Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights
Ken Roddy, Registered U.S. Patent Agent
www.patentstuff.com Workshop - How to protect your idea in the early stages, and Everything you wanted to know about patents.(1/13/10)
Esther Crawford, Government Publications Department Head , Discussed the
Rice University Fondren Library Patent Depository Library services and other programs for inventors. (2/14/07)
Brian Carpenter of Texas A&M Library demonstrated how to do an on-line patent search using their new "Tip2"
(Texas Intellectual Property Partnership) facility.(4/28/04)
Sandeep "Sandy" Seth,
Susman Godfrey, LLP Intellectual Property Attorney specializing in litigation discussed "Patent Infringement Litigation""Patent Infringement Litigation", "Patent Claims", and "Designing Around". (5/14/08)
Government and Non-Profit Programs
How you can receive up to
40 hours of free technical assistance through
SATOP (the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program). This is an excellent resource and has helped many of our members and other inventors solve technical problems.(6/24/09)
Joe Decker of
U of H Small Business Development Center (UH SBDC) Free business consulting and affordable training seminars for entrepreneurs in the start-up mode as well as to experienced business owners who want to take their companies to the next level. (4/11/07)
Ann Pham of the
Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC).
TMAC Gulf Coast is affiliated with the University of Houston College of Technology.
TMAC Gulf Coast provides a broad array of resources, training, technical assistance, and other services to small and medium size companies in the greater Houston area that help increase profits,
streamline manufacturing processes, optimize operations, increase productivity, and integrate technology and equipment. (9/9/09)
Irwin Miller of
SCORE(Service Corp of Retired Executives)a nonprofit organization providing small business counseling and training. (9/11/02)
Houston Technology Center (HTC), A non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, is Houston's business accelerator and the largest technology business incubator in Texas. HTC accelerates the commercialization of emerging technology companies in Greater Houston by providing in-depth business guidance, access to capital and service providers, and entrepreneurial education. (2/28/07)
Special event- and Invention Tradeshow! - The HIA was joined by representatives from the U of H SBDC and other groups around the city that specialize in helping inventors with product development, intellectual property, design and production, funding and more. (8/8/07)
Scott Provost, Johnson Technical Support Group - SBIR and STTR government grant programs, technology transfer, available technologies and access to facilities and experts to assist the inventor with challenging technical issues, and seeking scientists and engineers. (5/28/03)
Linda Ravey discussed the new Texas A&M University
Technology Transfer and Commercialization Initiative
program to add value to entrepreneurial research and development endeavors for the express purpose of accelerating the right technologies to market.
Lucia Sevcik, of
HoustonRobotics.org and Regional Director of "FIRST"
Robotics Competition for Students
discussed this great program and showed local winners of the Lone Star Regional. (5/12/04)
Public Relations
"
How to Obtain News Coverage on an Invention" and "
Writing a Press Release, Developing a Press Kit and Contacting the Media" presented by
Emily Oberton, Communications Representative at Shell Deer Park. (2/27/08)
"How Public Relations Can Help Inventors", presented by Eydie Pengelly
Marketing Communications (4/27/05)
Mary Lynn Fernau, President of
The Fernau Group Public Relations and Marketing - How to identify your audience, determine
your message and get public exposure for your business, product or project. (11/13/02)
Laura Emerson of
Great Communications, Inc. - Marketing Your Invention as a Business to Investors. (9/25/02)
Manufacturing
Alan Wong with
Eastway Development Company of Hong Kong. China. Alan's company designs, develops, and manufactures electronic and plastic
industrial and consumer products according to clients' requirements, including wireless technology and research and development (both in hardware and software). (10/28/09)
"Manufacturing Techniques", presented by
Al Muller. Al discussed the various different tools and production processes in which products and prototypes can be made. (3/22/09)
"How Innovations Led To My Business" presented by
Marti Frost, President of
Frost Products Mfg., a plastics design and manufacturing company that makes a variety of products from crash test dummies, waste receptacles, planters, plastic lumber, benches, tables, bike racks and more. You want it, she'll make it. (7/27/05)
Dan Kaspar of
Kaspar Wire Works, Inc. Manufacturer of stock and custom products from wire, sheetmetal, and tubing.
Their product line includes baskets, fan guards, display stands, easels, food processing equipment, computer frames and stands, furniture components, and saddle rigging.
Kaspar Die & Tool offers design and machining services for forming, stamping, progressive, coil-feed and other high-volume production tooling for metal, plastic, leather, and cloth manufacturers. (10/23/02)
"Overseas product development and importing" -
Hilmar Lassberg, of Consumer Direct Marketing. (6/11/08)
Nightingale Industries, a company that employs handicapped workers
to provide product assembly, packaging, labeling, mailing, and many
other services related to production and sales. (4/24/02)
"Packaging For Your Product" - presented by Mich Samuels of
Victory Packaging. (5/9/01)
Product Design and Development
"Toy Design and Marketing", presented by David Ayers.
Ayers Concepts (5/13/08)
Mike Gillespie of
Brite Ideas discussed
Product Design, Graphics, and Invention Development(4/08/09)
www.protostarengineering.com - "Turning Bright Ideas Into Winning Products",
Grant Schaffner, PhD, discussed the wide range of their engineering services, their philosophy, and how they do business, and their involvement with the US Bobsled and Skeleton Federation and the US Olympic Committee.
They also assist with brainstorming and problem solving - medical devices, aerospace, human performance, and consumer products. (7/23/08)
Art Schulze, of Wharton, TX, President of
Healthcare Technology Group discussed product design, planning, market-acceptance surveys, technology forecasting, product feasibility analyses, start-up management, technology-transfer support, and commercialization planning,
and also the new
20th Century Technology Museum that exhibits technological developments of the 20th century.
Product Design and Packaging, presented by
Rajan Sedalia, Industrial Designer, Illustrator and Inventor
www.artjar.com. (6/9/04)
"New Product Design", presented by Milton Rosenau, of Rosenau Consulting Company. (6/12/02)
"Product Safety for Inventors", Workshop presented by Al Muller. (3/28/01)
Wayne Luciano of
Acumen Design Studio - Consumer product design and development company. Product design, packaging, advertising and presentation to major consumer product companies. (11/20/02)
Logos and Graphic Design - presented by Kate Warren of
In Print FotoDesign (5/8/02)
Don Eikermann, of
HALO Branded Solutions, discussed advertising premium
and promotional products. His company is the largest of its kind in the US. (6/27/01)
"How to Price Your Product", presented by Brian Shannon. (7/11/01)
"Marketing and Product Packaging", presented by Zed Daniels of Advertising Advantage. (3/23/05)
Webpage Design and Internet
Houston optometrists Dr. Guy Hodgson and Dr. Dhavid Cooper of
FramesDirect.com, a global leader in online eyeglass sales, discussed their patented new online FrameFinder Virtual Try-On System for "trying on" eyeglasses that gives users a true view of what they look like wearing glasses they've personally selected, and it's all done from the convenience of their home or work computer. (10/26/05)
"
Website Design and Search Engines" - Getting your site found on the Internet. Presented by JJ Lassberg of
True Light Resources. (7/12/06)
"Web Marketing Fundamentals", Presented by
Ed Schipul www.schipul.com,creator of the "Tendenci" software tool for maximizing Internet marketing. (2/23/05)
Media and Videos
Chris Nocera, Lone Star Emmy award winning producer of the Great Day Houston Show with Deborah Duncan on KHOU-TV, and Executive Producer of
Oceanside Video Productions
discussed new product marketing videos, web videos, TV commercials, and Internet marketing. (11/11/09)
Sherry Carter of
Star Video Digital Productions a Hollywood-trained producer with over 15 years of experience.
spoke about How to effectively use video for product marketing, and offered tips and tricks to give "Do It Yourself" video projects a more professional look. (8/26/09)
"How to Make a TV Commercial", presented by Bode Higgs, noted independent producer of television commercials. (3/12/03)
Licensing
"Licensing and Commercialization of Your Product", presented by Dan Altman of
Venture Assistance.(9/10/08)
"Licensing Your Product" Presented by
Yve Golan of
WorldInnova.com - Her company invests in, develops, and licenses new products. If accepted, they pay for filing the patent application, building a prototype, and conducting market research necessary to license the product, and take a percentage of the royalties if they secure a licensing arrangement. (8/27/08)
Marketing
Elliott Brackett of Exceptional Products, Inc. (EPI),
www.sellontv.com a direct response television marketer and distributor based in Dallas discussed how they market products on television through long and short form commercials ("infomercials") as well as on QVC, HSN and national retailers.
They are always looking for new, innovative mass market products. (9/23/09)
William C. McHenry, of
www.Entrepreneursales.com. Entrepreneur Services provides resources that aren't readily available to inventors and entrepreneurs: Sales, Marketing, Design, Product Development, and Business services. (7/8/09)
Mary Frances Blatchley, CEO of
ForBri Marketing and Design, recently merged with
The Method Agency spoke about marketing, interactive
strategies and social media marketing and how they have been helping clients build strong brands with beautifully executed, award-winning solutions for 20 years. She is Marketing Chair of Houston Interactive Marketing Association, and a member of the American Advertising Federation. (2/11/09)
"How to Sell Your Invention", presented by
Sylvia Harris of
Sandler Training. (10/8/08)
Bryan Daigle, President and Founder of
IdeaTango.com discussed his social networking site specifically created to help inventors be more successful. The website provides inventors with interactive, collaborative, and educational tools to help them connect with valuable resources, and one another. (2/13/08)
Keith Hammack of
www.InventBay.com discussed his free Web-based community that is designed to bring together inventors seeking assistance, capital, and/or organizations to assist in the development of their projects. Users of the site can post descriptions of their projects, status and needs to a directory that is available to industry professionals, capital sources and opportunity seekers. Visitors to the site can search through the InventBay.com listings for inventions that may be of potential interest. Free listings are open to inventions of all stages, The site also hosts complimentary "roundtable" audio and video meetings that provide information and support. (11/12/08)
David Dupont, inventor of the
Shure-Step® Safety Stepstools, discussed marketing strategies, and "
How To Market Your Invention On The Internet". (1/23/08)
"
Creative Marketing Strategies", presented by
John Delatorre, CEO of
Deladiep, Inc. John is successfully marketing his unique products and running his own business here and in Vietnam. He also provides consulting services and sources and builds prototypes for others. (11/8/06)
"
The steps involved in getting from the idea stage to a marketable product", presented by
Al Muller (4/25/07)
"How to Make and Use Publicity Releases", Presented by Al Muller (10/25/06)
An Approach for Marketing a New Product,discussion led by
Al Muller (8/26/06)
Gus Bigos, Product Scout and Relationship Director for
Evergreen IP discussed how his company evaluates and commercializes inventor's products. (6/14/06)
David Dupont, inventor of the
Shure-Step® Safety Stepstools, discussed marketing strategies, and how to market your product without breaking the bank. (9/24/03)
"Making Politics Work for Your Product", presented by
Nancy Sauer, government relations consultant. Ms. Sauer has a particular interest in helping entrepreneurs understand how to harness the power of
legislation and regulation to support new product innovation, development, marketing and appropriate regulation. (4/23/03)
Gary Michael Dahl told how he developed and is successfully marketing the
"Rock N Roller"® Multi-Cart that transforms into any of 8 different configurations in seconds.(8/25/04)
Matt Yubas, author of the book "Product Idea to Product Success" was our featured speaker and offered HIA members a
Special Package: a one-on-one coaching session at a discount, plus his book for free. (4/13/05)
Don Kilpatrick Discussed Lanham Act violations and unfair competition with patents. (3/8/06)
Prototypes
Rapid Prototyping", presented by
Scott Vande Vegte,
www.dserapid.com - Rapid Prototyping utilizing Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to make models and parts in ABS plastic. (6/13/07)
Randy Hillier, of
Reynolds Advanced Materials - How to make your own molds and castings using
Smooth-On rubbers, plastics, foams, and other products to turn your ideas into
3-dimensional reality. (5/26/04)
Solid Modeling-Rapid Prototyping, presented by Ivan (Webb) Byford of
A-1 Solid Structures, Inc. and Eric Wilhite of
Texas Engineering Systems (8/27/03)
Gary Hinds of
Texcast - Producer of prototype to short-run investment castings. Provides rapid prototyping and manufacturing services.
Manufactures parts of all sizes and intricate shapes, from prototype to 10,000 pieces. (6/11/03)
Joe Nicklo - "Building Inexpensive Rubber Molds For Prototypes". (8/28/02)
Venture Capital, Investors, Financing
Martin Scheid, partner at
The Forte Group, LLC, a Houston consulting network of senior business executives committed to helping owners of small and medium-sized businesses realize their full
potential by assisting in business planning, process improvement, procedures development, staffing, finance, sales, marketing, and succession planning. (7/22/09)
Bob Pitaro of Chase Bank discussed
SBA loans and other financing services.
"Return to Reality - Venture Capital", presented by Dennis E. Murphree, of
Murphree Venture Partners. A seed and early stage venture capital firm that makes direct equity investments exclusively in high-technology enterprises, in areas such as Internet infrastructure and application software, life sciences, telecommunications, and optical/semiconductor devices. (7/23/03)
"Determining How to Market Your Idea", presented by Shelley Roth of
Springboard Ventures®, Inc. - A company assisting early stage technology companies with all phases of business development
by connecting Entrepreneurs to a network of Investors, Mentors, Professional Service Providers, online/offline educational resources. (6/25/03)
Taxes and Business Planning
Product Liability Insurance - Trinity Universal Insurance (3-9-05).
W. Edgar (Ed) Blair, CPA, with
Newton, Newton, Downs & Blair discussed "Tax Strategies For Inventors",
what expenses are deductible and what you must do to deduct them. (2/11/04)
Bill Sherrill, Founder and Co-Chairman of the U of H
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation spoke about Successful Entrepreneurship. (3/30/04)
Office Organization & Time Management
"How To Create An Organized Office", presented by Holly Uverity - Her Houston based firm,
Office Organizers, works with clients to maximize their effectiveness by creating organization systems, and also provides seminars on time management and organization skills. (8/24/05)
How Fellow Inventors Did It
Mike Watts, President and CEO of
Better Heads LLC, shared his marketing insights and personal story of how he launched his line of
patented lawn/garden accessories into the U.S. and worldwide retail distribution channels. His premier product, the PivoTrim™ Trimmer Head, recently acquired the position of #1 in sales within
the category for 2009. His products have been sold at Wal-Mart, The Home Depot, ACE Hardware, Northern Tool & Equipment, and more. (10/14/09)
Linda Marroquin, Co-Founder and CEO of
FrogPad Inc. discussED "Multi Touch Displays Using The FrogPad system.
"
FrogPad" is a portable one-handed keyboard. It's practical, simple, and intuitive, 20-key text/numeric data entry design uses patented algorithms and ergonomic optimization providing all of the functionality of a standard keyboard.
The full-size keys ensure accuracy, ease of use, and speed for all desktop and mobile computing applications. (6/10/09)
Lisa Box, of
Smart Spacing Hangers told how she developed the new, and unique Smart Spacing Hangers and Smart Spacer that allow you to easily keep your closet
or store clean and organized. They allow your hangers to maintain an even and equal space so your clothing can hang wrinkle free and prevent unsightly tangled hangers. (2/25/09)
Steve Machiorlette, of
Worth Home Products discussed how they developed and are marketing their innovative recessed light conversion kit that simply screws in like a
light bulb and easily transforms a recessed light into a pendant light. It can save hundreds of dollars on re-wiring, dry wall and painting expenses. The screw-in pendant light is a latest trend for home remodeling and creates
energy-efficient lighting when remodeling. (1/28/09)
"Preventing Stray Current Corrosion In Electric Rail Transit Systems", presented by
Jack Gray, of
www.graywolfenergy.com Jack's patented system for mounting and insulating the rails of an electric transit system is
vibration and sound-proof as well as capable of substantially eliminating any corrosion resulting from stray or leakage current and enables greatly simplified installation over extended distances. (3/11/09)
Ron Daniels, a Harris County Constable reserve captain, and President of Millennium Lock Co. discussed how he invented, patented and is selling the "
The Ultimate Lock",
www.theultimatelock.com, a revolutionary door
lock system that is stronger than any other deadbolt door lock. (6/25/08)
Peter Aronstam, Co-founder and President of
Adaptive-AC, Inc., discussed their affordable remote control air conditioning grill mounted devices that make air conditioning more efficient. The devices restrict or boost air flow through the duct or vent
to which it is attached and do not require changing the existing ductwork or register boxes for installation. (5/28/08)
James Williams discussed how invented his
"Triangle-noes" strategy board game and his marketing endeavors. (4/23/08)
William Baird, of BeeAware, Inc.,
www.beealert.com discussed his patent pending BeeAlert System, the first nontoxic and environmentally safe spray mist that protects against killer bee attacks. The spray formula kills attacking bees, wasps, and stinging insects on contact and,
unlike other bee and wasp sprays, can be used around adults, children, pets, and plants. The formula attacks the breathing systems of the insects effectively drowning them on contact. The BeeAlert Bee Control System is available in three highly effective spray devices: A Portable Unit, a Tractor Mounted System and an Aerosol Spray. (3/12/08)
Jerry Stoller, of Stoller Group,
www.stollerusa.com discussed how his products make things flourish to get the most out of their natural potential. The products developed by his company and its subsidiaries have been able to get as much as a 400 percent crop
increase out of some plants, helping feed populations the world over. (3/26/08)
Michele Hedges of
Bella Creature Comforts told how she gave up a 20 year career as a corporate attorney to manufacture and market her innovative "
Bella Bed" cave-shaped dog bed that addresses a pet's instinct to burrow and preference for a recessed area for nap time. Her product won the 2007 Pet Product News International Editors' Choice Award and the 2007 Modern Dog Staff Picks Award. (11/14/07)
Gary Cooper, of
Chatterbats (
www.Chatterbats.com) discussed how he invented and marketed the "Chatterbats" - small plastic replicas of a real baseball bat that create a soft SHUSH sound and serve as spirit enhancers and souvenirs. (10/10/07)
James Carmouche, of Industrial Innovations ™ LLC (
www.pullingtools.com) discussed how he developed and marketed his patented "Eradicator" and "Master Extractor" tools that pull and remove poured concrete forms, fence posts, and large poles (such as utility poles) that are embedded in the ground. (3/28/07)
Mike Parker of
Web Devices, Inc. discussed some of the niche-specific items they produce which includes everything from chain and rope ladders to protective debris nets, self-retracting lifelines and body harnesses used by workers on hazardous jobs, and the patented "Tool Spider", an elastic tether that attaches on a worker's belt or harness to restrain tools.
Travis Parigi, Founder of
Liquid Frameworks told how he developed and is marketing the "
Field Pro 2006" software program deployed on a portable tablet PC or laptop that allows field engineers and sales engineers to create quotes and field tickets or invoices on a job site or in the field and electronically integrate it into their existing accounting and invoicing system. (10/1/06)
Janet Bashen,CEO of
Bashen Corp. discussed how she developed and patented her "
LinkLine" automated, web-based software program that enables employers to centralize and streamline their EEO investigations through paperless communication and electronic case files. The program is being used by Verizon, GM Corp., and many other companies.(9/27/06)
Marilyn Marshall, told how she developed, patented, and is manufacturing and marketing her "
Marilyn Light Bags", illuminated totes & handbags containing a light in the interior and a personal alarm system. (9/13/06)
Lowell Fears, of
Poly Picket, Inc. discussed his "Poly Picket" fencing made of polypropylene that looks like new cedar for a lifetime. Attaches to a wood or metal frame and can be nailed, screwed, sawed or ripped. (7/26/06)
Allen Humphrey told how he developed and is marketing the
"GO-KID"® Quadcoasters 4 wheel personal fitness/mobility push carts and motorized vehicles. (5/24/06)
"
How I got My Books Published And On The Market" - Presented by Darlene Carlisle, author of
The Carlisle Medical Journal
- An excellent way to keep track of and preserve one's important personal and family medical history, medications, appointments, medical tests, and surgeries/medical procedures. (3/22/06)
Mike Zerkus, of
CM Research told how he and Jeff Akers developed and
licensed their
Tempguard® devices that record and display the temperature
history of perishable food and other products that require their temperature
to be maintained throughout their shipping cycle. (11/9/05)
Houston dermatologist Dr. Milton Moore,
www.mooreunique.com discussed how he developed, patented, and is marketing a full line of 12 skin care products. (9/28/05)
Narmin Parpia, inventor of the Potty Scotty® and Potty Patty® potty training dolls and Potty Training System
www.pottytrainingconcepts.com. Narmin's products have been featured on Television and Talk Shows. (9/14/05)
David Seitz, inventor of the
SEISCO tankless water heaters, discussed how he developed a complete new level of technology for tankless water heaters that has become recognized as the standard for all tankless water heaters. (8/10/05)
Yamile Jackson, of
Zakeez told how she invented and is marketing the innovative "Zaky" infant pillow that is designed to mimic the size, weight, touch and feel of the hand and forearm of the mother. (7/13/05)
"How I created my ankle support athletic shoe", presented by Camellia LuPrete of
Lifters Athletic Wear (6/8/05)
Kevin Hester - how he invented and is marketing the
"Original Cajun ChickCan ™", the hottest new product in outdoor cooking. It is the wire frame can holder used for making the famous "Drunk Chicken" or "Beer Can Chicken" recipe. Put your beer can (or other canned beverage) inside the ChickCan™ wire frame and put your chicken on top of the ChickCan™ and get the most flavorful, moist chicken ever! (7/28/04)
Rajan Sedalia, Industrial Designer, Illustrator and Inventor
www.artjar.com discussed his
"Grippster™" ladder safety product that prevents ladders from sliding and skidding on irregular and curved surfaces is currently available in select Home Depots and at Amazon.com and was the winner of Business Week Magazine's Annual Design Awards and IDEA (Industrial Design Excellence Award) for 2001. Raj's inventions, designs and cartoons have appeared on PBS, FOX, WB and featured in Parade, Popular Science and Business Week magazines. (6/9/04)
Dr. Don Rudd, Chief Scientist and Director of Intellectual Property for
Regenetech, Inc., the nation's leading adult stem cell research company, will speak on the science of the stem cell research involved in organ regeneration. He will also discuss embryonic and adult stem cells and the legal and health implications of this type of research. (6/28/06)
Steve Jenkins told how he and his father invented and successfully marketed the ingenious
Snowmaster Snowscoop™
which has been described as, "the best snow removal invention in years!" for clearing snow from driveways, walkways, patios, and decks. (2/25/04)
Selene Pena
www.floratitie.com discussed how they designed and developed the "Flora Carriers"™ that secure floral arrangements during transport or delivery. (11/20/03)
Genevieve Baker discussed how she started her own business and developed
"Pipe Wrap", a leak repair kit
for all kinds of pipes, from residential plumbing to oil and gas pipelines, and a variation called "SplashGuard" which is designed to protect offshore oil and gas pipelines from corrosion. (11/12/03)
Gretchen Penny,
www.easyexpression.com, told how she created and marketed the Easy Expression™ Bustier, a hands-free breast pumping bra for new mothers. (10/22/03)
Bob Gray discussed his
"Suck Bucket™"
The air-evacuating wastebasket that sucks the plastic trash bag liner
against the interior walls and eliminates puffy trash bags.(6/26/02)
Linda Marroquin, discussed how she promoted and raised funds
for the
"Frog Pad" one-handed keyboard. (8/11/04)
Winn Eastman, of
Kodiak Technologies discussed his successful
Refrigerated Shipping Containers. (2/27/02)
Henry Sullivan of
North American Technologies Group, Inc. discussed how they landed a $55M railroad-tie contract for their patented "TieTek" composite railroad ties. (8/13/03)
Johnny Rouse, of
Texas Assistive Devices, - how some good ol' boys designed and developed
an award wining wrist adapter and a line of products for the upper extremity amputee and people with hand disabilities, from wrenches and screwdrivers to cup holders and other innovative devices. (9/10/03)
Mr. Henry Elliot and Dr. Dennis Peterson of Peterson Science &
Technology, Austin TX, discussed their
"Flaizer® Head"
fully automatic cutting head for lawn trimmers. (7/24/02)
Ken Bancroft discussed "Electric Cars" and how he builds them. (5/23/01)
David Tippetts and Tim Parks discussed their patented
ProtekDoor® home security device that prevents
doors from being kicked by burglars, and their current marketing efforts. (7/25/01)
Steve Kole told the story of how he licensed his "skid steer"
patent to a major manufacturer just before he was going to abandon it. (8/22/01)