Archive for May, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with our Thursday night update. The imminent meeting between Invent-Tech and the licensor and licensee of the Multi-Pack Maxi, a feminine hygiene-related product that we had most recently reported on in a May 3rd entry (”Invent-Tech making final arrangements for meeting with licensee and inventor of Multi-Pack Maxi…“), is finally slated to take place tomorrow at the Invent-Tech office.
As we had explained in that entry, the manufacturer, who is headquartered in Algiers, was going to be coming to the United States for several weeks for a series of business-related meetings and seminars. He had expressed an interest in taking advantage of the fact that he would be in the country to meet personally with the Manufacturer Response Team member that had assisted in the licensing of the product idea to his company, and with the inventor as well. Therefore, the aforementioned Manufacturer Response Team member has been busy coordinating the exact date of this visit for several weeks between all of the parties, and tomorrow was the date that was decided on for what should be a productive and informative meeting.
We expect the licensee to provide final samples of the product, and to also hand over final product specifications that will be passed along to the independent patent attorney that Invent-Tech will be contracting to apply for the intellectual property protection on the Multi-Pack Maxi. Additionally, there may be a discussion of some amendments to the licensing agreement that the licensee is proposing.
As customary, we will bring you all of the details of this get-together after it takes place, here on the Invent-Tech Network. Join us tomorrow as we wrap up our week!
May 31st, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in one final time for a busy Wednesday. A company that received a rather large assortment of Invent-Tech inventor product ideas in their initial Innovation Direct™ package back in February, and that we most recently reported on in an April 11th entry (”Searches through Invent-Tech Datavault™ begin for 2 new Innovation Direct™ packages…“), is about to be sent their second batch of ideas.
The Manufacturer Response Team member handling their account has been busy balancing trade show attendance and a host of other scenarios involving potential interest from companies in various inventions the last few weeks with the searching of the Invent-Tech database for ideas that may match this company’s stated preferences. He informed me earlier this afternoon that he does have a list of 20 items put together that would appear to be potentially good fits for this manufacturer, and accordingly, he is preparing to send the information on these tomorrow to our contact.
Irrespective of the fact that this company did turn down 37 out of 38 of the product ideas we sent them in the initial group (one is still being deliberated), we nevertheless approach this latest batch with a positive outlook. Any inventor who has ever been a part of an attempt to get one of their product ideas to market knows that this is the only attitude that gives them a chance to eventually succeed in an endeavor where some rejection is essentially unavoidable!
As soon as we receive feedback from the company we will bring you the details, here on the Invent-Tech Network. In the interim, check back with us tomorrow for the latest from the nation’s preeminent inventor assistance firm!
May 30th, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, back with another update regarding a situation that we have been following closely here on the Invent-Tech Network. I received return calls today from both inventors whose ideas were the subject of interest and questions from a Las Vegas-based infomercial company that is part of our Innovation Direct™ program, and that we most recently reported on just yesterday (”Update: Invent-Tech still waiting on answers from inventors regarding questions posed by Las Vegas-based Innovation Direct™ company…“).
I was able to obtain answers to the inquiries the manufacturer had directed our way. The questions pertained to the functionality of the items, and both inventors were able to offer some additional insight beyond what was listed on their invention website, which constitutes the extent of detailed design information the company has reviewed up to this point.
One inventor even asked that I pass along that since he is both a Nevada resident and visits Las Vegas in particular quite frequently, he would be glad to stop by the company’s offices there and discuss the product idea further with them if they deem it appropriate. Additionally, he also requested I emphasize that he is equally receptive to speaking with them on the telephone to offer some possible design options and improvements he has been contemplating.
I sent along all of the information in an e-mail this afternoon to our contact at the company and am now awaiting his reply and next move. We are certainly hopeful that they will view the spirit of cooperation of the inventors and our prompt turnaround time in obtaining answers for their questions from them as incentives to take their interest to the next level, but only time will tell.
We will bring you the latest on any feedback we obtain from this company as soon as it happens. Check back frequently!
May 30th, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with a follow-up to a scenario we most recently reported on in a May 28th entry (”Update: Further news on Invent-Tech’s participation in ABC Kids Expo expected tomorrow…“). As we’d mentioned in that post, a decision was imminent from the organizers of the ABC Kids Expo regarding whether Invent-Tech would have an opportunity to participate in the 2007 edition of the event as exhibitors.
We did receive confirmation today via e-mail that there simply will not be space available for Invent-Tech to exhibit at the event this year. As we’d been informed previously, even though an effort was being made by the show organizers to create additional space on their floorplan, there were about 200 companies already on a waiting list, stacking the odds pretty highly against Invent-Tech at this late date.
However, we are already working on an alternate plan regarding a fall trade show event. As more details are confirmed we will bring them to you, here on the Invent-Tech Network. Stay tuned!
May 30th, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, back with another update. The Texas-based tool manufacturer that we had most recently reported on in a May 16th entry (”Update: Invent-Tech receives communication regarding inventions of further interest from Innovation Direct™ company…“) was the subject of a follow-up attempt on our part earlier today.
We have not heard back from our contact at the manufacturer, who is also the National Sales Manager for the company, since we sent him the detailed design information on the 4 inventions he had indicated further interest in from the initial Innovation Direct™ package we’d sent back in early March. Therefore, we are hoping that today’s e-mail communication will result in a positive reply tomorrow indicating that the company continues to have interest in some, and ideally, all, of the items. As soon as we do receive a response we will bring you the details, here on the Invent-Tech Network.
Join us tomorrow for more news!
May 29th, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with a Tuesday night update. As we’d promised in one of our entries yesterday (”Update: Invent-Tech receives questions via e-mail from Las Vegas-based Innovation Direct™company interested in 3 inventions…“), we followed up today with the inventors whose product ideas were the subject of questions by our contact at the Las Vegas-based Innovation Direct™ company that has been the subject of several recent posts.
Messages were left for both inventors but we have yet to hear back. As soon as we obtain the answers to the questions the manufacturer has, we will promptly relay the details to them and bring you the subsequent developments here on the Invent-Tech Network. Stay tuned!
May 29th, 2007
Good Memorial Day afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, back with another update. Our contact at the Las Vegas-based Innovation Direct™ informerical company that we had most recently reported on in a May 25th entry (”Update: Invent-Tech contacted by Las Vegas-based Innovation Direct™ company for further discussion of 3 inventions reviewed…“), is apparently keeping extraordinary hours again, and has responded to my e-mail from Friday with some additional questions about the 3 inventions from the initial Innovation Direct™ package we sent him that his company has serious interest in .
Our contact listed questions he had on the functionality and features of 2 of the 3 product ideas, questions I assured him in my e-mail reply a bit earlier this afternoon that I will be directing to the respective inventors tomorrow when we return to our offices. The inquiries further corroborate the careful analysis that this company is conducting with regards to these items, and serves as an undeniable indicator of the overall interest they hold for them. We are certainly hopeful that upon being able to answer all of their questions satisfactorily, all 3 product ideas will enjoy a high probability of being licensed by this company.
This obviously will continue to be a fluid and developing scenario, and we will bring you the latest as it happens, here on the Invent-Tech Network. Check back frequently!
May 28th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with a Memorial Day update. Earlier this month, we brought you details on Invent-Tech’s efforts to participate in the ABC Kids Expo this coming September (”Invent-Tech makes its case for participation in ABC Kids Expo in September…”). Late last week we spoke with our contact at the company that organizes this landmark event of the juvenile products industry, and were informed that tomorrow we will get an update, and perhaps a final answer, on whether or not Invent-Tech will be allowed to be a part of the 2007 version of the show.
As we’d mentioned in our posting earlier this month, we had sent a written sypnopsis of Invent-Tech’s business model and services to inventors to the show organizers at their request, as an application of sorts to be considered as exhibitors. Everything our trade show contingent learned about the ABC Kids Expo during our participation in the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Show 2007 in April indicated that the ABC Kids Expo was an even larger event and definitely worth looking into.
The reason why Invent-Tech’s participation is still in question with regards to this show is, quite simply, because of potential space limitations for exhibitors. As per the information I obtained during my telephone conversation late last week with our contact at the show organizer, the ABC Kids Expo usually “sells out” by April each year, which was the month when we were first made aware of the show to begin with. However, as with most trade show events, additional space on the exhibit floor is often “created” to accomodate the companies that otherwise would be left on the outside looking in. Invent-Tech essentially falls into that category at this point, so only time will tell if we will be able to successfully secure a spot in the 2007 proceedings.
As soon as we have an update and/or final answer, we will bring it to you here on the Invent-Tech Network. Stay tuned!
May 28th, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with one final update for this Friday. We have posted the photos from the National Hardware Show 2007 on our website, www.invent-tech.com, along with a written summary of the event. Our video summary will follow shortly as well.
Join us next week as we head towards a momentous June!
May 25th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, chiming in once again with more news on a very fast-paced Friday. The endless flow of Innovation Direct™-related news continues , as we have received communication from our contact at the Las Vegas-based company that is part of the program and that we most recently reported on in a May 21st entry (”Update: Invent-Tech approves confidentiality agreement from Las Vegas-based Innovation Direct™ company; detailed design information to be sent to them tomorrow…“).
As we’d mentioned in that posting, the manufacturer had expressed further interest in 3 out of the initial 25 Invent-Tech inventor product ideas they were sent information on in their first Innovation Direct™ package. Accordingly, we had come to confidentiality terms with them and had sent them detailed design information on the 3 items earlier this week. The company has now reviewed the invention websites for all 3 items, and our contact left me a voice mail late yesterday requesting a telephone conference to discuss them further.
I have replied with a phone message and e-mail of my own today, but so far the contact and I have not been able to speak directly. However, at the present time we are certainly drawing the conclusion that there may be questions about the functionality of the products that the company has for the inventors, and that they have an overall further interest in some or all of the product ideas. As soon as we are able to confirm the details of this matter further, we will bring you an update here on the Invent-Tech Network.
As we’ve stated before, one of the most appealing and redeeming characteristics of Innovation Direct™ is the prompt turaround time that we are able to achieve with regards to obtaining simultaneous feedback and in some cases, closure, on a substantial group of product ideas from the Invent-Tech roster from the companies that are part of the program. This has certainly been corroborated by several of the scenarios we have reported on just this week alone here on the Invent-Tech Network.
We’ll bring you the latest news regarding any and all situations as it transpires, so check back often!
May 25th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, back with you once again for another update. Whomever said that the pace of business slows down on the “getaway day” before a long holiday weekend is obviously not familiar with the work ethic of the nation’s preeminent inventor assistance firm! Invent-Tech is diligently following up today on various potential licensing scenarios, one of which may be developing with the New York-based Innovation Direct™ company that has been the subject of various posts this week, the most recent coming just yesterday (”Update: Innovation Direct™ company displaying further interest in 11 product ideas agrees to confidentiality; detailed design information sent this afternoon…“).
As we’d explained in yesterday’s entry, we had sent access to the detailed design information on all 11 of the product ideas that the manufacturer had expressed an interest in from their initial Innovation Direct™ batch. We received e-mail communication earlier this afternoon from the company’s Director of Merchandising that serves as our contact confirming that they had further interest in 3 out of the 11 items after all of the invention websites were reviewed. Our contact had questions regarding the patent and prototype status of the items, which we promptly answered for him.
We are hopeful that this company will be willing to put their intentions to evaluate these product ideas for potential licensing into writing next week, but only time will tell. Our contact did inform us that he would be in touch again next week to discuss all 3 inventions further. Once that conversation takes place, we will certainly bring you all of the details here on the Invent-Tech Network.
Check back frequently to be kept abreast of the latest!
May 25th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with an update regarding a previously licensed Invent-Tech inventor product. The Dust Stoppers, a household product whose licensing was facilitated by Invent-Tech last year and that we reported on in detail in a March 21st, 2006 entry (”Upholstery maker licenses invention from Invent-Tech clients“), was the subject of a special request made by its licensee to Invent-Tech late yesterday.
As we’d elaborated on in a September 1st, 2006 entry here on the Invent-Tech Network (”Invent-Tech continues to go above and beyond in its licensing efforts…“), the company had requested some assistance in the form of ideas and samples pertaining to packaging artwork from Invent-Tech’s Visual Design Team at that time. Invent-Tech, in its ongoing quest to lend a hand towards the commercialization efforts of any of its previously licensed inventor product ideas, had provided assistance in this regard last year, and the company had reported being very pleased with our efforts.
Their latest communication once again involves a request for packaging design assistance, and this time it is due to the potential interest in the Dust Stoppers being displayed by what apparently is a major distributor in the industry. The distributor has presented the licensee with a couple of requested modifications to the existing packaging of the product, and the licensee is therefore turning to Invent-Tech’s Visual Design Team for help in this regard. With the visual presentation of a product often being so integral in its appeal to consumers, Invent-Tech’s Visual Design Team will be gladly assisting once again in providing this company what it needs to hopefully bring this distributor on board.
We are always proud to be able to provide an example of how Invent-Tech’s efforts going above and beyond what is technically and contractually required. As this situation evolves further we will certainly bring you all of the updates, here on the Invent-Tech Network. Stay tuned!
May 25th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with the first of several Friday postings before we head into the long holiday weekend. Updating a story that we had most recently reported on in a May 11th entry (”Adult novelty item, tile cutting accessory latest Invent-Tech inventor products to be the subjects of manufacturer interest…“), the Illinois-based manufacturer that had been evaluating a tile cutting accessory from the Invent-Tech roster for several weeks informed us earlier that they will not have further interest in the invention.
The company explained that while the invention did fall into their general area of expertise, they are looking to add products that are smaller overall than this item would be. They did express their gratitude for having had an opportunity to give the invention consideration, and encouraged Invent-Tech to keep sending ideas their way that would appear to be potentially relevant to their business model.
Join us later this afternoon for more news!
May 25th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, back with another update. The company that we had most recently reported on just yesterday (”Update: Innovation Direct™ company displays interest in 11 out of 12 product ideas sent by Invent-Tech…“) has signed their version of a Mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement for 11 inventions from their intial Innovation Direct™ package that they had an interest in learning more about. Consequently, we have provided them access to all of the design details on each item this afternoon.
With the fast pace at which this company’s Director of Merchandising has interacted with us so far since the conclusion of the National Hardware Show 2007, we are hopeful of receiving prompt feedback on which product ideas from this group will be of potential licensing interest to them. As customary, the readers of the Invent-Tech Network will be the first to know when something develops further with this situation.
Check back often for the latest!
May 24th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in with another update on an eventful Thursday. One of the Manufacturer Response Team members that attended the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Show 2007 in April and spoke with the representative of an established baby products company during the event is putting the finishing touches on that company’s initial Innovation Direct™ package this afternoon. This is the same manufacturer that we had initially reported on in one of our entries of April 23rd (”Day 1 of JPMA Show 2007 yields another potentially valuable lead for Invent-Tech…“) and that has been in the business for over 60 years.
My aforementioned colleague has been conducting searches through the Invent-Tech database this week for inventions that possess the criteria specified by this company. Preliminary, non-confidential information on a total of 10 product ideas will be sent in this initial package to the company, and as customary, we will bring you any news regarding their feedback here on the Invent-Tech Network.
Check back with us frequently!
May 24th, 2007
As children excitedly prepare for the end of the school year and the fun, carefree days of summer, adults probably feel nostalgic for their own youth and beloved summer vacation. Adult responsibility does not offer the same freedom as a school career. The sales, construction, computer programming, restaurant management and the myriad of other possible jobs we perform are year-round needs, in addition to the more personal need of providing a roof over our heads, food on the table and a few other luxuries.
In fact, a recent report released by Yahoo Hot Jobs noted that Americans are using less and less vacation time. In the spirit of summer, working adults should take some time to spend with their families, accomplish a rewarding project they’ve been putting off or simply indulge in pure relaxation. Current trends, however, demonstrate that most people will not take this advice. Instead, since they’ll be spending the majority of the summer at work, a few Invent-Tech inventors have created products that will enhance their cubicles and offices.
David M. of Florida spent many years in different office environments as a longtime sales representative. His experience led him to design office equipment that enhances comfort while sitting at one’s desk, making any office environment more pleasant to occupy.
David’s invention, the D.C.W.F.E., offers safe, space-saving features with an affordable design that is easy to use. For versatility in any office location, it comes in a conveniently portable design in a variety of sizes and colors. With this unique innovation, students and office professionals will enjoy the time spent at their work or studies in comfort.
The Alarm Paper Weight Pen, invented by Brenda W. of Maryland, provides valuable security to one’s writing utensils in an office setting. This product ensures that borrowed pens are returned to their rightful owner and pens are not taken without permission. It eliminates the annoyance of not being able to find one’s pen when it is needed and the cost of replacing it. Best of all, in addition to its practical function, the Alarm Paper Weight Pen features an attractive design that will complement any office décor.
The Cubi-Frame, invented by Pamela M. of Alabama, enables individuals to display pictures, diplomas, etc. on fabric-covered cubicles without damaging the item being hung. It provides an alternative to tape, which leaves a sticky residue, and pins, which make holes. It also reduces desk clutter for individuals with multiple frames. The simple and affordable Cubi-Frame offers an appealing product to all individuals who work in cubicles.
We have introduced just a few of the innovations our clients have invented to make a working environment more pleasant. Additional information about the D.C.W.F.E., Alarm Paper Weight Pen, Cubi-Frame or other products Invent-Tech represents may be obtained by contacting the Publicity/Press Department of Invent-Tech at (800) 940-9020 ext. 2285 or at products@invent-tech.com. Invent-Tech® is a Coral Gables, Florida-based firm that is handling the publicity and public relations for these innovations.
May 24th, 2007
Good Thursday morning, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in early once again today with an update. Late yesterday, we received a response on a request for an update that we had made to the company that had expressed an advanced level of interest in 3 pet accessories from the Invent-Tech roster early this year, a situation that we had reported on in a January 25th entry (”Invent-Tech secures advanced level of interest in several pet products; further dialogue occurs with European company interested in kitchen accessory…“).
As we had explained in that posting, this company has a relationship with the licensee of the brand of a highly rated pet cable television show, and they were searching for product ideas that would possibly fit that brand well. Accordingly, we had sent them several pet-related items from our database in January, and three of them had “made the cut” so to speak.
However, as per the e-mail we received last night, there is no longer interest in 2 out of these 3 inventions by this company. On a positive note however, the remaining item in this group is still very much a candidate for possible licensing. As we obtain more information on this scenario we will bring you the details, here on the Invent-Tech Network.
Check back with us later in the day for more!
May 24th, 2007
Good afternoon, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, checking in once again on what is turning out to be a very productive Wednesday. We received word via e-mail earlier this afternoon from the Director of Merchandising at the New York-based manufacturer that we had most recently reported on in a May 17th entry (”Update: Invent-Tech prepares 12 idea-Innovation Direct™ package for National Hardware Show lead…“) that his company had interest in learning more about 11 of the 12 product ideas they were sent in their initial Innovation Direct™ package!
This company, whose representatives Invent-Tech had originally met at the Super Show 2004, had paid us a visit at the National Hardware Show 2007 earlier this month in an effort to reignite their relationship with Invent-Tech. The newly appointed Director of Merchandising at this company that is now serving as our contact had explained that they were searching for product ideas in a wide variety of categories. Accordingly, we had included the company in our Innovation Direct™ program and had sent them their first package of preliminary, non-confidential information on the 12 product ideas soon after the Hardware Show’s conclusion.
As we’d explained in the aforementioned May 17th posting, our contact had agreed to get back to us early this week with additional feedback. His e-mail today obviously served that purpose, and we are now in the process of putting together a copy of the company’s mutual non-disclosure agreement that will be inclusive of all 11 items our contact has asked to learn more about. Our contact also explained in his communication that once he does receive the detailed design information on each item from us, he will review it and then pass it along to his company’s Invention Committee, which is apparently composed of members who have a substantial number of years of product development and marketing experience. At that point, the company will make a final determination on whether any of the inventions will go further and they will inform us accordingly.
While it appears that this process will draw things out somewhat in terms of obtaining closure on these items, it also essentially tells us that these ideas will get a thorough and comprehensive review, which is all any inventor and Invent-Tech can ask for. As always, we’ll bring you the news regarding any developments along the way, here on the Invent-Tech Network.
Check back frequently!
May 23rd, 2007
Good Wednesday morning, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, here with a quick update to kick off our day. We have already received good news via e-mail this morning from the company that has been evaluating an Invent-Tech inventor medical accessory for almost 3 months, and that we most recently reported on in a February 28th entry (”Invent-Tech closes out fruitful February by securing advanced level of interest in 2 more product ideas…“).
Responding to a request for an update on the status of their interest by the Manufacturer Response Team member that has been handling this scenario since the onset, the company representative stated that they had been using the past several weeks to build a prototype and that it was almost complete. He added that they were feeling very positive about the potential of the idea, and that the next step would be to conduct testing with the sample unit.
We certainly hope this eventually culminates in a licensing agreement, but only time will tell. Check back frequently with the Invent-Tech Network for all the updates on this and many other situations!
May 23rd, 2007
Good evening, Juan C. Blanco, Invent-Tech’s Director of Product Licensing, here with our Tuesday night update. Lately, as regular readers of the Invent-Tech Network may have noticed, we have been having a considerable amount of success with companies contacting us through our official website, www.invent-tech.com, in order to establish an ongoing relationship. We experienced another one of these instances today when one of the principals of the Hollywood, Florida office of a hardware and tool manufacturer reached out to Invent-Tech through the Manufacturer Web Sign-Up portal on our site.
One of our Manufacturer Response Team members promptly contacted the company representative this morning to go over Invent-Tech’s business model and also find out more about this company’s manufacturing and marketing capabilities, as well as their full new product “wish list”. As we learned during our interaction, it turns out that this company is involved in a considerable amount of “private label” manufacturing, wherein other companies contract them to make the products that they eventually put their own brand names on. From what our contact at this manufacturer explained, the majority of this work is in the hardware and tool area. Additionally, this company also does boast their own proprietary product line.
Most importantly, it appears that this manufacturer has a very close relationship with a multi-billion dollar retail juggernaut which has over 1500 stores in the continental United States. Apparently, this company would potentially be able to get Invent-Tech inventor products on the shelves of this retailer if it were to ever license any of them, which automatically makes them an extremely attractive candidate for our dynamic new product information subscription service for manufacturers, Innovation Direct™. Lastly, our contact at this company also informed us during today’s call that they are expanding their search beyond hardware to also include some household products, which serves to make them even more potentially versatile for our purposes.
Naturally, our Manufacturer Response Team will begin to conduct searches through the Invent-Tech database for this company’s initial Innovation Direct™ package as soon as possible. We will keep you posted on developments every step of the way in the evolution of this relationship here on the Invent-Tech Network.
Invent-Tech’s impressive Internet presence and reputation help bring in valuable leads from all corners of industry! Join us tomorrow for more news from the nation’s preeminent inventor assistance firm!
May 22nd, 2007
Previous Posts