Originally Posted 3/16/06
Yeah, I am watching the show. After all, I am a patent attorney. Hokey show? Sure, but strangely enjoyable. Hopefully, the show will inspire those on the sidelines to create and go for their dreams. After all, many of you can do better than many of these inventions.
One moment I would like to highlight was where the engineer/inventor judge told the African American inventor that her invention already existed. She informed the judges they she spent over $12,000 on the invention with one of those companies that advertise on late night TV and have an 800 number. All she got from the experience was a book (I have seen many of these books and they are essentially worthless) and a narrow patent. The engineer inventor basically told that those companies steal from people.
While I cannot definitively say these companies steal from people, I will say they give you very little for the huge sums of money. I will reiterate do not use invention promotion companies if you truly believe in your invention. I will not name names here, but if the company advertises on late night or low budget TV or the radio avoid them. If the company uses buzz words like “we will submit your invention to industry”, avoid them. If they make the whole process seem easy, avoid them.
Enough said. Good Night!
