The Inventor's Bible: How to Market and License Your Brilliant Ideas

Rating:
Summary: Great Resource for Inventors - highly recommend
Review: I found this book very helpful. I am an engineer currently working on bringing my alternative energy invention to market. Not only I found a bunch of good advice in this book but this book made me feel that even though marketing my invention will be a lot of work, it can be done. I've read several similar books ("Idiot's guide.." and "Patents to Profit") but I think what set this one apart for me were the case studies. Reading what some of the other inventors went thru, their rises and their falls, makes you feel like you are already part of that group. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: A powerful book
Review: I like this book because there are orginal methods I haven't seen in any other book. You can buy the book and see what to do if someone rips off your product (You make money addressing the issue). Or you can spend thousands in legal fees! This one method is worth many times the cost of the book in my opinion.

Michael Waller

Rating:
Summary: Loaded With Information - Easy To Digest
Review: The thing I like most about "The Inventor's Bible" is the fact that it flows. There is a background story that runs through the book as we follow the real-life history of ideas as they naturally evolve.

Many books for inventors are oriented towards the novelty/toy markets. I have found my own experience of licensing manufacturers quite different (actually easier) than most of the toy inventors' books describe. Docie's first invention was one born out of near mishap and had true safety value. He considered his first patent weak due to an overcrowded field of competitors, which makes it an even better illustration of how to proceed with an invention. But he knew it was a good idea from the start, because it was conceived from a real-life situation. His battle was differentiating his design from the many similar products already on the market. I believe that this is the #1 issue with most new inventions - closing in on 7 million patents, it's a very crowded field. Nevertheless, for an inventor that's part of the game.

My feeling is that if you have something that you KNOW has value, and you've done a thorough patent search and have a good understanding of the prior art, you should be able to justify the expense of a patent application. Then you can approach your potential manufacturers from a position of confidence. All this dancing around with non-disclosure agreements, trying to decide whether your idea is worth anything or not, seems to be putting the cart before the horse.

It might take a little patient educating on your part, but if you have something useful, someone will eventually recognize the fact and be anxious to work with you. Select and research the companies you'd like to work with, then carefully court them. Be persistent without being a nuisance. Just remember it's a lot of work for a company to add a new product to their line. You have to appreciate how big a decision it is for them to work with you - but they will!

Docie also runs a bona fide invention promotion company, as opposed to all the bogus invention submission companies out there. Remember they're like stockbrokers - they get paid regardless of results, which are usually negligible. Docie's background, interest and reputation ensure an honest and knowledgeable effort, and preclude any of the funny business that is inherent in the other outfits. The essential idea of an invention promotion company is quite valid, which unfortunately gives the bogus outfits their impetus.

Good luck with your idea!