Patents and More, Help Blog

—–Original Message—–
From: doug Sherman [mailto:shroommaster61@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 10:44 AM
To: Tucci, Elizabeth
Subject:
Hi my name is Doug Sherman can you tell me if any money has been collected from PTI yet
Thanks Doug
shroommaster61@yahoo.com

And here is Ms. Elizabeth Tucci response:

Mr. Sherman,

Thank you for your inquiry.
The FTC is in the process of collecting funds from the judgment. We have collected some funds from individual defendants. The assets of other individual defendants will be determined in ongoing bankruptcy proceedings. Funds from the corporations are being held by the court-appointed receiver pending resolution of tax issues. There is also a pending appeal that must be resolved.

If we are able to collect enough money to justify the cost of a redress program, we will attempt to make partial redress to consumers with the limited funds available. Your name and address are in our redress database, and you will be contacted if and when we administer a redress program.

Elizabeth Tucci
ETUCCI@ftc.gov
Federal Trade Commission

I don’t usually dwell on the past, or entertain regret. But who doesn’t occasionally wonder, what if I could do things over again? What would I do differently?

The creative aspect of inventing is magical. Magical in its surreal quality, its sudden burst forth, and the endless possibility it offers. Every inventor and creator thrives on and loves that moment. It’s hands down, the very best. But unfortunately, that magical moment is also very, very brief. And after its over, our work begins. (more…)

The most important investment an inventor can make is to learn how successful inventors get their marketable products into the marketplace. In other words, learn the invention development process before you start spending money. Take a few minutes, read the list below and make sure you
check off each of these items as you go through the process of taking your idea through the development stages. It is important to review this list periodically. (more…)

I was recently privileged to interview Joe Casale, an industry professional who credits himself with having invented over twenty-one products. Before electing to work as an independent industrial designer, Joe spent a number of years working for major corporations, most notably in the toy industry. He’s also won innumerous awards – including the honor of having his product selected by Everyday Edisons in a former season.

I wanted to present to you some of Joe’s advice and experience, not only due to his Everyday Edisons success, but also because he’s an individual who has made it as a professional inventor. He’s rare.

(more…)

I sued one of the largest international toy companies in federal court years ago – I’ve witnessed firsthand what amazing prizefighters attorneys can be. They’re fantastic to watch in their element. But working with an attorney is not unlike any other business relationship. Inventors tend to place blind faith in their legal counsel; in actuality, the process of protecting your intellectual property needs to be managed and overseen closely.

(more…)

You’ve identified a company that is a sound fit for your product. You know what you’re going to say, and you’ve practiced saying it. But you’re asking yourself… who am I going to talk to? 

First, find the corporate number for your company. I usually achieve this by calling the 1-800 number on the back of a product the company produces, and asking for the corporate number. However this is simply one way of many.

(more…)

10/9/2008: 14th Annual Yankee Invention Exposition

6/13/2008: The 51st annual Minnesota Inventors Congress - Inventions & Idea Show(TM) 2008

5/6/2008: 63rd National HardwareShow, Inventor’s Spotlight, Las Vegas, 2008

2/11/2008: Old Country Buffets Welcome Inventors

(more…)

The dilemma is common, but the fear it inspires is overwhelming. You’ve created a product and you want a company to see it. Easier said than done? It doesn’t have to be. You may feel more comfortable approaching a corporation writing an email or letter – stop yourself. The simple truth is, if you really want to be heard, if you really want to be recognized, you have to make personal contact. You have to make the dreaded cold-call.

(more…)

Rejection. We fear it, hate it, dread it. Whether it’s asking that special someone to the senior prom or submitting your idea to a company, rejection is both an unfortunate and inescapable occurrence. 

But you can own it.

(more…)

I enjoy answering the question, “So, what do YOU do?” almost as much as my three children dread responding to it. Their dad’s nine to five defies any conventional answer - every fill-in-the-blank, every “circle the appropriate category” and “check the right box”. Hell, I’m not sure I know how to define what I do justly. 

I dream creativity- I sleep, breathe, and eat creation, often to the detriment of my home life and the exasperation of my wife.

I am an inventor, a product developer and director. And there are few tasks

I haven’t undertaken to bring those creations to  market and success.

(more…)