Invent-Tech set to receive redesigned prototypes on two previously licensed products…

August 14th, 2006

Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with a Monday update. We received news today on two items that were originally licensed in April 2005 by the same licensee, and which are still in the process of being prepared to be introduced to the consumer marketplace.

The first, the Directional Hose Guide, is a medical accessory. While prototypes that the inventor had were relatively well-made and had worked for the inventor’s personal use, the licensee decided to suggest some redesigns after they test marketed the item to a few medical products distributors and processed the feedback they received. After conferring with the inventor and Invent-Tech on these changes and receiving unanimous approval to implement the modifications, the licensee went ahead and completed a new model of the product. We were notified via e-mail today that they are shipping the prototype to Invent-Tech for review, after which we will be sending it to the inventor for the same purpose.

The second item, the Turf Sweep 60-DD, is a sporting goods/lawn maintenance accessory. This product also has undergone somewhat of a facelift that was mainly inspired by feedback received from a couple of leading distributors in the field that the licensee test marketed the inventor’s original prototype to. While the inventor’s version has certainly served him well–he has used his prototype with great success at work for several years–the licensee found that there were certain changes that would be required to make the product marketable on a wide scale. We also are expecting the new version of the product to arrive at the Invent-Tech offices this week for our review and approval, after which we will be having the inventor take a look at it as well.

Both of these scenarios are a testament to the amount of time and patience that is often required to see a product to the market. Contrary to popular belief, the signing of a licensing agreement, while certainly a noteworthy and crucial step, does not guarantee a product will make it to market within a certain period of time. In fact, the stark reality is that a licensed product sometimes does not make it to a store shelf at all. However, it is important to note that licensees such as the one cited in this example, who take the time to test market an item and suggest changes or improvements based on the feedback they receive, greatly enhance the opportunity for a product to be well received by the consumers it is intended to target.

Just as importantly, inventors that are receptive to having their original design modified for the greater good of the product also help to greatly increase the chances of their invention being successfully commercialized.

Entry Filed under: Licensing News, The Invention Hub, Invent-Tech News