Ask The Inventors

News and Events

WOMEN INVENTORS...CHECK THIS OUT!!!

Milojo Productions (brainchild of Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos) is now casting women with fabulous ideas and great personalities from across America for a new series. The show, set to air on TLC, takes a selected female inventor through the journey of realizing their dream. It's an opportunity to get your product developed, manufactured, marketed, and finally sold on The Home Shopping Network.

http://www.gotcast.com/casting-calls/Female-Inventors/54140

The show's casting directors will be accepting submissions through GotCast until the last week of June.
Justin Moodley
jmoodley@gotcast.com

We just received this from a California casting director! They are looking for inventors who need a little financial help in moving their product to market. If this describes you, contact them!

DO YOU HAVE THE NEXT GREAT MONEYMAKING IDEA?

We are currently on the
search for entrepreneurs, inventors, businesspersons, dreamers,
promoters, creators, innovators, etc. If you feel you have a lucrative
business idea but just can't seem to secure the financial backing to
get it off the ground then Shark Tank is just the show for you. Each
episode features aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas
to moguls in hopes of landing investment funds. Apply now for your
chance to enter the "Shark Tank" and see if your idea survives.

All interested parties should email David Polanzak at
sharktankandrew@gmail.com with the following information:

Name:
Age:
Hometown:
Phone:
Photo:
*Please put in the Subject Line of your email if you are an: Inventor,
Entrepreneur or both

Contact Andrew at:

Andrew Culotta
Casting
Shark Tank
sharktankandrew@gmail.com
310-903-5676

This just in from Edison Nation!

This just in from the United Inventors Association:

The Faultless Starch / Bon Ami Company is an international consumer products company that manufactures, imports, exports, markets and distributes products to the mass global market. The actively seek new product idea submissions. See website.

Submit your idea for Lifetime Brands through Edison Nation.
Hammacher Schlemmer
Searching for the BEST, the ONLY and the UNEXPECTED:
Considered a "renowned purveyor of gadgetry and elegant gifts," Hammacher Schlemmer has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a hardware store selling hard-to-find tools in the Bowery District of New York City. If you or your members have an innovative product idea for Hammacher Schlemmer’s reputable catalogue of products, submit it through Edison Nation.
Bed Bath & Beyond
March is National Women's History Month and in celebration of the first patent being issued to a woman, Bed Bath & Beyond is hosting a search on Edison Nation beginning March 1, 2009.

CRUNCHGEAR FEATURES EDISON NATION
Check out Edison Nation on CrunchGear.com!

INVENTORS DIGEST RELEASES LIST OF INVENTOR-FRIENDLY COMPANIES
Inventors Digest has updated and upgraded a listing of Inventor-Friendly Companies on its Web site.

More than 100 companies and toy brokers grace the new page, which will be updated regularly.

Each company has different product-submission policies, so make sure to follow their guidelines.

Visit Inventors Digest to view the list.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
Baby & Kids
Baby & Kids is looking for several products to feature in their April/May 2009 issue. If you have a product in one of the following categories:youth-themed stationery, educational products, audio and visual products, scrapbook and supplies, costumes for kids, party goods, jewelry and accents, and photo frames.
Contact: Read through this page to for contact info and requirements for your submission
Deadline: April 8, 2009
Entrepreneur Media
Did you start a business beyond the age of 50? Justin is looking for 10 entrepreneurs like you. He wants to know what inspired you at such an advanced age, what you brought with them from their former careers, how you keep up with younger entrepreneurs, etc.
Contact: Justin Petruccelli - jpetruccelli@entrepreneur.com
Deadline: TODAY! FEBRUARY 12, 5:00 PM PACIFIC

Inventors Digest
First Person column: Have a story to tell? Inventors Digest would like to showcase it in our First Person department, a regular feature that allows inventors to tell their own story in their own words. We're particularly interested in stories that illustrate obstacles overcome and teaching lessons for other aspiring inventor-entrepreneurs.
Contact: editor-in-chief Mike Drummond at mike.drummond@inventorsdigest.com
Deadline: Open

POPULAR MECHANICS 2009 EDITORIAL CALENDAR
01/01/09 Evolution of an epic.
02/01/09 Wood working classics.
02/01/09 Automotive: hybrid roundup.
02/01/09 Living off the grid.
03/01/09 Automotive: alternative fuels road
                     trip.
03/01/09 VISTA study.
04/01/09 Environment & conservation: green
                    design showcase.
04/01/09 Health technology report.
04/01/09 Automotive: electric car test.
05/01/09 Advertorial: you drive.
05/01/09 Wood working classics.
05/01/09 VISTA study.
06/01/09 Advertorial: you drive.
06/01/09 The freedom of the road.
07/01/09 DIY handbook.
07/01/09 VISTA study.
08/01/09 DIY rally.
09/01/09 Advertorial: rebuilding together.
10/01/09 50 tools every man should own.
10/01/09 VISTA study.
11/01/09 The breakthrough awards.
11/01/09 Wood working classics.
12/01/09 The PM wish list.
12/01/09 The automotive excellence awards.
12/01/09 10 technology terms you need to
                    know.
MEDIA TIP
Be sure your pitch answers the five W's: Who, What, When, Where, Why
Another great way to find media opportunities is to follow a reporter on Twitter or LinkedIn. You'll learn a lot about his/her beat, assigments and interests. Valuable information to have in your back pocket when pitching your product, service or company!

Look at this!

DIY Network is looking for undiscovered new "cool tools" and is giving away $10,000. Check out:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,DIY_26336_66139,00.html

From the United Inventors Association:

Open Call for Patent Submissions

oCEAN tOMO

Open Call for Patent Submissions

Ocean Tomo's auctions platform is a proven IP marketplace. Through their extensive qualified buyer network and experience selling IP assets across various industries and technology areas, their Live IP Auctions have realized approximately $112M in transactions. Their sellers include individual inventors, small and mid-sized companies, large multinational corporations, academic institutions and investors.They benefit from the auction's ability to create a sense of urgency through a fixed closing date. By offering their own pre-set terms and conditions, including minimum sale price, sellers can guarantee a completed transaction satisfies their expectations.

Ocean Tomo is now accepting patent submissions for their Spring Auction until December 10th and on an ongoing basis for their summer and fall auctions. Areas of interest:

Computer Systems & Software
Digital Music & Video
Digital Rights Management
Display Technology
e-Commerce & Web Services
Insurance & Financial Services
Integrated Circuits & Semiconductors
Integration Technology
Interactive TV & VOD
Location Based Technologies
Memory & Data Storage
Online & Mobile Commerce
RFID & Barcode Technology
Social Networking & Web 2.0
User Interface Technology
Wireless/Network Communications

To submit your patent for consideration, please visit www.SubmitIP.com, or call (312) 377-4851 or write to auctions@oceantomo.com

Upcoming Live IP Auctions Events

Spring 2009: March 26-27, San Francisco
Summer 2009: June 11-12, Hong Kong
Fall 2009: November 3-4, Paris

For more information on the auction or the event, please visit www.OceanTomoAuctions.com

From Invention Showcase:

Popular Science Invention Awards
Description: Popular Science Magazine is inviting proposals for submissions for the next world changing invention from independent inventors or small teams. Inventions created wholly out of universities or other R&D labs will not be considered. Ten inventions will be awarded prizes in a variety of categories, plus there will be a Student Award Category this year. Inventions must be physical objects and it must be a working prototype or something else that demonstrates that the invention actually works.
Prizes: Top 10 will be published in magazine.

For details, visit the link below
http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm
********************
********************
BKFK - Signature Design Challenge
Description: Don’t ever say you never got your big break in the fashion world! This is your chance to develop an amazing, original style in your Idea Locker and showcase your one-of-a-kind designs. You could win $10,000 plus a day at Tommy Hilfiger studios in NYC, courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger. For kids under 19 only.
Prizes: $10,000 + shadow fashion designer

For details, visit the link below
http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm
********************
BKFK - Sports Evolution Challenge
Description: Put your passion for the game to work! Open your Idea Locker and invent a new sport or conceptualize an innovative piece of sports gear or equipment. You could win $10,000 and a chance to shadow an ESPN broadcaster for a game, courtesy of Newell Rubbermaid! For kids under 19 only.
Prizes: $10,000 + shadow an ESPN reporter
For details, visit the link below
http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm
********************
BKFK - Digital Arts Challenge
Description: Pen and paper? So analog! Dig into your Idea Locker and develop a new digital, mixed or transmedia method of storytelling. You could win $10,000 and a day with story publishing pros in NYC, courtesy of Pearson! For kids under 19 only.
Prizes: $10,000 + trip to NYC

For details, visit the link below
http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm
********************
BKFK - Going Green Challenge
Description: Your ideas have the power to make the world a better, greener place! Now jump into your Idea Locker and get this planet rewired with your original eco-friendly ideas. You could win $10,000 and a day with an expert from ’‘The 11th Hour”, courtesy of The Weather Channel for Kids®! For kids under 19 only.
Prizes: $10,000 + shadow a weather reporter

For details, visit the link below
http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm
********************
News - Bubble Wrap Competition Winners Announced! Sealed Air Names Three Student Finalists in the Second Annual Bubble Wrap Competition for Young Inventors.

For details, visit the link below
http://inventionshowcase.com/bubblewraprelease1.htm

********************

From the United Inventors Association:

*** We've just learned of another company that is aggressively seeking new products from inventors. M&M Fitness Equipment, which is a licensee of Everlast, is looking for folks who have new fitness and cardio equipment. If you don't recognize the name Everlast, you should! It's synonymous with boxing. If you have something in the fitness and cardio equipment line, contact M&M Fitness at 212-822-1566 or send an email to Ron. Kohen at ronk@msgmail.com.

FROM THE UNITED INVENTORS ASSOCIATION:

Inventions for Sale on the Web

Shop4patents.com recently added an interesting and challenging offer named “Invent & Sell” which might be of interest to you, the inventor: “To encourage You, the inventor, we at Shop4patents.com would like to introduce you to a few of the products that “made” it. These products were invented by creative and innovative people - like yourself. People who believed in their dreams and in their products and through hard work and persistence were able to bring their products to store shelves, and You can do it too. We hope to see your product soon on NewDaVincis.com! To have your product listed on NewDavincis.com, Contact: Dan at info@newdavincis.com

For More Details:

Inventing On a Shoestring Budget!

Insider Tips for Bringing Your Product to Market without Breaking the Bank!

· How to maximize your chances for success!

· Where to find free help!

· How to pace your expenditures!

· How to get the most out of your invention budget!

· Whom you can trust and whom you can't!

· Where to find money to help pursue your invention!

· Tips for toy inventors!

· Plus…almost $500 dollars in coupons for discounts on essential inventor services!

What industry leaders have to say about Inventing on a Shoestring Budget! . . .

“Inventing on a Shoestring Budget™ is a most comprehensive and well-planned guide for inventors! It addresses every possible topic an inventor needs to consider during each phase of product development, and is written in a clear, easy-to-understand format. I especially enjoyed the chapter on “Bargains and Freebies;” show me one gal that doesn't love a bargain! Mary and Barb truly did the groundwork to help you succeed. Purchase this book, and you will not need any other reference guide – AND – you will save money on your Project!”

- Edie Tolchin

EGT Global Trading

Inventor Resource

“This book is a MUST HAVE for every inventor's bookshelf and workshop. In my 35 years of dealing with inventors, this is the one to read.”

- Ronald E. Brown, President

Patent Search International

“I think that the book is a ‘must read' for independent inventors, especially for those with a minimum of inventing experience and also, for those that want to do as much of the process as possible to save money. I think that inventor groups across the country would be wise to promote the book to their members as the easy-to-read book provides basic and essential inventing knowledge from concept to market/licensing.”

- George Burkhardt

Inventor, Technology Advocates of San Antonio

“ Inventing on a Shoestring Budget!™ tells the inventor, in simple language, how to evaluate an idea, how to protect it, and how to get it to market without going broke. The book tells inventors where they can cut corners and where they mustn't, where to find trusted cost-effective resources and how to steer clear of ‘get rich quick' scams. Inventing on a Shoestring Budget!™ is the essential resource for every successful inventor.”

- Alan Beckley, Business Consultant, SBDC of Plano , TX ,

Former President, Texas Inventors' Association

Inventor, Savvy Caddy®

“As with your previous book, The Everything Inventions & Patents Book, I have found this book exceedingly reader friendly and inventor helpful. It nails the issues squarely and to the point, while maintaining a very supportive and ‘can-do' tone, which all of us need to hear, especially when the going gets rough.”

- Carol Oldenburg

Administrator, United Inventors Association

“The ‘Sisters of Inventing' have really done it this time! Barbara Pitts and Mary Sarao have reduced the complex world of inventing down to a series of practical steps that anyone could follow. At every step, they give crucial information on how to proceed in the most economical way – and you'll be surprised how little money is needed. Inventing on a Shoestring Budget! i s an amazing piece of work that I highly recommend to anyone who is or wants to be an inventor.”

- Randall Landreneau

President, Final Phase Product Placement

Former President, Tampa Bay Inventor's Council

Buy this book today from your local bookstore or Amazon!

Book

Buy this book from your local bookstore or Amazon!