mechanics of sourcing the other regarding compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. She warned us:

• To specify everything, have a Perfect Sample along with your CAD file for good results.
• To have the final inspection Before the product Ships.
• To get a Binding Ruling from the US Customs & Border Protection.
• That testing must be done by a CPSC-accredited and Recognized third party lab.
• That even if your product is not for children some regulations may still apply.

Stephen Key, co-founder of InventRight and a licensing expert, dazzled listeners with his Ten Steps to Renting Simple Ideas to Fortune 500 Companies. Some insights include:

• Create your prototype video showing before and after experiences.
• Hone your one-line benefit statement as the premier marketing tool.
• Identify yourself as a product developer (professional) when you contact companies.
• The art of the licensing deal plays on the company's weaknesses.

Resources 2011 Lecture Line Up - If you did not make this expo, then you better be there next year!

• Louis Foreman - bring product to market
• P.N. Vaidyanathan - commercialization
• James Coleman - patent primer
• AmondaRose Igoe - communication success
• Bob Oros - licensing to corporations
• Warren Tuttle - how to impress a buyer
• Gil Lugo - manufacturing Dos and Don'ts
• Vince Gelormine - idea to biz in <24 hours

Scott Gordon, co-founder and president of CorProminence, LLC, a corporate communications, investor and public relations firm offered many insights on money in the invent-to-market journey.

• Investors will find out who you are, where you have been and what you have done before they invest.
• Avoid family money and opinions in your efforts.
• The business plan must emphasize what pertains to YOUR business.
• People want pictures about how your poduct works; they don't want to read; use packaging wisely.

Thomas Madden, Chairman of the highly successful Public Relations firm, the TransMedia Group, spoke on the products, market and unique value propositions that sell.

• You need language - buzz about your product.
• Promotion by a famous person is very helpful.
• Publicity gives your product the wind in the sails

Matt Anderson, the Supervisory Patent Examiner of Art Group 2618 (Radio & Satellite
Communications) at the USPTO, explained patents:

• Types of intellectual property
• What is behind the paperwork and filing it properly
• Electroninc patent searching
• Navigating the USPTO website

Gus Bigos, product scout for Evergreen IP, enlightened the audience about the Clorox® program for invention evaluation.

• The inventor should work on all steps to bring a product to market.
• Read Doug Hall's book, Jump Start Your Business Brain.
• The program is most beneficial to inventors who prefer to invent.
• Part of the screening process is finding the market (who has the problem, do they perceive it as a problem and do they want it fixed)

Eileen Fischlschweiger, PTDL librarian at the Broward County Main Library, showed attendees how to navigate the updated USPTO website, and offered helpful suggestions:

• Watch the 36-minute tutorial on conducting a preliminary patent search to simplify your efforts.
• Watch the trademark videos.
• Read the scam prevention information for independent inventors.
• Search a patent agent's patent list through the patent search website.
• Review the patent process documentation for patents similar to yours in the Public Pairs database.

Kellie Olver, an on-air personality and product scout for the Home Shopping Network, gave the blueprint for the perfect pitch:

• Tell what your product is, what it does, how it is different from the competition and how it makes life better.
• In the 3-minute "pitch" window show how to use it and change the story; keep it short, sweet and to the point.
• Practice, practice, practice. Never wing it.

Ken Kholos of Technicraft Plastics offered a lot of useful information in the June presentation including:

• Buyers on HSN and QVC know precisely how many should sell in what amount of time. If the buyer likes it, you are in a perfect launching spot.
• Walmart® secret - What is already in their store? Food is lowest margin. Other end of store is high margin. Where are products like yours positioned in the store? This gives you an idea of selling price.
• Spend your money on advertising.
• Have a professional do the HSN presentation. Individually box the product and have it on their premises. You pay for everything (return shipping too). You have to earn prime time.

Dave Doty, Managing Director of Focus Video, spoke about Selling Yourself and a Product using videos. He offered recommendations for the inventor:

• Passion for your product. Show what it does and why someone should buy it.
  
• Budget your money.
• Create a script - write your own or hire a reputable company to do it.
• Tape your focus groups.

Ted Bullock, a patent troll, offered insight to and a questionnaire for working with patent attorneys:

• Attorney competence is a mix of qualifications, experience, success and capability.
• When selecting an attorney, if the he/she does not answer your questions or is too general with answers, then move on. Pick the questions that mean the most to you.
• The attorney should counsel you on how to use him/her to maximize your dollars. Ballpark cost estimates should also be provided with dependencies.

Pamela Riddle Bird, CEO of Innovative Product Technologies, Inc., offered inside information concerning the ultimate price point and mark up of products in various industries, as well as the following:

• Pick the product the retailer will have to take off of the shelf to put yours in its place. This way you have a tangible target to overcome.
• Make the first answer of any marketing interview YES. This immediately makes the interviewee interested and sympathetic to your cause.
• Always turn negatives into positives. When your competition tries to out do you, come up with a way to make their advertising work FOR YOU.

Tom Fishchlschweiger, business reference librarian at the Broward County Main Library in Fort Lauderdale, FL, spoke to inventors about Government Grants:

• The advertising industry has taken over grants by providing misinformation.
• Grants are a means for the government to obtain a product or service, so you are accountable.
• Eligibility criteria must be met before you apply.
• There are no programs to help inventors bring a product to market.

Vince Gelormine, founder & CEO of the Startup Business Boot Camp, explained How to Determine Market Demand for a Product Idea.

• You always have to modify a product for the market.
• Attempt to sell before you create the product to see if you get nibbles.
• Use the power of the Internet to rapid prototype almost any idea.
• Use a spreadsheet to know where you are going financially.

Randy Landreneau, inventor and former President of the Tampa Bay Inventors Council, explained How to Make Plastic Prototypes.

• Your first prototype helps you to determine if your idea works.
• Use pre-existing parts whenever possible to hold down costs.
• If your rough prototype works, then build a better mold and create a video using the newer prototype.

Lisa Rowland and Tandy Banks of MLC CAD Systems dazzled the audience with the endless features of Solid Works.

• The software builds relationships, for example, between geometry and material type for stress testing, and checking for parts collision.
• There is a lot of Windows functionality in the software.
• Features include finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, manual convergence, sheet metal and weldments, and drag-and-drop 3D content.

Stephen Knecht (inventor and Biz/IP attorney) and Keith Kravitz (marketing guru), excited the audience with Proof of Concept, also known as Don't Call My Baby Fat!

• Answer the question: Is your idea marketable? (What is your market?)
• Seek out someone who will tell you 'don't proceed with your invention' OR 'modify it'.
• Make an infomercial of your product. Fear is the greatest motivator.
• Do not be ignorant about marketing.
• Presentation is everything. Identify the market to capture by starting a forum of blog about problem area. Or, join a board.

Ron Sargent, President and owner of Ideation Institute, presented Creation of a New Product.

• Develop a criteria checklist for a new product
• Create a checklist for finding a mission
• Develop a musts and wants list

AmondaRose Igoe, teacher in the Art of Public Speaking, enlisted audience participation for her presentation.

• Imagine that each person you meet will enable your success. Your communication can make or break the relationship.
• Specialize: pick one thing to discuss. Communicate clearly. "I am <your name>." Say it as if you OWN IT! "I specialize in _____".
• Be a problem solver (solutions sell).
• Ask the other person who they are first. (If you are interested in them, then they will like you.)

Amy Tupler, President, Solution Conduits, discussed "Out-of-the-Box" Power-Marketing Strategies for Inventors.

• Consider what the customer's experience (feel, taste, smell) is following interaction with the product. Most consumers have an expectation and they rate your product based on that expectation.
• Define your target market (economics, user profile, payment history/credit, elderly, Hispanic, young parents, etc.)
• Know the unintended or accidental market to prevent liability.
• We live in an experience economy, so know and market the experience of your product/service.

Lisa Guarini, founder and CEO, Smart Broad, Inc., discussed her journey as an inventor.

• Be an expert in your field.
• Prepare yourself for the long haul: have and follow a business plan.
• It will take longer and cost more than you expect.
• Show at tradeshows; find a mentor at tradeshows.

Tom Fishchlschweiger, business reference librarian at the Broward County Main Library in Fort Lauderdale, FL, spoke to inventors about Government Sites You Should Know to search for prior art in government.

• GPO documents are free for the asking, whereas NTIS charges for copies.
• NTIS website has a search engine that tells you what is out there; you can pay NTIS for information or get it free on STI.
• DoD and NASA issue technical reports on inventions, however, there are licensing procedures for the use/application of the inventions.
• The Defense Technical Information Center was established in 1945 to collect and analyze defense documents; they have older journals and databases for disseminating information.
• Navy Technical Disclosure Bulletin is filled with prior art from invention disclosures that are not patented. The bulletins are neither digitized nor indexed. They were published from 1970-1994. Hard copies are being removed from libraries for lack of use. This resource will be lost unless an effort is made to digitize it.

Freddy Lee, architect, designer and inventor, spoke to the audience on Do-It-Yourself Prototyping.

• The better you understand your idea, the easier it is to build.
• Use materials you can handle (paper, cardboard and plastic; aluminum is bendable; wood has variable densities; styrene glues well)
• Create inventions for companies seeking them.
• Copyright every prototype.

Charles Koch, owner of 3 Axis Development, Inc., is a manufacturing expert whose presentation was Manufacturing for the Market.

• We solve the inventor problem of making one, ten or fifty of anything to market your product.
• You must break into the retail market, so keep going to trade shows. Just having a product is not enough.
• Today's market is about 3D manufacturing; print a handgun and shoot it in seven days!
• The laser printer machine that makes parts is data driven; the inventor pays for the database.

Steve Greenberg, author of Gadget Nation, spoke to the audience about details of the products and inventor journeys discussed in his book.

• Inventors face a bumpy journey to make a product successful; lots of aggravation.
• There was no correlation between type of product and making money.
• All the products were television friendly.
• Let the packaging explain what the product does.
• Research beforehand to identify your market.

Martin Kahn and Carl Isbitts represent the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), counselors to small business. SCORE aligns the realities of business with the expectations of the individual.

• There are three rules for success: knowledge of the business, capitalization and a bulletproof business plan.
• Your business plan and forecast are constantly changing with market demands and the economy.
• Use measurement tools to enable your business plan and decisions. For example, get quotes from legitimate sources.

Ruben Alcoba, Esq. and Craig Kirsch of Alcoba & Associates, PA spoke to the membership on Trademarking & Branding.

• A trademark name should be legally strong, commercially viable, enjoy exclusive use and prevent others from having the same or a similar trademark.
• Why register a trademark? It gives the world notice. The consumer equates the symbol with higher quality.
• Avoid changing your trademark once chosen so as not to confuse the public.

Eileen Fischlschweiger, Intellectual Property Librarian and PTDL Representative before the USPTO for the Broward County Main Library in Fort Lauderdale, discussed the USPTO Electronic Filing System.

• Always review the tutorials.
• Be familiar with the information expected and have it on hand before you visit the website.
• Be sure to close the Internet window after signing off the website.
• Do not use the browse button to move to the previous screen because it can take you instead to the previous website you accessed.

Lydia Woods, inventor of the TarpKlip® and successful entrepreneur.

• Network with the inventing community to obtain leads, ideas, event information and process knowledge.
• Attend tradeshows and other events that offer product exposure, networking and customer validation.
• Advertise/promote through website, finder's fee, press release, telephone contact, mass mailings and 60-second CD presentation.
• Free yourself of tasks that others can do more effectively.

John Hobbs, inventor of the Athlete's Oasis® and independent product developer.

• How to research: go to the library, identify market size, differentiate your product; do all of this before you spend a lot of money unnecessarily.
• Business plan is a roadmap centered on your market plan. Every investor asks how you will get your product to market. You must do it in writing and know the numbers. Income projections are based on your market.
• Concisely describe what your product does in one sentence.

Dr. Sergio Mario Golab, international patent attorney and director of Intellectual Property Business Consultants

• If you patent your idea and then find a similar patent, abandon yours.
• Request not to publish your patent when submitting to the USPTO.
• Never abandon a trade secret because it expires the moment the world knows about it.
• Dave Pressman's Patent It Yourself is a great reference.
• The term 'European Patent' means that you can file in one place but must designate what country, and then file in each country.

James Richardson, President and head industrial engineer of Richardson & Associates, Inc. gave an insightful presentation on Increasing the Probability of Success as an Inventor/Entrepreneur.

• Inventions are 80% technically driven and 20% market driven.
• Provisional Patent Application (PPA) can be used to your advantage enabling market test as patent pending product.
• Determine your risk tolerance up front (how much money you are willing to risk on the venture).
• Pay attention to costs (tooling, raw materials and design).

Allen Bennett, a patent attorney with Santucci, Priore & Long, LLP, whose practice area is IP, patents, trademarks and copyrights.

• Maintain confidentiality by getting contracts in writing.
• Have an agreement between inventors so that each inventor owns equally. Decide up front what you want to do with the invention is case the relationship falls apart later.
• A good license agreement includes infringement.

Jim Davis, outsourcing expert and President of OEMS, LLC

• Figure out what your competency and personal interest are regarding the invention.
• Develop strategic partnerships for lowest total cost.
• Evaluate manufacturer on criteria including: your involvement in their design efforts, mutual trust, good process control, manufacturing performance, committed management and evolving together.