National Society of Inventors
Inventors Helping Inventors
Honest free help and advice from other inventors. We do not sell anything.
We will share our experience on the proper path to take and what to avoid.
Sep 3, 2008
Our September 9th meeting will feature Patent Agent Stan Kremen presenting information on the hazards of patent infringement and the resulting litigation. He will discuss what you need to do to be prepared for these possibilities.
July 25, 2008
U*neaks to Speak at NSI Jeff Gabriele co-founder and CEO of U*neaks will be giving a free seminar for the National Society of Inventors at Costas Restaurant 120 Chestnut Street Roselle Park, NJ 908 241 1131 at 8:00 pm on August 12th 2008. Mr. Gabriele, along with long time friend and architect Steve Braynock, began to develop the U*neaks concept in 2003 which involved a successful collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan, NY. The revolution in customizable footwear began this spring when U*neaks footwear and sock collection launched its’ retail sales. The patent pending product is now featured in 15 “high end” stores in New Jersey, 5 in New York and 1 in Pennsylvania. This will be a real “View from the Trenches” as Mr. Gabriele has done it all. From concept and design through manufacturing to negotiations with major retailers, the experiences he will be sharing with us amount to nothing less then a treasure trove of knowledge you’d be hard pressed to get from any other source. Along with other issues, his talk will cover the following points: * Determining the probable profitability of a proposed product * Successful Collaborations * Manufacturing considerations and pitfalls * Marketing to the customer (end user) while * Selling to YOUR Customer (the retailer) More information about his product can be found on his website www.uneaks.com
July 5, 2008
We are moving to a new location. Costas Restaurant - 120 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park, NJ 908 241 1131 . This month we will have an open forum to discuss your own patent and marketing issues. Also, we plan to discuss the reasons for backup meeting locations.
June 25, 2008
Here we go again. We need to move to a new location. Solar do Minho Restaurant is demanding a $150 fee to meet for 2 hours. So, Jim Burrell has saved the day again and found another meeting place 2 blocks away at:
Costas Restaurant - 120 Chestnut Street, Roselle Park, NJ
908 241 1131
June 1, 2008
GOT A BIG IDEA? A mentor team will help you focus, and keep you going. A SCORE counselor (Service Corps of Retired Executives) can assemble a team of available, free experts for you, either in NJ or around the country. The National Society of Inventors is hosting a free presentation and sign-up from SCORE www.score.org, along with a report from Ron Komorowski and Jim Burrell about their trip to the MIT invention festival.
May 10, 2008
For our next meeting our guest speaker will be Ron Komorowski discussing the strategies involved in marketing your invention to manufacturers and how I used the resources and people at NSI to help take Handi-Straps global in a year's time with virtually no capital. How to find a manufacturers line that mutually compliments your invention as the perfect fit. Also about picking the right size of a manufacturer that will cooperate. How a network of the key people that helped me in NSI such as Stan, Ralph, Steve, Ramon, Leo and Jim and how they supported me.
April 6, 2008
For our next meeting our guest speaker will be Stan Kremen. Stan will be discussing the issue of protecting your idea before you are able to file a patent application. He will address the issues you need to consider in the early phases of the invention process. This presentation will be valuable to all, but of even more importance to the new or prospective inventor.
Please join us at 6 PM for Dinner to ask questions and share ideas with the group.
March 6, 2008
For our next meeting at: Solar do Minho Restaurant we will have 1 speaker for the March meeting. Jerry Luzzi is a professional Patent Draftsman and will be presenting information on the patent drawing process.
February 12, 2008
Feb. Meeting Canceled - Weather: Be advised that the national weather service has issued several weather warnings. Use your own discretion about attending at your own risk. I have now officially canceled the meeting. Please monitor the web site for a bulletin as I may not have time to send another email.
February 9, 2008
For our next meeting at: Solar do Minho Restaurant we will have 2 speakers for the February meeting; Jim Burrell & Ron Komorowski. Jim will be giving a presentation on how to do your own patent drawings and Ron will be giving us an analysis of of the more interesting shows that have been presented on the CNBC Big Idea show.
January 9, 2008
We had our first meeting at: Solar do Minho Restaurant. Sorry we were not more clear on the directions. This is a new 5 star restaurant that is not yet marked clearly. Its a huge place with first class food. Only 8 people showed as is typical for the first meeting at a new place. The key to finding it is to look for the 8 or so flag poles in the median of the 4 lane Westfield avenue. It is the large 2 story stone building on the left. The building has handicapped access with an elevator. We have a private downstairs meeting room with Internet access.
We have yet to confirm the speaker for the February meeting.
January 1, 2008
WE HAVE MOVED AGAIN. The construction being performed at Molly Mcguire's has forced us to move again. We will be meeting at: Solar do Minho Restaurant. Please see the Directions page.
December 1, 2007
Our December 11th meeting will feature Mr. James E. Richardson of Richardson & Associates Inc presenting: INCREASING THE PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS AS AN INVENTOR/ENTREPRENEUR. Some examples of past projects and products can be viewed at www.richardson-assoc.com
November 5, 2007
Stan Kremen will present at the November 13th meeting; "Recent trends in Patent law and regulations". More on the stay of the new laws and regulations and what the inventor needs to know regarding the new rules. Stan will address the new steps required to properly protect new patent applications.
September 6, 2007
Jim Burrell and Stan Kremen will present training on how to use the new online E-File Patent application system. It is rumored that we will have internet access to actually demonstrate the process! In addition, Jim will be providing information on Licensing.
August 16, 2007
Well I have some good news and some bad news. First the bad news, we were informed at the meeting that we would no longer be able to meet there because they are tearing the place and to build a condominium. The good news is, Jim Burrell has found another new place for us to meet.
It is Molly Mcguire's Irish Pub and Restaurant located in Clark New Jersey off of New Jersey garden state parkway exit 135. Click the directions link above to get there.
August 6, 2007
We have a NO formal presentations this month and September is uncertain. Therefore we will meet for dinner, advice sessions and tutoring.
June 5, 2007
We have a formal presentation this month from Accurex Laser Scanning. You can read more on their web site http://www.accurexmeasure.com/ Accurex provides carefully selected portable coordinate measuring systems for 3-Dimensional inspection and 3D scanning applications. We specialize in optical measurement systems based on laser and white light technology.
May 7, 2007
We have no formal presentation this month. This meeting will be an open forum for members to discuss their projects.
May 6, 2007 - MEETING NOTES for April 10th
Because of the flooding in my basement, I have not had the time to do a full report on the last meeting. It was the best presentation we have had in years. I will do a report in the next couple of weeks.
March 29, 2007
Our Guest speaker for the April 10th meeting is Dave Macfie.
Dave is a Strategic Account Manager for Cimquest Inc. in
Bedminster, NJ. Cimquest has been providing CAD (Computer Aided
Design) CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) CAE (Computer Aided
Engineering (Analysis & Simulation)) software, support and training
since 1990. They also provide a line of Rapid Prototyping equipment with the Dimension 3D Printer.
The presentation will focus on the benefits of 3D CAD modeling such as up front design validation, manufacturing and testing for form, fit and function. The discussion will also include a detailed explanation on the process known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). This technology allows the use of non-toxic plastics (such as ABS and Poly carbonate) to build strong and durable, fully functional prototypes.
March 28, 2007
Computers, can't live with them, can't live without them. My main machine died which is the reason why this newsletter is late. Tom McHugh's minutes follow:
MEETING NOTES 03/13/2007
8:00 PM-President Steven Shaw opened the meeting. Several new attendees were at this month’s meeting. A total of 21 people were in attendance. Steven asked the new attendees to individually introduce themselves, and welcomed them to the meeting.
(Lorene Squires was not able to update the club’s banking information due to unforeseen circumstances.)
Steven then handed the floor over to Vice President Jim Burrell.
Jim made everyone aware that the auditions for the “American Inventors” show are going to be held soon in NYC. Jim then ran through his presentation that he is going to use for the show.
Jim spoke about the fact that the NSI business card format is going to be available for members to print out. These cards can be downloaded and then modified with the member’s own information. Printing them to a card stock type paper is then possible. [Tom McHugh will be bringing a compact business card slitter to be used at the next meeting for anyone that desires to have their cards cut into usable, standard size.
Jim also passed out copies of an example of a recent patent license agreement. This sample could be used to help other members with their own personal patent license agreement. It was not meant to show that this is the only way that it should be done, as a Patent Agent or Lawyer are the proper resources for these documents. It was handed out as a means to help inventors to look out for potential issues with their own documents. Jim was very clear in his assertions that these documents were for information only and does not constitute proper legal advice.
Jim had recently attended the Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas. He had brought back information and product samples that he felt might be of interest to the club members. This included information on special signage, laser engraving equipment, heads up displays for consumer use, China sourcing information for electronics, etc. Please contact Jim or Steven for further information on these different items. Jim was kind enough to share the information and samples with the group.
Steven Then introduced the March meeting’s presentation, to be given by Stanley Kremen. Mr. Kremen is a practicing Patent Agent. He has a very broad range of patent application and execution experience. Mr. Kremen’s represents Patents Group, LLC (www. patentsgroup.com).
Mr. Kremen made it extremely clear that his presentation was not legal advice
The presentation covered, but was not limited to these topics-
Patent Agent-Must pass a Bar exam; not legally licensed to litigate in a recognized court of law. Can otherwise handle all other phases of patents and applications for them. Fees for a Patent agent are much less then for a Patent Lawyer. Patent Attorney- Can handle all phases of patents and litigation. Has to have a State and Federal license to practice legally.
Options available Regarding Patents or the lack thereof to market an idea and source funding.
Intellectual property-what it is and how to protect it. Different ways to protect your idea.
Trade secrets, Copyright, Trademark and patents and what the differences are.
Copyrights cannot protect an idea!
Terms and different lengths of protection
Differences between Utility and design patents
How to write a disclosure
How to research patents through Google, U.S. Patent and Trade Office (www.uspto.gov), and www.micropatent.com
The Electronic Business Center can be used as a resource for resolving issues related to difficulty with viewing data on your computer; available through the USPTO web site. The necessity to keep a bound notebook of your idea notes, drawings or any pertinent data that could be part of your patent. Another person must understand, then sign and date the pages within the book “As witnessed and understood by”, as a means of establishing inception of an idea. Establishes priority of the idea.
Outlined reasons for patent Office rejection of an application
Types of patent applications
PAIR-Patent Application Information Retrieval Public and private access to the USPTO Applications.
How the USPTO and Patents Group are paperless entities
The European Patent Office (www.ep.espacenet.com) and access to it via the Internet Typical Legal Fees for Patent Attorneys
Typical fees for a Patent Agent
Steven Shaw then concluded the presentation by explaining the obvious advantages of using a Patent Agent instead of a Patent Lawyer.
Explained the necessity of doing searches based on USPTO classes so that the information can be accessed properly and directly, eliminating the possibility of misinformation.
Q & A with Stanley regarding his presentation topics, the necessity to retain secrecy, web sites that are available to sell and market patents.
The meeting ended at ~10:15
February 13, 2007
The meeting is still on, please use your own judgment based conditions by you and on weather radar. Northern Jersey appears to be just light snow. I live by Trenton which is usually different.
January 11, 2007
Election results:
President: Stephen Shaw
Vice President: Jim Burrell
Secretary: Thomas Mc Hugh
Treasurer: Lorene Squires
Please note that
Sandra Shelton will continue to advise on matters of the treasury.
Meeting Minutes as provided by our Secretary
Tom Mc Hugh:
The meeting began at ~8:15 PM • A vote was taken to elect new officers for the positions of President, Vice President, and Treasurer. Tom Mc Hugh has volunteered to take the position of Secretary. 13 members were present for the vote; 23 people attended the meeting. The ballot consisted of: • Jim Burrell • Stephen Shaw Both election participants were previously nominated and were running for the position of President. Via an agreement determined by the club, the winner would take the seat of President and the runner-up would then take the seat of Vice President. This was done because there were no other nominations for Vice President. Jim Burrell phoned in his vote. • Stephen Shaw is the new President. Jim Burrell is the new Vice President. Lorene Squires is the new club Treasurer. Tom Mc Hugh counted the ballots. Tom Friendly verified the count as correct. The winners of the election were announced at this meeting.
The floor was then opened for discussion. Our newly elected President Stephan Shaw led the meeting. An inquiry was made regarding the club web site and it’s access. Stephen explained that there is a club member forum that is available for use. Stephen checks to see if the person is a legitimate user of the forum and if so, grants access. The security of the site is necessarily limited to people that Steve has been made aware of, that would like to use the forum for club related discussions, previous to them signing in. This is being done as an aid to keep out unwanted intruders, but does not in any way mean that any exchange is completely secure.
Jim Blow recommended that the club draw up By Laws so that they can be used to guide the club. Jim also asked the meeting attendees to bring with them to the next meeting a short paragraph concerning goals for the club for the next year.
Stephen was asked what his office intends to accomplish. His reply was that his agenda would be guided by the memberships own agenda as determined during the meetings. His main goals at this time are to improve the operation of the club, and improve the dissemination of financial data for the club to its members.
Jim Blow suggested setting up an inventors show to showcase member’s prototypes at either NJIT or Rutgers.
Cynthia Siebert suggested that if everyone did a short write up on his or her idea, patent or prototype, she might be able to get some airtime from channel 11 television.
Manny Pimeta suggested using the web sites for different members Bios in an effort to increase enrollment. Stephen let everyone know that the information can be put on the web site, in the manner that they are comfortable with, regarding their skills and interests. This could include contact information, interests, patents-either pending or acquired, etc. Stephen is encouraging anyone interested to email the information that they would like to post about themselves to him for inclusion on the site.
Stephen recommended using the forum on the web site to host a discussion of the possible arrangements necessary for the inventors show. This could possibly include, but is not limited to advertising, co sponsorship with an educational entity, press releases, the use of interaction with students of the facility, and other details.
Jim Blow asked for a list people interested in signing up for an online discussion. Jim also made it completely clear that his role will be advisory only, and he has no interest at this time to become Chairmen. The meeting ended ~9:30 PM
January 02, 2007
ELECTIONS, finally after many years. Through all the confusion of moving to new places, we were never able to get it together to have an election. If you are interested in running or nominating someone for office, the January meeting is the place to be. The current nominees are:
President: Jim Burrell and Stephen Shaw
Vice President: The second place vote of the election for President.
Secretary - Un-contested. Our New Secretary is Thomas Mc Hugh.
Treasurer: Lorene Squires and Sandra Shelton
All of you know Sandra by now, but some of you are not as familiar with Lorene.
Lorene has extensive computer experience and has held several positions in another non profit organization where she is currently their treasurer.
December 10, 2006
We will be hosting this year's Holiday Party at Domanis The Buffet will include 4 selections to choose from and will be FREE to PAID Members. Non-Members and Guest will be charged Cost about $19 per person.
October 30, 2006
At our next meeting, Bob Levy will be presenting:
Determining what you have - Is it new and novel?
Will it sell and who will buy it?
What protection can I get and what can you afford
Getting a crash course on inventing and commercializing your idea
Finding the necessary resources
Good documentation and organization
Watching the clock - Timing is everything
Staying tuned with the Patent and Trademark Office
Subscribing to your industry
Forming your Success Team
Breathing life into Ideas
October 14, 2006
Once I receive the documents, I will be giving details and posting documentation on the presentation by Jim Blow.
October 4, 2006
Jim Blow a past president of the NSI will be giving us a presentation about the history of the NSI from its inception till the present.
Sept. 13, 2006
Invention Marketing Strategies used for Handi-Straps went off well. We had 5 new visitors on hand. Ron gave us a view of the marketing concepts he used to develop the manufacturing and marketing plan he used his Handi-Straps product. We had 5 new visitors.
September 8, 2006
We are pleased to announce our next speaker Ron Komorowski inventor of the Handi-Straps lifting system. Ron will discuss the methods he used to develop and implement his marketing plan including how he obtained his manufacturer.
July 15, 2006
News about the television interview at the new meeting place. The Spanish TV channel Univision interviewed Stephen Shaw about patent development companies that scam inventors. It will air on Monday July 17, 3006 on the 6 PM news report.
July 1, 2006 - Another New Meeting Location
Well, the Huck Finn Diner let us down after saving us from the Clark American Legion. We had high hopes that the owners would see the value in giving us either all or most of the room that we used to meet in especially since the Smoking Ban went into effect.
BUT, common sense did not prevail. I was given a real attitude at the June meeting from the Manager. Acting like he was doing us a favor, he said that the most space he would give us was barely a quarter of the back of the room, nothing more. We brought in 15 - 20 guests to each meeting and 90% of which ordered something to eat. Do the math. We were poised to bring in twice that if we were able to get the whole room for presentations. Do the math again.
So, thanks to Jim Burrell, we are moving to DOMANIS Restaurant and Lounge with our own upstairs PRIVATE ROOM. They are located at:
230 West Westfield Avenue, Roselle Park, NJ 07204 908 245 2992
Click the Directions menu above to get there.
May 15, 2006
New Discussion Forum is up and running eagerly awaiting your opinions! We now have 5 members registered for the forum. Please sign up and check it out.
May 1, 2006
Jim Burrell will be giving the first presentation ever at our new meeting place, The Huck Finn Diner. The subject will be "How to answer a USPTO office action". Jim has extensive experience writing his own patents and dealing with the USPTO. He will be showing and explaining his own office actions with written examples of the techniques.
March 22, 2005
Leo Mazur forwarded a link about the Supreme Court involvement in a challenge to current patent law.
NY Times Article
March 17, 2005
I have just finished creating a Members Only private page. On this page I have created our own FORUM for all of us to share information and debate issues.
You will be required to login with a username and password to access it. Please call me at home if you are interested in helping me test it. 609 799 4574
March 13, 2005
Some good news! I have spent the last few days calling everyone on the old mailing list that did not have an email listed. After making about 175 calls, I have enlarged our mailing list to over 70 people. This will have a dramatic effect on our postal budget. I have created a web based sign-up that should help with increasing our member base. If you have not yet signed up for email, please go to the Subscribe Page to sign up.
As many of you may have heard, the organization is suffering from meeting place rent sticker shock. The American Legion Hall raised the price to $125 and broke the bank so to speak. We can no longer afford to meet there. Jim Burrell has made arrangements with the Huck Finn Diner to allow us to meet there for free.
I have spoken to a number of members regarding the ambient noise level in the dining room. Everyone agrees that we will not be able to host a speaker until we can have this room to ourselves.
I am hoping Jim Burrell will be able to convince the Huck Finn owners to give us the current meeting for our own use only. This may be possible because of recent changes in the law. As you are probably aware, the New Jersey State Legislature has passed a new non-smoking law that goes into effect April 15. No restaurant will be able to allow smoking. The restaurant will then be able to put all their patrons in the main room. This will allow us to bring in a speaker and not disturb their patrons.
Please plan to buy some dinner or at least a snack to help make it worthwhile for them to host us. Please note that we meet in the Non-Smoking room.
The directions are on the link at the top of the page.
We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
POSTAL INFORMATION FOR NEWSLETTERS
Please note that because of postal costs, mailed meeting notices will only be sent upon request to paid members or to prospective members for 1 year after initial contact. All others should consult this site for information or submit their email to receive our monthly newsletter.
This site provides information in addition to our sister site at: www.NationalInventors.com
NEWS
From Charles Dzuba: Friends;
As you might know Les Paul was rushed to the Emergency Room of Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ on Friday February 3rd with pneumonia and the continuing problem with his heart. He was discharged (Sat. Feb. 11) and is now at home sleeping peacefully and regaining his strength. No doubt that shortly he will be back to normal and resume his 7pm-5am daily "waking hours" routine. It is not clear when he will be able to resume his standing gig at the Iridium Jazz Club in NYC on Monday nights but I am sure he is looking forward to performing again.
Health & happiness Charlie
