August 2023
Inventors now have a new way to advertise their inventions. Craig Whitcomb told us about his new creation, Remarkable Venture.
Mr. Whitcomb recommends that an inventor build the value of his invention by moving through 11 steps.
1) Start by identifying a problem worth solving: relevant to the customers you want, solvable, and marketable.
2) Invent a rough draft of a solution to that problem, a proof of concept showing that a final solution is feasible.
3) Find out if someone else already marketed your solution. Search sites, such as Amazon.com or the Internet Archive, for products similar to your solution/invention.
4) Find out if someone else already patented your invention. Search sites, such as Patent Public Search or Free Patents Online, for claims that define inventions similar to yours.
5) Based on what your searches find, adapt and finalize your invention.
6) Create a working prototype of your invention to show that your invention is practical.
7) Create a sell sheet or video of your invention and a sales pitch to help persuade others of the value of your invention.
8) Identify an attorney who can help with negotiations and licensing of your invention.
9) Create a listing of your invention on the Remarkable Venture site.
This is an opportunity to build connections with potential licensees, investors, and business partners and with other inventors. A listing identifies both the problem an invention solves and benefits of the solution without necessarily describing the particular solution, thereby protecting an inventor’s right to seek patent protection for his invention. Each lister is encouraged to identify and invite those of interest to view his listing. The web site enables those interested in solving a particular problem to contact the lister. A nondisclosure agreement is included to facilitate communication.
10) Prepare and file a provisional patent application. Doing so shows others that you are willing to risk your resources to market your invention and encourages them to do the same. Doing so also lets you discuss details of your invention disclosed in the application while protecting your right to seek a patent.
11) Share a link to your listing with other inventors and with potential licensees. The web site provides a way for interested parties to contact the lister; subsequent communication occurs by other means.
Remarkable Venture has 4 levels of access. Free lets you contact listers and read reviews and blog posts. Paying a monthly fee gives you access to all information in a listing, to participating in group discussions, and to posting your own listing.
Thank you, Mr. Whitcomb, for sharing your helpful resource with us.