PENCIL AND PAPER

Sketching, detailing, or just taking notes…nothing beats a pencil and paper when you’re first starting out. Any kind of creator, not just inventors, can testify to the usefulness of a blank notebook. Some may even argue that it’s one of the fundamentals of creativity. We do recommend using a pencil rather than a pen, as the eraser allows one to change or remove elements on the fly. However, if you prefer using a pen, do so! Just make sure the paper is thick enough so the ink won’t bleed to the other side, especially if you’re using both front and back.

US PATENT OFFICE WEBSITE

Sometimes you think you have a winning idea only to find out somebody else has come up with it. Thankfully, the US Patent & Trademark Office documents on its website all inventions. When in doubt, you can search to see if your invention idea has already been the subject of a patent registered. Alternatively, you could use it as a cross-reference for your own creation to see what features or elements may benefit it and help it stand out from competitors. Visiting the office works just as well if you have the opportunity and time to do so.

BACKGROUND ON THE IDEA

What inspired you to make this invention? What purpose does it serve? How will it make life easier? These questions and more will be asked by investors. What many do not realize is that having a stellar invention is only half the battle. Being passionate and willing to work on improving and perfecting it can make the difference for potential investors. Enthusiasm is contagious and has a solid background for your device helps build said enthusiasm. In times of discouragement, it will also serve as a good reminder of why you started the project in the first place. As the only non-tangible fundamental on this list, you might want to consider writing down the background information to have on hand, just in case.

PROTOTYPES (BOTH HANDMADE AND PRODUCED)

Whether you made your prototype yourself or had help from another source, bringing it along will give investors a better idea of what your invention is capable of. If you’re still brainstorming, it might be worth making a very simplistic prototype or model just to have another perspective. Seeing it in person is a far cry from seeing it on a piece of paper, after all. Don’t be ashamed if you’re prototype isn’t perfect, either. After all, it’s only a first draft. Nobody expects perfection on the first try! (For more information on this fundamental, please see our other articles about prototyping.)

GRAPH PAPER

This is probably the most forgotten element of a successful brainstorming session. While blank printer paper or lined notebook paper works well, the clear-cut lines of graph paper have their own advantages. The grid layout makes it ideal for working on an almost pixel-by-pixel basis and allow for pinpoint precision. It also helps with estimating dimensions of a finished product. While this fundamental is left out, it is for a good reason: this is easily the most subjective material on this list. Rounder objects and digital inventions are less likely to benefit from graph paper.

Now that you have a clear understanding of the tools you will need in order to move forward with a product idea, let’s get to work! Your first assignment is completing our inventor quiz!  Get to know who you are as an inventor, as well as, what will keep you motivated during the product development phase.

By the way, stay tuned for Part Two of Fundamentals: Prototyping!

The post Inventing Fundamentals, Part 1: The Building Blocks appeared first on Davison.

Ideally, you should have a finished version of your product. A prototype could work in a pinch, but only if you’re looking to attract investors. The average consumer wants to see products complete and ready to be shipped as soon as they pay for it. Investors also appreciate a finished item but may still show interest in a promising prototype. In short, the state of your product is important.

On the other hand, some inventors use social media right from the start, showcasing the entire process. Even if all they have is a basic idea, they’ll create accounts promoting their product and highlighting its development. This transparency and trust in the consumer could be seen as a plus to some. It also ensures a dedicated fanbase once you begin production or a fundraising campaign, giving you comfort in predicting its reception. Of course, this is all dependent on if the product gains any attention.

If you’re already partnered with an investor or company, make sure to double-check your agreements before beginning any social media campaigns. There may be certain stipulations or clauses in your contract that prevent you from advertising your product yourself and instead require you to rely on the company for promotion. For those who are looking for a partner, read the fine print carefully and always ask if you’re not sure.

Even if “when should I advertise” is established, the questions of “how, where, and who” remain. How do I go about promoting my product? Where should I advertise (what site should I use)? Who should I set as my target demographic? Unfortunately, these are even more specific questions that are extremely dependent on your actual product. It may be useful to find demographics for various social media sites and use that as a starting point. If the initial campaign succeeds, you can branch out to other websites and apps.

No matter which site you end up using, remember to remain professional. Social Media users can give all sorts of feedback, so be prepared. It’s also important that you interact with users that interested in your product. If a customer asks a question through a Facebook comment, answer it. Being approachable and candid about your product will be a huge draw to those who value transparency.

One final note: even if you launch your social media campaign at the exact right point, are professional and honest, and use the features of the website to your advantage, it’s still not a guarantee of success. Various algorithms and sponsored advertisements may result in your campaign being pushed to the side and garnering little traffic. If this happens, don’t be discouraged! It’s not a mark on your product or how you handled the situation; rather, it reflects the current state of the advertising market.

If you have a new product idea contact the team at Davison to learn all about our 9-Step Process! Click HERE or on the button below.

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WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

You may be thinking that your invention idea is enough to sell on its own even without sketches. It’s unlikely, and it just makes every subsequent step harder. Additionally, sketching has far more benefits beyond being a visual aid to help you tell your story. Sketching is an excellent brainstorming activity and can help you further visualize ideas you may already have. It’s cheap and effective, even when it’s not enormously detailed. Remember: sketches are not drawings. They’re simple, with minimal detail.  You don’t need color or multiple pens and pencils. It’s just the basic concept laid out in visual form.

Having sketches of your work also makes it easier to communicate. Some concepts are difficult to get across verbally. Having an image as a supplement makes communication less of a chore. It also aids in collaboration, as colleagues can actively see and comment on your project. People may interpret your words differently, but a sketch is more universal. It also allows for faster iterations and changes, even if you have an existing prototype. That’s another thing to keep in mind: sketching isn’t prototyping. Prototypes take time, money, and effort. Sketches require far fewer resources.

HOW TO IMPROVE

The most common piece of advice you’ll hear for any skill is “practice, practice, practice.” And it’s true: the more you work at a skill, the more you’ll improve. Painter Bob Ross once said, “Talent is a pursued interest. In other words, anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” Therefore, if you want to make better sketches, make as many as you can. Sketch whenever you have a free moment. Doodle in the margins of your notebook. Scribble on a napkin at a restaurant.

That being said, there are a few more specific tips we can give you. First, be messy. You’re not creating a masterpiece. It’s okay if there are overlapping lines or eraser marks. Taking field notes may also prove useful, depending on what sort of invention you’re working on. Consider practicing making pen sketches: it’ll prove useful if you’re ever without a pencil when inspiration strikes.

One common recommendation for artistic sketchers is to try precision, i.e. inventive, sketching. Using a different skill set broadens your options and gives you more freedom and experience. The same is true in reverse. Try recreating a garden scene or a loved one’s face in your sketchbook. It may not be the most flattering likeness, but it’s still practice.

If you’re especially passionate about polishing your sketches, you might want to consider taking a class in sketching. Plenty of art and business schools offer courses in inventive or production sketching. Websites like Skillshare also host seminars on the topic. This is a great step if you want your sketches to be above and beyond in quality.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The value of a good sketch can’t be overstated. It’s invigorating, helpful, and even fun. Having a unique, useful idea will always be the most important factor, but coupled with visuals, it becomes something more. It makes the product feel real long before the prototype phase. Sketching is a skill any good inventor- any good creative type, really- should consider having.

Many people struggle to draw a stick figure, but if you can get it down on paper it will be easier to talk about. If you have the time and you have several ideas a class might be a great place to start. Not everyone can be Bob Ross, but everyone can have an idea. Find out what kind of inventor you are today by taking our inventor quiz!

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NOTE: While this is a general guide to follow, there are quirks and minor details not covered below. It’s also important to know what the umbrella term of “intellectual property” means, as it can refer to copyrights, trademarks, and patents, or any combination of the three. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, “intellectual property” is defined as “creations of the mind: inventions; literary and artistic works; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.”

TRADEMARK

A trademark protects a symbol, word, slogan, design, name, and/or image that identifies the source of goods or services. For example, the smiling face logo of Wal-Mart is trademarked, as is the slogan “Save Money, Live Better.” Owning the trademark is basically a notice of ownership that the public can see. Registered trademarks are the ones that can use the ® symbol to defend their work.

If you own a trademark and see somebody using it without permission, you can sue for infringement. However, this only applies to the country you’ve registered the trademark in- if it hasn’t been registered there, your legal rights are much less powerful. A trademark is valid for an unlimited amount of time, as long as it is used in commerce, but must be renewed every 10 years or it lapses.

Of additional note is the term “service mark.” This is for the slogans, symbols, logos, and words associated with a service, not a place to purchase goods. Ronald McDonald and other icons associated with McDonald’s are protected under service mark.

PATENTS

Patents are for inventors and designers. Machines, chemical combinations, specific processes, or even the design of a product can be patented. Unlike trademarks and copyrights, it cannot be renewed. When the twenty-year patent term expires, the item in question becomes part of the public domain. However, during that time, the owner has the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention.

While many items that are patented remain under the protection of their creator, others may choose to sell them to companies and enjoy royalties from the sales. The company takes over the ownership of the item and most of the sales, while the inventor gets a base sum after selling the item and small payments with each purchase of the product.

Patents and trademarks are both served out of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, at least in America. There are also three types of patents you can apply for: a design patent, a plant patent, and a utility patent. Each variety has its own paperwork and system to filing.

COPYRIGHTS

This applies to the work of many creative types.  Copyrights are automatically granted upon creation of an original work. Artists, choreographers, musicians, authors, architects, and other creative professionals also can register a copyright for their work. However, the work must be in a tangible state; it’s impossible to copyright just an idea. Some copyrights are part of a larger trademark. For example, the video game Overwatch and its logo are trademarked to Blizzard, but the mascot character of Tracer is copywritten.

Also, much like a trademark, a copyright is a public notice of ownership. It’s legal evidence that can be used to sue those who infringe upon your work, so long as the paperwork is in order. A copyright never has to be renewed and is valid for life various terms, depending on whether or not the work is for hire. If not for hire, the current copyright duration is for the life of the creator, plus 70 years.

Within the United States, the Copyright Office is part of the Library of Congress. Most copyrighted works are subject to the Fair Use doctrine, or how said products can be used without permission in the public domain. Parodying a song or showcasing footage of a video game in a review is allowed under Fair Use. Uploading an entire movie to YouTube for others to watch for free, on the other hand, is not. This has been the source of some controversy lately as the definition of Fair Use evolves and shifts.

Again, this guide is by no means all-encompassing. There are many details that weren’t covered in the above descriptions and you should not consider this legal advice. Nevertheless, hopefully, you understand the basic differences between ©, ®, and now and what types of protection are available.

Now that you were able to learn about trademarks, copyright, and patents you hopefully have a better understanding of where to head next on your inventors’ journey.  Not sure about what steps to take next? Check out our inventor quiz to help you learn what kind of inventor you are!

The post Copyright, Patent, and Trademark: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Davison.

THE INTERNET

Granted, it’s somewhat difficult to patent a concept like the internet, but Sir Tim Berners-Lee made a conscious decision not to accept royalties. He believed the World Wide Web should be freely available to the masses, leading him to never seek a patent on the website he first launched in 1991. In fact, a major contributing factor to why he won the 2004 Millenium Technology Prize was because he recognized how much his creation would contribute to humanity. When accepting his award, he insists the internet never would have succeeded if he charged for his invention: “If I had tried to demand fees…there would be no World Wide Web. There would be lots of small webs.”

THE COMPUTER MOUSE

The computer mouse was patented, at least for a short while. Douglas Engelbart first invented the mouse in 1963, but the patent expired in 1987, just before it would explode in popularity in the mainstream. He never sought out royalties, however, and passed away in 2013. Still, his invention is one that we continue to use daily. Fun fact: the first mouse was carved out of wood and only had one button…because that’s all there was room for.

EMOTICONS

The very first smiley, as they were once called, was designed by American artist Harvey Ball. His task was to design an image to boost morale at an insurance company in 1963, but it quickly spread outside of the office. Ball declined to register a copyright and was paid only $45 for the original design. Of course, emoticons and smileys would eventually evolve into emojis, a movement in their own right. According to Wikipedia, Ball’s smiley has three unique features: “Narrow oval eyes (with the right slightly larger than the one on the left), a bright sunny yellow color, and a mouth that is not a perfect arc.” When Ball died in 2001, the land owned by his family was purchased by the city of Worcester, MA and the “Harvey Ball Conservation Area” was created with the aptly named “Smiley Face Trail.”

THE KARAOKE MACHINE

We have Daisuke Inoue to thank for the staple of Japanese bars and teenage sleepovers the world over. His invention, the karaoke machine, is one of the most accessible and recognizable pieces of technology available to people of all incomes. But he never patented it, leading him to never benefit from the sales globe-wide- or the slew of cheap imitators and knockoffs. The word karaoke, in case you were wondering, actually means “empty orchestra” and the most popular song requested by budding singers is “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.

THE ASSAULT RIFLE

Whether you agree with the existence of AK-47s or not, you must acknowledge their importance in history. In 1947, Mikhail Kalashnikov invented the weapon and it went into production. The original manufacturer for the gun has the patent, however, not Kalashnikov. He claims he created it for the good of his country and wanted no profit off it. Kalashnikov, who died in 2013, was also a lifelong poet and author of six books.

TETRIS

Strictly speaking, Tetris was patented- but the rights were owned by the Soviet Union. Alexey Pajitnov didn’t see any royalties until 1996 when he and Henk Rogers formed The Tetris Company. The name Tetris is a combination of the German prefix tetra- (which means four) and Patijnov’s favorite sport, tennis. In 1993, Tetris became the first video game in space when a Russian cosmonaut brought his Gameboy and Tetris game on a mission to the space station Mir.

MATCHES

Much like with Berners-Lee, chemist John Walker wanted to ensure his idea was free to the masses. His invention? The matchstick–able to create and transport fire with ease, even without a candle or other source nearby. The exact date of creation has been lost, but we know it to be sometime in the 1820s. In the 1970s, Walker’s hometown of Stockton-on-Tees attempted to commemorate him with a statute. Twenty years later, it was realized that the statute actually matched the likeness of a different man whose name was also John Walker and who happened to look similar to the town hero. The mistake was realized after consulting with the National Portrait Gallery and the statue was removed.

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES

In 1975, Cesar Milstein was given the chance to patent his medical breakthrough after being approached by Tony Vickers. Milstein agreed, but the National Research Development Corporation failed to file the patent due to being unable to “identify any immediate application.”  Today, six out of the ten best selling modern drugs are monoclonal antibodies. Milstein and his partner, Georges Kohler, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1984 for their discovery.

MAGNETIC STRIP

We have Ron Klein to thank for the modern credit card. Before his creation, stores had to check numbers manually. Klein took the tape from reel-to-reels, created a scanner to read it, then affixed it to a plastic card. While he never patented the tech, his story was a successful one: his hundreds of other inventions have kept him rolling in royalties and is commonly known as “the grandfather of possibilities.”

FIDGET SPINNERS

Another case of “was patented, it lapsed, and then it exploded.” Catherine Hettinger first created the toy/fad but had to let her patent lapse when she couldn’t afford the $400 fee. Then, just last year, it became the hottest new meme and cheap rip-offs (and expensive luxury versions) were sold everywhere. A pity, because fidget spinners (when they’re of a decent quality) are fairly therapeutic. As a matter of fact, as smaller manufacturers began making fidget spinners, they were used as a tool for kids who struggle with behavioral issues such as ADHD, autism, and anxiety.

Should you seek out a patent for your idea? Maybe. But don’t be deterred if you can’t. After all, plenty of other ideas haven’t been, and they’ve survived just fine.

The post Inventions That Are (Surprisingly) Not Patented appeared first on Davison.

Creativity – the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

Persistence – firm or obstinate continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.

By tapping into our inner creativity, we enable ourselves to brainstorm and think of original ideas. Is there a problem you’ve wanted to solve? Can you think of a better way to do something? Once we channel our inner creativity and think of an idea, it then comes down to persistence. Will you give up easily or decide it’s okay to fail your way forward? Do you believe enough in yourself and your idea to keep going?

The lesson is to keep believing in yourself and your idea! We know it’s possible to turn ideas into reality and create “a better way” for two reasons. Our professional team at Davison works with real idea people every day to help move their invention ideas forward. Also, simply take a look back throughout the years to remember the many great inventors and innovators who’ve done it before us. Use their powerful words to motivate the inventor and innovator within yourself.

“Nearly every man who develops an idea works it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then he gets discouraged. That’s not the place to become discouraged.”

– Thomas Edison

“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success.”

– Nikola Tesla

“The only true test of values, either of men or of things, is that of their ability to make the world a better place in which to live.”

– Henry Ford

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” 

– Benjamin Franklin

Have these Thursday thoughts inspired the inventor within you? Confidentially submit your idea today.

Copyright Davison, 2017

Images:

http://www.biography.com/people/thomas-edison-9284349

http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/almanac/hall_of_fame/henry_ford

http://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/almanac/hall_of_fame/benjamin_franklin

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It’s when we open our eyes and open our minds to the nature of improvement that innovation ignites.

For over 27 years, so many people have reached out to our professional team at Davison because they believed in their ideas. They are idea people. They are innovators. They are inventors.

These clients believed that they had found “a better way.” While some confidentially submitted ideas for completely new inventions, others submitted ideas for innovations that would improve a current way something is done. They were able to tune into their power of observation and open their minds to the possibility of improvement. In either case, these client stories are not unlike the story of our founder, Mr. George Davison. While they may have tried and failed and then tried again and failed again, it’s all a part of failing your way forward.

As we keep going after our ideas, new observations are realized. We learn to understand why it didn’t work the first time, the second time, the third time. However many times it takes is what’s necessary to make movement and progress. Just take it from one of Mr. Davison’s inspirational thought leaders:

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” – Thomas A. Edison

The lesson is to keep curious, keep observing and continue on the path to innovation. If you have an idea and want help on your invention journey, contact us today.

Copyright Davison, 2016

Media:

http://inventors.about.com/od/famousinventors/fl/Failed-Inventions-of-Thomas-Alva-Edison.htm

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Inventing is not an easy process. It takes motivation and dedication to move your invention forward. Founder George Davison has identified three key fundamentals of inventing. Let these ideals motivate you to push forward towards your goals.

A desire to do good by improving things.

In a previous blog post, we talked about the importance of desire when pursuing an idea, which noted:

In the invention industry, desire is what sparks the fire; it’s what helps a person persevere despite the ups and downs of the process…

Desire is fueled by your ‘why?’… For our founder, George Davison, his ‘why’ was fueled by failure and his story of passion and desire has become a great example of how to fail your way forward.

Why do you think your idea is better and what goodness will it bring into our world? It takes desire to begin answering these questions. Until you’ve found that inner spark that fuels you to open up and be creative, it will be hard to latch onto the desire that’s necessary to accomplish great things. When the desires change and we ask ourselves for something better or for something more, our minds open up and we start to look for new solutions.

Use your observational skills to identify improvement opportunities that mean something to you.

Every invention started somewhere. You’ll find that when you give your mind permission to seek innovation and improvement, a world of different opportunities will start to present itself to you. Some of us may seek improvements that we encounter in the world around us, while others will go into deep science seeking understanding that will one day provide insight for inventors in the future to invent their creations.

Start innovating.

How to start innovating begins with the environment around you. We are big believers in creating inspirational environments around our inventors. When you are immersed with a positive can-do spirit, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

One of the first things about innovation and invention is creating an environment for yourself that enables mental openness to allow you to think of a better way to do something.

“I have fundamentally altered innovation labs, R&D labs, college makerspaces, high school makerspaces and more for people, just trying to set the stage for a creative mindset to take root,” said Mr. Davison.

The professional team at Davison is here to help guide you through the inventing process, just like they’ve done with so many other Davison clients who dared to invent.

Get started today by confidentially submitting your invention idea!

Copyright Davison, 2016

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“Fail your way forward.” This may be some of the greatest advice Davison founder and CEO Mr. George Davison has for any inventor. This advice is something he has learned and followed himself during his almost thirty years of inventing.

Flash back to 1987. “In 1987, I could only dream to be in dialogue with the manufacturer and the retailer all at the same time!” said Mr. Davison, who was determined to do just that – fail his way forward, develop a better way to invent, and establish the right relationships to get products to store shelves.

Fast forward to present day when just last week, Mr. Davison joined our friends from Inventionland and Jokari/US, Inc. at The Container Store’s new Pittsburgh location for an exclusive, invite-only preview party held before the actual grand opening of the store!

“There I was with Jokari and buyers from The Container Store, walking the floor!” said Mr. Davison realizing this unique opportunity that only presents itself after building years of industry relationships.

It’s these industry relationships and insider knowledge that bring value to the services provided by Davison to clients every day so that – just like Mr. Davison – our clients, too, have a better chance at finding success on their inventing journeys.

At The Container Store preview, there was much excitement after seeing client Jennifer’s Hanger Pockets on store shelves in The Container Store’s own private label packaging!

It’s another solid story of success for client Jennifer who, you may recall, earlier this year had her invention packaged under Jokari’s Paula Deen Everyday Collection!

Here’s to great inventors having their dreams come true at The Container Store!

Copyright Davison, 2016

The typical project is not licensed, sold in stores or profitable.

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Every day, we are faced with a multitude of decisions. From the simplest, like what shoes you’ll wear that day, to the more difficult decisions, like deciding if today is the day that you’ll take the steps to chase after your dreams. As the clock ticks on, we are constantly uncovering answers to questions.

Deciding if you want to pursue your dreams isn’t an easy decision to make. There are a myriad of emotions that come rushing through, like uncertainty and anxiousness in not knowing what to expect when making this type of decision.

Though this can seem overwhelming and perhaps make you hesitant to take a chance, one thing that may be more plaguing is the feeling of regret – the regret of not knowing whether or not you could have succeeded.

Though failure could be the outcome, we’ve been taught time and time again that failure is a learning experience and our very own founder and CEO George Davison can attest to the notion of failing your way forward.

So, when idea people make the decision to pursue their dreams and choose Davison to join them on their journey, it’s always motivating to receive their feedback once they’ve reviewed their Pre-Development Portfolios.

We value client feedback because it gives a well-rounded understanding of how we can improve our inventing method in order to help idea people everywhere potentially make their dreams a reality.

Here are just a few examples of the recent feedback we’ve received from our clients:

“I was blown out of the water by it.” – Tommie T.

“Truly amazed at all the research and how well thought out the Portfolio is…Thank you.” – Zina S.

“I would not know how to move forward without it.” – Daisy P.

“It was easy to understand and answered my questions on the process.” – Michael P.

If you’re ready to make your inventing dream a reality, submit your invention idea today!

Copyright Davison, 2016

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