Scam Alert
Beware the predatory nature of some invention
promotion and licensing firms! In the guise of helping inventors
turn a profit, many companies aim to profit from inventors.
Top Ten Scam Warning Signs
-
Slick ads in magazines and on
radio and TV
-
The company refuses to respond
to your questions in writing
-
Salespeople want your money
up front
-
As a way of proving the date
of the invention, you are told to describe your idea in writing,
mail it to yourself and not open the envelope
-
You are promised a patent search
but no patentability opinion signed by a patent attorney or
agent
-
You are guaranteed to get a
patent or your money back
-
You are advised to apply for
a design patent
-
You can never directly reach
a company representative without leaving a message
-
You are told your idea is a
sure-fire hit
-
The company refuses to provide
client references or copies of forms and agreements for your
review
Acknowledgements: USPTO; UIA
A Federal Trade Commission piece on invention
promotion firms.
InventorEd, Inc. maintains an Invention
Promoter Caution List.
The National Inventor
Fraud Center has a strong consumer-watch ethic.
The United Inventors Association on invention
promotion companies.
