With the recent release of Apple’s latest version of the iPhone and all the other recent technological advancements, it is obvious, innovation is king!

So, how could someone have an excuse for not at least trying to be innovative? 

We found 100 lame excuses that people give to NOT innovate!  We’ve picked 15, but you can read the entire list here!

Heard any of these before?

1.  It’s an idea too far ahead of its time.

2.  We’re in a down economy.

3.  I’m getting close to retirement.

4.  I’ve never done anything like this before.

5.  I’ve tried before and failed.

6.  I’m not sure how to begin.

7.  Maybe next year.

8.  I’m just not the creative type.

9.  I’m not good at presenting my ideas.

10.  I don’t have the time.

11.  We’re not in the kind of business likely to innovate.

12.  No one, besides me, really cares about innovation.

13.  I won’t be able to get enough resources.

14.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

15.  Nothing ever changes around here.

What excuses will they think of next?!    Read all 100 excuses here – they even included ways to move beyond the excuses at the bottom of the page!

Recently, there has been historic progress made in the way patents are issued in the United States.  After nearly 60 years with no patent reform, President Obama signed the America Invents Act into law September 16, 2011.

So, how does the new law affect the invention industry?

Legislators say they hope the law will be a shot in the arm for the economy, by helping American entrepreneurs and businesses bring their inventions to the marketplace sooner – ultimately creating new products and jobs.  In fact, it is estimated the America Invents Act could make the idea-to-invention-to-business process three times faster than ever before!

After a near-decade effort to reform outdated patent laws, the new legislation is to revolutionize the patent application process in several ways:

One major change the legislation brings is a first-to-file system as opposed to a first-to-invent system.  The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) currently utilizes the latter and awards patents based on invention conception, not patent application.  The America Invents Act is to change the system, awarding patents to the first person who files for one.

Another big change for the USPTO will be their ability to set and collect their own fees for new patent filings.  Additionally, the new law institutes a post-grant review process, in order to weed out bad patents.

The America Invents Act should help the USPTO reduce patent application waiting times; therefore, reducing their current backlog by 75,000, which is great news, as the number of application filings continues to climb.  The USPTO is to offer both start-up and growing businesses the opportunity to have patents reviewed in a third of the time it typically would take.  This “fast-track” guarantees 12-month turnaround, with no additional cost to the inventor.  Legislators say they hope this measure helps create jobs.

Finally, in an attempt to help entrepreneurs avoid time-consuming and costly litigation, the America Invents Act is also to help circumvent those stumbling blocks and make the American patent process mesh with the rest of the world.  In doing so, legislators say it should be easier for American inventors to market their products worldwide.

Undoubtedly, the inventions of today could help spawn the jobs of tomorrow.  In order to do so, the America Invents Act is to update and solidify the foundation for a strong intellectual property system.

Read more about the America Invents Act:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/23/entrepreneurs-applaud-america-invents-act-say-it-will-create-more-jobs

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/16/america-invents-act-turning-ideas-jobs

http://judiciary.house.gov/issues/issues_patentreformact2011.html

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-20107519-38/patent-overhaul-signed-into-law-by-obama/

Living in their Stamford, Conn., apartment, Pittsburgh natives Kathy and her husband often enjoyed taking their pup on long walks at the city park or along the picturesque streets near their home.  To help keep Stamford’s streets clean and beautiful, city officials enforced mandatory pet waste pick-up.

“They offered a small bag with handles to use for this, but I found these to be inadequate,” said Kathy.

Kathy, a busy medical assistant and office manager, needed a more efficient and sanitary way to dispose of her pup’s waste.  It didn’t take Kathy and her husband long to come up with a solution, sealable mitts that ensured easy disposal; but, they didn’t necessarily have the support of their family from the start.

“We came up with this idea about one month later… When I told my family, they didn’t really think I could make this happen,” said Kathy.  “I have had ideas in the past, but never acted on them, because I didn’t have the time or finances to make it happen.”

Proving skeptical family wrong, Kathy’s husband began researching invention companies and they decided to go with a hometown option.

“After contacting Davison and getting their input, we slowly got this idea off the ground. Of course, we didn’t know what to expect,” said Kathy.

Davison designers worked diligently with Kathy and her husband to develop Potty Paws, anti-microbial, paw-shaped mitts that easily slip on, then turn inside out and zip shut for mess-free waste disposal.

Eventually, the mitts were licensed by Hugs Pet Products, an innovative company devoted to enhancing the lives of pets and their owners by delivering cutting edge pet products.

It may not have happened overnight, but Kathy said she always believed in her idea and she had some advice for other inventors who may have doubts.

“I believe there is always room for a new product for the consumer to try.  You do need to be patient and be ready to put in the time and money.  There is no guarantee that your idea will be a great product, so be ready for anything,” said Kathy.

Sadly, Kathy’s husband passed away during their invention process, but she said she knows he would be thrilled with the finished product.

“I have had more communication with the Davison group than my late husband and they have kept me informed every step of the journey and have shown much kindness [over] the loss I have had… Seeing my product for sale is the reality of the dream we both had.  I would certainly do it again,” said Kathy.

Congratulations Kathy, the adorable product has been a “paws-itive” success!

The client has not realized a net profit on this product. A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

Whether you’re looking to quickly jot down an idea, find inspiration for new ideas or learn more about what’s happening in the invention world today — there’s an app for it!

We’ve scoured the app store to find must-have inventor apps.  Without question, our favorite is Davison’s Inventionland app, which, just like America’s largest invention factory, inspires creators to dream and pursue their ideas!

For your viewing pleasure, here are 10 more top invention apps:

Get Inspired

IDEO Method Cards — Developed by IDEO, a top product design and development firms, this app includes 51 cards that help inspire design and creativity.

FitMind Creative Thinking — Exercising your mind is simple with this app!  It includes multiple programs that simulate frequencies, allowing your mind to relax and engage in creative thinking.

Organize Your Ideas

Evernote — With this app, you can document your ideas by writing notes, snapping photos or recording voice memos.  Remembering your idea has never been easier!

Idea Sketch — Have a more complex idea?  This app allows you to diagram your idea by organizing your thoughts into a color-coded mind map, concept map or flow chart.

Sketch it Out

ZeptoPad — When words are just simply not enough, this app allows you to sketch out your invention idea by creating vector images.

EazyDraw — Complete with multiple drawing screens, drawing scales, English & metric units, CMKY and RGB colors, this app is a great tool for sketching out a vector visualization of your idea.

Educate Yourself

Famous Inventions and Patents — Learn about the inventions that changed the world!  This app includes full text descriptions and technical drawings of some of history’s most important inventions.

Inventions News — Keep up to date with the latest invention-related news, videos, articles and columns.

Inventors Handbook — This app is perfect for any inventor who has a brilliant idea, but doesn’t know what to do next.

Patent Legal Coach — Learn everything you need to know about applying for a patent.  This app guides users through every step of the patent process – from search, drawings and claims to written description.

Next time you’re searching for fresh apps, don’t forget that creativity and innovation are only a finger click away!

Deb’s heart ached for her beloved, canine companion, Sadie, who was aging and suffering with arthritis. Sadie, who had been a faithful friend for many years, was becoming more and more uncomfortable, and Deb tried “everything under the sun” to ease the pain in her limbs. She even tried putting zippered plastic bags of warm water in the dog bed, but the only result was a wet bed.

Deb realized that what she needed for Sadie was a more comfortable bed to help cushion her joints. She couldn’t find one in the stores, so she decided to create one herself. She found Davison on the Internet and sent in her idea. Our design team went right to work and developed the concept, while making some modifications to make it more marketable.

Living in Wyoming, which can get brutally hot in the summer, the inventor saw the benefits of the product having a raised bed and mesh cot, which would help pets stay cool and comfortable.

“There’s not a lot you can do for a dog with a thick coat; they get very hot and sticky,” said Deb, who also has a furry Australian Shepherd / Border Collie named Duke. “When Davison told me about the modifications on the product, I went with it because they were for the better.”

The team also designed the Cool Cot to be lightweight, portable, washable, easy to assemble and compact to store. It can even be staked to the ground for added stability, which gave it an extra advantage in the marketplace.

Being transferred to the Licensing Department “was very exciting,” and getting to that stage felt like an accomplishment, said Deb. It didn’t happen overnight, but she was “thrilled” when her idea was licensed by Hugs Pet Products; at the same time, however, she tried not to get her hopes up too high.

“The day I got the call to speak to the Vice President of Licensing, I was excited at first, then I thought, ‘Wait a minute, don’t get your hopes up,’” she recalled. “When I got off the phone I was really excited; I told my husband right then. I was happy about it and kind of giggled about it. When I got the agreement in the mail, that made it hit home.”

What made it even more real was receiving her first check from the sale of her invention.

“Getting my first royalty check was amazing; it was very exciting. That’s when everything really hit home.”

Check Part 2 of this story about our client, Deb, and her pet-friendly invention!

A typical project does not get a royalty agreement, sell in stores or generate a profit.

The 2011 Riverview Relay for Life in Oakmont, PA was an overwhelming success, in part because of the sponsorship of Davison and the creative contributions from our “Dare to Invent” team. The largest fundraiser in the world, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, gives everyone a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer and remember loved ones lost, while fighting for a cure.

Young “Relayers” were continually visiting the “Dare to Invent” site (#54) to test their skills at a Nerf dart shooting game and an Einstein “brain bag” toss game. Kids who got a bullseye or got the “brains” inside Einstein’s head (making a lightbulb light up) got to pick out a toy (the movie star sunglasses were a hit!). They also had fun coloring and putting together models of T-Rex, pterodactyl and stegosauras from cardboard pop-out kits. The activities were created by Davison’s Corporate Creative Coach, Jonathon, and Trevor, package design engineer, with assistance from designers, Tess and Bev.

Everyone put in a lot of time, and laps around the track, especially a few employees, who stayed at the park the entire 24 hours! They even stuck it out through a downpour and thunderstorm during the night!

“The team pulled through and we did a great job for first-timers. It only rained hard for a couple hours, and my tent and canopy are very water proof,” said Jonathon. “We’ve got bigger and better plans for next year and hope to triple the size of our team and activities.”

In addition to the company’s sponsorship, the Davison team raised money by charging 25 cents to play the games or 50 cents to build a dinosaur, as well as raffling off two baskets of Davison products and a stack of Inventionland books.

In addition to the company’s sponsorship and employee donations, the team raised money through the games and the raffling off of Davison products and a stack of Inventionland books. Several team members also purchased luminaries to honor loved ones who have battled cancer. During the moving ceremony, glowing luminaries marked with the names of individuals who have battled cancer lined the track and were placed on the bleachers to convey “HOPE.” The many names were read aloud as the images of survivors and those who lost their battle were shown, followed by a moment of silence.

The Riverview Relay had a goal of raising at least $103,000 to reach a total of $1 million in its 11th year. However, during the final count on Sunday morning, they were about $6,000 short of their goal – but, at the last minute someone came out with an anonymous $10,000 check! “Overall the event raised $106,014, which is absolutely incredible!” reported the captain. “It was really touching and sort of like what you see in movies,” added Emily, a team member. “Overall, it was a great time, and hopefully next year will be even bigger.”

That is certain, as Jonathon, who has been busy delivering the prizes to raffle winners, is already making ambitious plans for the 2012 Relay.

Hint — it’s going to involve a lot more Nerf guns, targets and dinosaurs — and even more fun!

What walks down stairs, alone or in pairs, makes a slinkity sound – and has made millions of dollars since it was invented in 1945?  The slinky, and other must-have toys and gadgets may be inexpensive to purchase, but continue to make their creators millions!  Today, we delve into our childhoods to explore the stories of 5 top toys that all started…with an idea!

The Slinky- Engineer Richard James and his wife, Betty, borrowed $500 to start production of this spiral-coiled success – which came from an idea Richard had aboard a World War II Naval ship, when a spring fell onto the floor and flip-flopped around, amusing him.  The James’ perfected the long, steel ribbon and Richard designed the machine that manufactured the 80-foot Slinky himself.  Although it took some persuading to get the Philadelphia department store, Gimbels, to market the toy – it sold out in 90 minutes!  Today, nearly 300-million Slinkys have sold…and, at $3.99 each, those sales add up…fast!

Pet Rock– Advertising executive Gary Dahl is the mastermind behind the $3.95 smiley-faced rock that made millions!  According to Dahl, the “pets” were created as a replacement for the hassle, mess and money of more-conventional pets, like cats and dogs.  His packaging even included a training manual with instructions on how to take care of, train and command the rocks!  Estimates show Dahl sold over 5 million pets in a six-month time period.

Koosh Balls– Originally invented to help his own children learn how to catch, engineer Scott Stillinger tied rubber bands together to make a soft ball that wouldn’t hurt their hands.  The name came from the “koosh” sound the ball made when it hit the ground.  Evolving from rubber bands, OddzOn, Stillinger’s company, says there are approximately 5,000 fibers that go into one ball!  The Koosh line included about 50 products in all, some of which are still on the market for only a few bucks!

Antenna Balls- While Jason Wall has “had a ball” with his invention, he has Jack to thank.  When Wall found out Jack in the Box had sold millions of “Jack” antenna balls, he got busy designing his own novelty creations.  Whether in the form of happy faces, cowgirls or sports logos, you’ve probably seen Wall’s designs as you’ve been out traveling.  With million-dollar sales since 1999, you may already have one on your own car!  If not, you can pick one up for about 4 bucks at your local gas station or convenience store!

Silly Bandz– A new trend for children of all ages, Robert Croak, the ingenious creator  of Silly Bandz, got his idea while on a Japanese business trip in 2002.  There, silicone bands were used as a more environmental-friendly option for rubber bands.  Croak, and his employer, BCP imports, transformed the office supplies into fashion must-haves by adding tons of shapes and colors.  First hitting the internet in 2008, Silly Bandz are now sold at over 8,000 locations nation-wide.  At around a couple bucks per pack, Croak says he’s shipping out millions of the bandz each week!  What’s even better – he’s selling them with NO advertising!  The buzz for the bandz is all on-line, and on the playground, of course!

So, whether these popular gadgets slink down the stairs, “koosh” against the ground or do nothing at all – they’re sure to bring a lot of fun to children of all ages – and a lot of “fun” money to their inventors!

The Senate has deemed it so! In a unanimous May 3, 2011 vote, the U.S. Senate approved an immediate resolution that made May – National Inventors Month! Similar to many inventions, the month-long celebration actually began as one idea, was improved upon and turned into another!

Previously, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the inventing community and the general public had accepted and celebrated August as National Inventors Month. With Senate approval, the move to May allows for greater inventor recognition in schools and more opportunities to inspire and celebrate innovation across the nation! In honor of this creative month, we did some digging and found some fun trivia about some very familiar inventions!

Did you know:

- The British inventor of the World Wide Web never patented his technology, because he was afraid it would become too expensive to use and the Web would never go world-wide!

- The formula for Coca-Cola has never been patented! Only selected company employees know the secret recipe!

- The grocery store owner who invented the shopping cart hired fake shoppers to push the invention around his store, because his customers didn’t want to give up their baskets!

- Long before the iPhone and iPad, the first Apple computer was born in Steve Jobs’ parents’ garage and Jobs had to sell his car to raise funds for his first commercial order!

- Parker Brothers execs initially passed on the Monopoly game because it took too long to play; but, the company president got his hands on a copy, stayed up until 1 a.m. to play it one night and he was hooked! The rest is history!

“The things that make America great are the things we invent. The strength of this nation was formed by idea people and inventors who had the freedom to dream big and create new things.” So begins the new video, “Davison, Making Ideas,” which captures the timeless power of inventing and shows how that spirit is championed by the Davison Inventing Method. We are posting this video as a tribute and an inspiration to idea people everywhere.

“I believe we must believe in a better future, and you start that off by fueling the human spirit,” said George Davison, founder and CEO. “We have spent many years climbing the ladder in this business, and I’m very proud of our team putting together such an inspirational message in this new video. It pays respect to some of our greatest mentors of the past, and transitions us to believe in ourselves and a better future. It’s wonderful when you create something to inspire others. Great work team.”

Listeners of Blog Talk Radio got some great insight and advice from Mr. Davison when he was interviewed for an episode of Inventor’s Showcase. He was joined by Angel Bush, host of Your 15 Minutes Radio, along with guest host Jennifer Cannon, an inventor and entrepreneur. In the half-hour interview, Mr. Davison offers a wealth of great information for inventors. He explains how he developed the Davison Inventing Method and talks about everything from creativity to patenting to development to marketing, and some of the pitfalls inventors should avoid along the way.

“I was glad to offer what I’ve learned to their radio audience,” said Mr. Davison. “I’m proud of all the failures I’ve had over the years, because they’ve taught me many of the things not to do when working on inventions and innovation. If I can help other innovators like myself to achieve more, then I’ve met one of my personal life goals.”

Take a listen to the informative interview:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.