Do you have a great idea for a new product? There are companies that will assist you with obtaining a patent or marketing your invention but it is important to be very careful if you decide to work with invention promotion companies. These companies often promise free information, tell you that they will help you patent your idea, make your invention, and/or market your product. Unfortunately many inventors have learned the hard way about these companies and have paid thousands of dollars to invention promotion firms or companies. You should be very careful when dealing with companies that offer to help you to both obtain your patent and market your invention. As a general rule, the professionals who are trustworthy do one or the other but not both..
Unfortunately, these invention promotion companies do have a high success rate but the United States Patent office will accept complaints against invention promotion companies. The Patent Office will not investigate complaints or participate in the legal proceedings against invention promotion firms but they will post the complaints together with any responses received.
Remember these general rules to save yourself heartache and money: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is; invention promotion scams usually offer money-back guarantees, no money down but when the money is discussed, they only charge a certain amount to begin; once you are hooked, you will likely be asked for $8,000 to $12,000 or more; do your research and know who you are getting into a business relationship with by asking for references or doing some searches; and do not make a rush decision and send money quickly.
Always check the invention promoter or promotion firm’s reputation before committing or sending money. You could visit the Federal Trade Commission website to conduct a search to see if the company has been investigated or fined by the Federal Trade Commission. Also look for complaints listed on the USPTO Published Complaints web page. You could also consult the Better Business Bureau or the Chamber of Commerce in your area.
If you are working with an attorney, you should ask your attorney about the invention promotion firm that you are thinking of working with but most likely your attorney will suggest you don’t work with the invention promotion firm.