Next IANE meeting Jan 14, 2008

January 14, 2008:
SPEAKER/TOPIC: Ellen Cameron, a Registered Nurse and stay at home mom who invented, patented, and commercialized "Tidy Tot",

http:/www.tidy-tots.com;

protective covers for restaurant high chairs. She has since expanded her product line and now has suppliers in several states.

Join Inventors Association of New England IANE

Join the Inventors Association of New England!

Members get to join a members only googlegroup and get to be the first to get the latest inventing news and events and convention information.

Members get a monthly newsletter and the password to the members only website (with member profiles) where you have access to the following:

Alphabetical Listing of our Members - Who are you looking for? Know their name? Look them up or just browse our members.
Cross Referencing Page - Are you looking for a patent agent? a mechanical engineer? a rocket scientist? Looking for someone to collaborate with you on an invention in a certain expertise? Look up a 3-D printer or just browse around at the different categories to see a diverse group of people with lots of knowledge.
Picture Database - Just who was it you were talking to at the last meeting? Don't remember but know the face? Find them here.
Help Needed by Members Page - Do you want to help your fellow inventors? Do YOU need help with something? Start the ball rolling by giving or receiving information, knowledge and expertise.
Newsletters - Do you want to read past newsletters and meeting notes? We have them for over the last 10 years!
Online Survey - Have you filled out your Member Profile Questionnaire? You may have lots to offer your inventing colleagues. This feature is available to current members only.
Self Promotion Page - List of members and businesses who would like to promote their services to inventors. This page is accessible to all without a password.

The cost is $40 a year and that goes for administrative stuff like paper, postage, website hosting fees, etc. If you want to join, click here:
http://inventne.com/papersurvey.htm

If you would rather not join, feel free to keep in touch by going to our public website: www.inventne.org
and our blog http://inventne.blogspot.com
and the link to our past speakers http://inventne.com/speakers.htm

Mothers of Invention Contest ending March 24th

In partnership with Mom Inventors, Inc, Good Morning America launched its 3rd annual Mothers of Invention Contest. Entries must be postmarked by March 24th. For details see this website:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2863929&page=1

SBTV Small Business TV airing 24/7

This information was sent from Mom Inventor's Inc (http://www.mominventors.com/)newsletter:



SBTV is a "business magazine turned into a TV news network airing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Now imagine content that’s wholly focused on issues concerning small businesses – both start-ups and established enterprises."

http://sbtv.com/

"Founded in 2000, SBTV.com is the first and only video news and information destination site for America’s small business market. Packed with expertly produced content from professional journalists and industry experts, the site offers everything from technical information on how to run your business to inspirational stories from successful entrepreneurs across the U.S.
Best of all? It’s available via your computer at no charge– perfect for your busy life and your budget.
The network was founded by Susan Wilson Solovic, a former news anchor, corporate VP and Saint Louis University Law School graduate. She is the author of multiple books, including The Girls' Guide to Power and Success and the soon to be released Girls’ Guide to Building a Million $ Business. She has served on the National Women's Business Council, which counsels the President, Congress and the SBA on issues impacting women business owners.
“At SBTV.com, our goal is to provide exclusive programming from trusted small business experts to help our viewers turn their business dreams into reality,” explains Solovic.
She cites programming from E-Myth Theory author Michael Gerber as one example. His SBTV.com program, “In the Dreaming Room,” helps entrepreneurs engage in “intentional dreaming” to unleash the powers within.
Susan’s philosophy is that being an entrepreneur is a way of living - not just a way of making a living.
“There has never been a better time to be a woman business owner,” Solovic observed. “Women are finding opportunities to create businesses that fit the nuances of their lives and at the same time build economic independence. They are building enterprises that are changing the way the world does business – for the better." "

FAO Schwartz Toy Auditions

FAO Schwarz launched their 3rd Annual Auditions for Innovative Toys, Crafts and Interesting Products on March 8, 2007.

Subsequent auditions will be May 10, July 12 and September 20, 2007.
FAO Schwarz is seeking new original products through a series of Toy Auditions. The Toy Auditions are an opportunity for inventors, manufacturers and distributors to present their products for evaluation to a team of experts. The presentations must be no longer than ten minutes and all products will be judged on quality, design, originality, fun, safety/health issues and environmental Impact.

The chosen products will be carried in FAO Schwarz stores with additional sales opportunities via the catalog and web site.

All applicants must register on-line at www.fao.com prior to the Toy Auditions. Please note that ALL toys presented must be "sales ready" products. Only on the July 12th auditions will early development stage concepts be viewed. Auditions are scheduled on May 10, July 12 and September 20, 2007 at the FAO Schwarz store located on Fifth Avenue and 58th Street in New York City.

Inventors with specific questions can visit www.fao.com or email toyauditions@fao.com or call 212-239-7363 ext 242.

Oprah & QVC are Looking for Inventions!

Oprah & QVC Have Teamed Up And They are Looking for Inventions!


Do you have an original product or invention you want the world to know about? You could be sitting on a gold mine! The Oprah Winfrey Show is teaming up with QVC for Oprah's Search for the Next Big Idea.

For details, visit the link below


http://inventionshowcase.com/resources.htm

Henkel launches global competition for new ideas - ends Apr 15

News from United Inventors Association News Bulletin

"Henkel launches global competition for new ideas
'Henkel Innovation Trophy' - a test for creative minds!

Henkel, the maker of well-known brands like Dial®, Loctite®, Purex®, Dep®, and Duck® brand, recently launched the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' competition. In instituting this new, global innovation initiative, Henkel invites all independent inventors to submit their creative ideas for an opportunity to be reviewed and evaluated by Henkel. The objective is to add further impetus to Henkel's own innovation efforts. The awards for the winners include attractive cash prizes plus the chance to join Henkel in the commercialization of the associated proprietary rights. In the course of the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' campaign, Henkel also intends to cooperate closely with national and international inventor associations.

Throughout Henkel's 130-year history, innovations have constantly provided the power driving the company forward. Now more than ever, they are key to securing ongoing and future market success. Indeed, last year Henkel declared 2006 to be its "Year of Innovation" and will continue the program into 2007 with a view to involving all its employees throughout the world in the conception of new products.

In the desire for unique ideas and their further development into true product innovations, Henkel has long collaborated with external partners such as renowned research institutes, universities and similar organizations, as well as utilizing the extensive expertise available from its own research and development activities. Now, through the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy,' Henkel also looks forward for the first time to systematically engage with creative talents outside the company so that, through effective collaboration, new products can be introduced into the market in a faster, more effective and more efficient manner.

This initiative is aimed at independent inventors wishing to submit ideas that are the subject of published patent applications or patents already granted relating to appropriate products and processes. The company is also interested in ideas that may be the subject of registered designs, utility models or associated applications pending. The concepts need to offer a good fit with the portfolios of Henkel's four business sectors: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries, Consumer and Craftsmen Adhesives, and Henkel Technologies (adhesives, sealants, and surface treatments).

Registration is simple: applicants can complete an online form at the Henkel website www.innovation.henkel.com or www.dialcorp.com. Each submitted idea will be carefully examined by a specially convened committee comprised of internal and external experts to determine the extent to which it suits the Henkel business mix, how innovative it is and what sort of market potential it offers.

Henkel will award the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' together with an attractive cash prize for the best ideas received. There is even a possibility that the winners will also be offered the unique chance to enter into an agreement with Henkel covering commercialization of the associated proprietary rights.

As part of the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' campaign, Henkel will also be cooperating closely with national and international inventor associations such as the 'Deutscher Erfinderverband' (DEV) and the 'United Inventors Association' (UIA) in the USA. The submission period for the 'Henkel Innovation Trophy' began on December 15, 2006 and ends on April 15, 2007.

For Complete Details go to:

http://www.dialcorp.com/index.cfm?page_id=393"

IANE speaker for Monday March 12

The featured speaker on March 12, 2007 will be independent inventor Dave Hoch, a full time inventor/entrepreneur, who has started and sold several companies he has built around his products. The topic is Hokey Spokes, illuminating light blades that display designs and messages on bicycle wheels at night. See the video at http://www.hokeyspokes.com. Dave will also talk about a new "low-tech" product of his - Growing Grids, a home gardening aid. He will discuss the whole process from concept to patenting, manufacturing in the US and in Asia, marketing using trade shows and the internet, and distribution.

Meetings are held at M.I.T. Bldg.# 4,
Room 231
at 77 Mass Ave,
Cambridge, MA

MEETING HOT-LINE: 781-229-6614

Inventor's Spotlight featured at National Hardware Show May 8-10

UNITED INVENTORS ASSOCIATION
Partners With
NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW®

INNOVATION, INVENTION AND IMAGINATION
TO BE FEATURED AT 2007 NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW® INVENTOR’S SPOTLIGHT


"[T]his year’s National Hardware Show®, May 8-10, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida where the debut of the Inventor’s Spotlight will take place.

The United Inventors Association, a non- profit group serving the Inventor community since 1990 (http://www.uiausa.org) has agreed to sponsor the Inventor’s Spotlight. Hundreds of thousands of new products will be on display from virtually every product category that retailers in the home enhancement channel are selling. The Inventor’s Spotlight, “the better mousetrap” if you will, focuses on those products that bring an innovative, never-before-seen approach for today’s homeowner. From current and former contractors, inventors and plain old every-day people, the Inventor’s Spotlight will provide a focus area on the show floor for small, entrepreneurs looking to bring their products to market for manufacturing opportunities and retail distribution. To date, several companies have already signed up for the Inventor’s Spotlight. "

Inventing Course Announcement

INVENTING COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT!!

OK, so you have a good idea..Now what???

Learn about the inventing and patenting process. Learn the basics ofprotecting your ideas with patents, copyrights and trademarks and more!! IANE MEMBER JOSEPH R. BIRKNER, M.E. REGISTERED PATENT AGENT will beoffering a one day course on APRIL 5, 2007 (THURSDAY) Titled: "How toProtect Your Ideas". The course has been running for over 15 years.
For more information click here: HOW TO PROTECT YOURIDEAS COURSE http://www.inventne.org/course.html

Patent process goes high-tech

Patent process goes high-tech
By Staff
Mar 5, 2007
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_21267500.shtml

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is going to try to findout if the Internet can help it do a better job reviewing patentapplications. Under a pilot project to begin this spring, theoffice will post applications and seek public comment, theWashington Post said Monday. The commentary cream theoreticallywill rise to the top through a community rating system. "Forthe first time in history, it allows the patent-office examinersto open up their cubicles and get access to a whole world oftechnical experts," said IBM executive David J. Kappos. The genesis of the project was a meeting between IBM, the nation'stop patent generator, and Beth Noveck, a New York Law Schoolprofessor who said it will trigger "the first major change toour patent examination system since the 19th century." A record332,000 applications were reviewed last year by the agency's4,000 examiners, headquartered in Alexandria, Va. Patent Officespokeswoman Brigid Quinn said the program will kick off withabout 250 applications from the software sector. The reviewvolunteers already include Microsoft, Intel, Hewlett-Packard,Oracle and IBM. Additional applicants will be allowed.

Everyday Edisons DC Casting Call for Inventors

Washington, D.C.
In Search of the Next Edison

NEW PBS SERIES SEARCHING FOR ORDINARY
PEOPLE WITH EXTRAORDINARY IDEAS -- For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – We all have an idea for a better mousetrap – for a way of making things easier, more efficient – or even just more fun. But rarely does anyone understand how to transform an innovative idea into a product sold on store shelves.

Bouncing Brain Productions is coming to Washington , D.C. , to give the region’s residents the opportunity to do just that – to transform their ideas into real, marketable products through its new public television series, Everyday Edisons .

Washington, D.C. will host the show’s only casting call in the northeast region. Participants simply bring their prototype, sketch or concept to the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center ( 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. ) on Saturday, January 20. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and those who arrive by 1 p.m. will be guaranteed an interview before a panel of judges. Auditions are free to the public and registration forms are available at the Reagan Building the day of the event, or at www.BouncingBrainProductions.com.

To educate America about what it truly takes to bring a product to market, the show follows ten ordinary people – “Everyday Edisons” – as their ideas are refined, produced, marketed and sold. Participants are selected through a casting call process where they present their ideas before a panel of product development experts and patent professionals.

“Everyone either has had an idea for a new product or knows someone who has invented something,” said Michael Cable, host of Everyday Edisons. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to have a great idea. This is a tremendous opportunity for everyday individuals to see their ideas become reality.”

The show takes its name after Thomas Edison, the greatest inventor of all time. With more than 1,000 patents to his credit, Edison invented such useful items as the phonograph, incandescent light bulb and the first talking moving picture. All this, and Edison was an “Average Joe” himself, having almost no formal education.

“Having a great idea and making money from a great idea are two distinct events.” said Louis Foreman, Everyday Edisons executive producer and lead judge. “If you can dream it, we can help make it come true.”

Inventors who are chosen for the show will have their ideas commercialized, and in return receive a 20-year annuity on product sales. There is no cost to the inventor, and the show invests nearly $500,000 per product chosen.

The first season premieres this May on PBS, and follows the development of inventions chosen from last year’s casting calls in Tampa , Columbia , S.C. , Nashville , Atlanta and Charlotte .

For more information about the audition and television show, please visit www.EverydayEdisons.com or www.BouncingBrainProductions.com.

Invent-A-Toy World Games

3rd Annual ‘Invent-A-Toy’ World Games Challenges America’s Kids to Invent the Toys and Games They Really Want

STAMFORD, CT - January 3, 2007 -
By Kids For Kids Co.(BKFK) and Mattel (NYSE:MAT) today announced the 3rd annual ‘Invent-A-Toy’ World Games national competition. The competition aims to spark the creative and imaginative spirit of America’s kids, and to discover the blockbuster toys and games of tomorrow.

All kids have dreams. Now comes an opportunity for kids to actually materialize their dreams of fun new toys and games into real, commercially available products for other kids. With all the frenzy of toy giving over the holiday season, By Kids For Kids and Mattel are asking kids, “what is missing?” The 3rd annual ‘Invent-A-Toy’ World Games competition could bring out future “must-have” toys.

Interested kids ages 5 through 19 must submit their entries to www.bkfk.com no later than April 6, 2007. No entry fee is required. A panel of industry and academic experts in patenting, marketing, licensing and merchandising will evaluate the submissions, judged according to the following criteria: Marketability & Market Potential – 90% and Originality & Inventiveness – 10%.

Winners will be awarded a licensing contract from BKFK, legal support to patent the invention in the winner’s name (if patentable), professional expertise to bring the product to market, and a $5,000 US savings bond. Winners will be announced during an exclusive awards ceremony and press conference in June 2007, co-located at the International Licensing Show in New York City. Each winning kid plus one guardian will receive an all expenses paid trip to New York to attend the awards ceremony. Additionally, each winner will have the opportunity to identify an inspirational or supportive teacher, and that teacher will receive a $1,000 US savings bond.
For both the winners and participants, this exciting competition can be a life changing experience. Jonathan Schwartz, a high school teacher from Colfax, CA. and father of 2006 national winner Jacob Schwartz, commented: “I believe it was one of the most pivotal experiences in Jacob's life. Now when something does not work right, he looks for a solution rather than a problem. He and his younger brother say ‘why don't we invent something to fix this?’”

“It’s always exciting for us to see what kids come up with,” said By Kids For Kids Founder and CEO, Norman Goldstein. “Participation in the ‘Invent-A-Toy’ competition builds self esteem and develops vital 21st century ‘inventive thinking’ and entrepreneurship skills.”
“Mattel spends more time than any other company talking to kids, and we never cease to be amazed by their creativity, imagination and insight. We are pleased to be a partner of By Kids for Kids with its ability to help kids with a great game and/or toy concept bring it that much closer to reality,” said Paul Fish, vice president of business development, Mattel.
About By Kids For Kids Co.

By Kids For Kids., a closely held corporation based in Stamford, Conn., is the leading global marketing, branding and licensing company dedicated to making kids' ideas a reality. Their mission is to inspire, motivate and stimulate the innovative spirit within all kids. In addition to providing free support and educational resources to the world's children, BKFK provides entrepreneurial experiences for young inventors and supports the entire ideation through commercialization process. Learn more: www.bkfk.com

About Mattel, Inc.
Mattel, Inc., (NYSE: MAT, www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie®, the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels®, Matchbox®, American Girl®, Radica® and Tyco® R/C, as well as Fisher-Price® brands (www.fisher-price.com), including Little People®, Rescue Heroes®, Power Wheels® and a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than the 30,000 people in 42 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. Mattel's vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.

Press Contacts:

For By Kids For Kids: Mary Aloe +1 (310) 466-8777 or media@bkfk.com

For Mattel: Sara Rosales +1 (310) 252-5397

Trade Shows Trade Shows

How do you find a trade show to feature and display your invention?
You can select by industry, city and country or time.
There are over 190 industries to choose from.

TSNN the Ultimate Event Resource
http://www.tsnn.com/

Big Idea Group Hunt - Cordless Phone Improvements ends Jan 9th

*HUNT FOR CORDLESS PHONE IMPROVEMENTS

Thomson is seeking innovations in cordless residential phones. They're looking for new features, functionality, even technologies to address "pain points" for current cordless phone users. Deadline is January 9, 2007. For guidelines and entry form, click here.