Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Has anyone here on the Startup Nation Forums worked with companies similar to Evergreen IP (http://www.evergreenip.com/)?  I`m working on an invention (provisional patent filed, patent search completed) and I`m interested in finding a company who could be an agent or advisor.  The invention is a high-tech consumer networking product, so the agent or advisor would probably need expertise in that area.

I`m also just curious if people have had any luck with companies like Evergreen IP.

Thanks!

Will

Man, I would be EXTREMELY cautious about entering into any agreement with any firm like this.  Most of these firms are scams.  Check them out on the patent office web site (www.uspto.gov), with the BBB, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the State Attorney General and any other entity you can think of.  See if you can find out their success record (i.e. what percentage of companies they have helped have "made it".)  Find out how long they have say they have been in business and when the company was actually formed.  Many firms are shut down by the FTC only to start up again with a new name.  Let me know if they turn out to be good.  I always have inventors looking for this kind of help.

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Norton R. Townsley
Patent Attorney/Professional Engineer
The above message is provided for general information purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice.

will,

you might want to check out this thread at StartupNation also. i know LordEmsworth has posted there, too, along with others, on this very topic...

rich

 

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Rich and LordEmsworth,

Thanks for the advice.  I read through the suggested forum.  I wish I knew a couple of Sloan brothers in my area! ;-)   One avenue we`re pursuing is seeking assistance from SCORE.  I`ll let you know how well that works out.  Rich, I saw that you and Jeff will be in Sarasota later this month presenting at the Sarasota Tech Conference.  I`ll be there and I look forward to your talk!

Will

looking forward to it!

rich

P.S. i always speak for my brother, too. most of the time he doesn`t realize it, but i`m sure in this case, he wouldn`t argue!

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Rich Sloan , Co-Founder, Chief Startupologist, StartupNation

Will, some time back you asked:

"Has anyone here on the Startup Nation Forums worked with companies similar to Evergreen IP?"

Norton Townsley responded:

"Man, I would be EXTREMELY cautious about entering into any agreement with any firm like this.  Most of these firms are scams."

A little harsh, but generally sound advice.  The inventor industry has been plagued by those who would play upon inventors` hopes.  On the other hand, there is an emerging set of firms who are different.  Like Evergreen IP, they invest in testing, protecting, developing, and commercializing ideas.  They don`t earn money by charging fees; they earn money by sharing in the success of commercialized products.

Check out what the Harvard Business Review has to say about innovation capitalists.

Since yours is a high-tech consumer product, it`s not a good fit for EIP.  But, it`s possible that over the coming months, there will be an innovation capitalist firm that emerges that does exist.

Best hopes for your success,

Dave

W. David Bayless
Evergreen Innovation Partners

Before contacting any invention submission or marketing company, I would read some of the articles like

Inventions Scams: Classic Warning Signs
and
Insider Expose on Invention Promotions Firms
so you know what to watch out for.

Also, you should screen all companies you are going to deal with with this Caution List.

You can find a directory of other Invention Scam information resources at InventorSpot.com

Good luck.

without a patent, there is usually nothing to license.

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com