National Inventor Club

Hosted by Brian Fried

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Oct 2026

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As an inventor, when we come up with an idea, it can be challenging and lonely navigating through the steps of bringing your ideas to reality. That’s why the National Inventor Club was “invented”, for you to become part of a community of like minded inventors and resources for inventors to help each other keep our invention journey moving forward, together. Inventors, Entrepreneurs and resources for inventors welcome. Become a member today! www.nationalinventorclub.com Thank you and keep on inventing! Brian Fried Founder National Inventor Club

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44 recent

October 9, 20261 hr 21 min

From Idea to Retail Shelf: What It Really Takes to License an Invention

This September, the National Inventor Club brought together The Inventor Coach™ and National Inventor Club Founder Brian Fried and special guest Joan Lefkowitz, founder of Accessory Brainstorms, for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to license an invention and bring a product to market. With decades of experience between them, Brian and Joan shared practical lessons from both sides of the licensing and commercialization process, giving inventors an inside look at what happens between having an idea and seeing that product on a retail shelf.Highlights From the Meeting Understanding licensing. Brian and Joan discussed what the licensing process can look like from both the inventor's and licensing agent's perspectives. What makes a product stand out. They explored factors that can help an invention attract attention from retailers and potential licensing partners. Paths to market. The conversation covered catalogues, TV shopping, traditional retail, and other ways products can reach consumers. Real-world experience. Joan shared lessons from products she helped bring to market, including Topsy Tail, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Hairdostick, Lumbarwear, Derma Spring, and Polar Bandit. Preparing before approaching an agent. Inventors learned what they should understand and have prepared before seeking a licensing relationship. From idea to commercialization. The discussion emphasized the importance of understanding the business side of an invention—not just creating the product. The September meeting provided inventors at every stage with an opportunity to learn directly from two experienced professionals who have worked across different sides of the invention and licensing industry. Watch the episode here: https://youtube.com/live/RRLG_o-XpBw ---------------------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

July 23, 20261 hr 4 min

YOUR PITCH IS EVERYTHING - How to Land the Deal

Your pitch can make or break an opportunity. Whether you're speaking to investors, licensing executives, retailers, or potential buyers, you often have just a few minutes to capture attention, communicate your value, and inspire confidence.Many entrepreneurs build great products but struggle to present them effectively. A strong pitch isn't just about explaining your invention—it's about telling a compelling story, creating a connection, and leaving a lasting impression. In this previously livestreamed episode of the National Inventor Club, Vincent James Arcuri shares insights gained from more than 14 years of casting and producing entrepreneurial television programs, where he's evaluated thousands of pitches and worked with hundreds of founders. He explains what grabs attention in the first moments, what causes pitches to lose momentum, and what separates successful presentations from forgettable ones. In this episode, you'll learn: How to prepare for a pitch with confidence and avoid common preparation mistakes. The structure and storytelling techniques that make pitches memorable. The biggest mistakes that can quickly derail your presentation. How to project confidence through your delivery, body language, and responses to difficult questions. Why your personality and brand are just as important as the product you're presenting. Whether you're developing your first prototype, preparing for investor meetings, pursuing licensing opportunities, or refining your presentation after previous setbacks, this episode offers practical advice to help you deliver your next pitch with confidence and purpose. Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVUDC_76zL4 ---------------------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

June 29, 20261 hr 22 min

What Every Inventor Needs to Know Before Saying Yes to Investors

Most inventors say they need funding—but many aren't sure what they're actually asking for, what investors expect, or what they're agreeing to when they accept an investment. National Inventor Club features Alon Y. Kapen, Partner at Farrell Fritz and one of Long Island's leading attorneys for entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging growth companies.With years of experience helping founders raise capital, structure deals, and grow successful businesses, Alon shares practical insights every inventor should know before seeking investment.In this episode, you'll learn: → Do you actually need outside investors or are there better options first? → Friends and family, angel investors, seed funding and venture capital and what each one really means → What investors actually want to see before they say yes → How deals get structured and what inventors are really signing → How much equity should you give up and what is too much? → How do you put a value on your idea before it makes a dollar? → Shark Tank is great TV but is that how it really works? → What legal documents protect you as a founder → What inventors need to have ready before they pitch anyone → Licensing and other smart paths if outside investment is not right for you → From one product to a full brand to an IPO and what that journey really looks like → The best resources Alon recommends for inventors and entrepreneurs today Whether you're preparing to raise your first dollar or simply want to understand how startup funding really works, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyDfa0Zp06Y ---------------------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

June 13, 20261 hr 13 min

Licensing vs Manufacturing: What’s Best for Your Invention?

National Inventor Club Founder Brian Fried went LIVE for a powerful discussion on one of the biggest decisions inventors face: Should you license your invention or manufacture it yourself? If you had an invention idea and were trying to figure out the smartest next step, this session was for you. Brian drew on his extensive experience in both licensing and manufacturing, with products featured on QVC, in Target, Walmart, catalogs, online retailers, and more. During the live session, he broke down the real differences between these two paths and what inventors needed to know before investing serious time or money. In this LIVE session, attendees learned: The difference between licensing and manufacturing The pros and cons of each path What companies look for when evaluating products What inventors often get wrong How to choose the best route based on your goals and budget Manufacturing realities most inventors are not prepared for How to protect yourself and your invention along the way Whether you were just getting started or already moving forward with your idea, this session helped clarify your options and avoid costly mistakes. About Brian Fried Brian Fried is The Inventor Coach™. A serial inventor with 15 issued U.S. patents, Brian has lived every stage of the invention journey from idea to patent to licensing deal to retail shelf. His products have been featured on QVC and sold in major retailers including Target and Walmart. He is the founder of the National Inventor Club with over 15,000 members worldwide, a three-time author on invention commercialization, and host of the Got Invention Show. Brian is the creator of uinvent.ai, an AI-powered platform built specifically for inventors, and the Inventor Smart Community App. He provides licensing representation, manufacturing guidance, and commercialization coaching to inventors at every stage. He is an Alibaba Ambassador, serves on their SME Advisory Committee and International IP Enforcement Team, and is the Official Inventor Liaison for Licensing International. He has testified before Congress on patent programs and spoken at USPTO Inventor Day, SCORE, and major industry events nationwide. Watch the episode here: https://youtube.com/live/6R-1PLallzw ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

May 25, 202648 min

Inside the USPTO: A Special Conversation with Director John Squires with Host Brian Fried

Brian Fried, Founder of the National Inventor Club, sits down exclusively with John A. Squires, the 60th Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property, for one of the most powerful conversations in the inventor community this year. Director Squires shares his extraordinary journey from IBM and Goldman Sachs, where he served as their first Chief IP Counsel, to surviving the attacks of September 11th and using patents to combat terrorism financing. Now leading America's Innovation Agency with nearly 15,000 employees and a nearly $5 billion budget, Director Squires has a clear message for every inventor: "You're not doing it alone. We've got your back." In this conversation you will discover: ✅ What the USPTO actually does and why it matters to YOU ✅ Why inventor rights are the only right written directly into the Constitution ✅ Free tools and resources available right now at USPTO.gov ✅ The rise of independent inventors and what is changing in 2026 ✅ New AI tools helping inventors search and protect their ideas ✅ How patents attract capital, investment and talent ✅ Words of wisdom and inspiration straight from the top Whether you are just starting out with an idea or deep in the patent process, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence and inspiration. Stay the course. Protect what you dream. Keep dreaming. Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/DMwPgBqv890 ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

March 22, 202649 min

TRADEMARK ESSENTIALS: Building Your Intellectual Property Assets

Here's something most inventors didn't realize until it was too late: your invention could be manufactured, sold, or knocked off anywhere in the world - and your U.S. patent didn't protect you outside U.S. borders. That's where WIPO and the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) came in. Matthias Reischle-Park, Deputy Director and Head of PCT Legal and User Support at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), joined host Brian Fried, Founder of National Inventor Club, and broke down everything you needed to know about protecting your invention globally. Here's what was covered: ✅ PCT basics - What it was, how it worked, and why it mattered no matter where you were in your invention journey ✅ The real costs - What you actually needed to budget for global protection (no surprises) ✅ Strategic timing - When to file PCT vs when to go direct (the 30-month decision that could save or cost you thousands) ✅ Resources available - How to use WIPO tools and get help navigating the system ✅ Enforcement overseas - How you actually protect and enforce your IP if someone was ripping you off in another country ✅ Common mistakes - What Matthias saw inventors doing wrong and how to avoid those pitfalls ✅ Success stories - Real examples of inventors who used PCT to protect and monetize their inventions globally ✅ Future updates - Changes and improvements coming to international filing Matthias had been with WIPO since 1998, helping inventors and patent professionals navigate the PCT system. He had written the guidelines, trained thousands of applicants, and knew every move needed to protect an invention internationally without getting burned. This event was for you if: You were just starting and wanted to understand your global IP options from day one You were developing your invention and needed to know when international protection mattered You had filed or had a U.S. patent and wondered what was next for international coverage You were manufacturing overseas and needed to protect your IP there Someone was already knocking off your product internationally and you wanted to know your options You were confused about PCT costs, timing, and what WIPO could actually do for you Your invention deserved global protection. It was time to learn how to do it right. Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-zZmwF0uL4 ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

February 27, 202652 min

The Parts of a Patent Every Inventor Should Know

Ever stared at a patent and thought… “What am I even reading?” Join me and Raymond Van Dyke, Intellectual Property Attorney, as we walk you through every part of a patent in plain English — piece by piece. What You'll Learn: • Utility patents vs design patents — what's the difference and which do you need? • How to decode your claims — the most critical part of your patent • What all those reference numbers actually mean in your drawings • The real purpose of your patent summary and specification • How to spot the strong parts and weak spots in your patent • What examiners are looking for when they review your application Whether you're about to file or you already have a patent, this session gives you the power to understand your intellectual property like a pro. Perfect for inventors preparing to file, patent holders who want to actually read their own patent, and anyone ready to stop feeling confused by legal jargon. Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/t2lQg7feAMs ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

February 21, 20261 hr 16 min

TRADEMARK ESSENTIALS: Building Your Intellectual Property Assets

You’ve got a brilliant invention, innovative service, or startup idea—but have you thought about protecting your brand name, logo, product design, or slogan? That’s where trademarks come in—and most people don’t realize how powerful they are until it’s too late. In this episode, host Brian Fried sits down with Jason Lott, Managing Attorney for Trademarks at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), to break down everything you need to know about trademarks—no legal jargon, just clear, actionable guidance. Topics covered include: ✅ What trademarks actually protect—names, logos, slogans, colors, sounds, product shapes, and more ✅ The best timing to file for trademark protection ✅ A simplified, step-by-step registration process from someone who’s reviewed thousands of applications ✅ How trademarks build real business value and create assets you can leverage ✅ Trademarks vs. Copyrights vs. Patents—clearing up the confusion once and for all With over 24 years of experience at the USPTO, Jason helps inventors, entrepreneurs, and startups understand how to protect what they’re building, turning complex legal topics into strategies you can actually use. This episode is perfect if you: Are naming a business, product, or service and want to do it right Are building something unique that needs protection Have launched but haven’t secured your trademark yet Want clarity on what trademarks cover and how they work Want to build valuable intellectual property assets that increase your company’s worth Your intellectual property is an asset. Learn how to protect it and make it work for you. Watch the episode here: https://youtube.com/live/oxqLw65ugT8 ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

January 28, 202638 min

What Will You Accomplish in 2026? Ready-Set-GO(AL)!

Invention expert and host Brian Fried hosted an inspiring National Inventor Club livestream featuring renowned entrepreneur, investor, speaker, and Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute, David Meltzer. This session was created for inventors who were just about to start their journey, as well as those who had already started and found themselves stuck along the way. The discussion served as a powerful “start button” for 2026—focused on clarity, momentum, and the mindset needed to win. Here’s what was covered: New Year's Resolutions That Actually Work – Setting goals you'll execute, not just dream about The Execution Game – Working through your plans and checking progress along the way Breaking Through When You're Stuck – Strategies to overcome frustration and keep moving forward Setting Timelines and Expectations – Stop waiting for people and start creating accountability with everyone you work with Mindset Mastery – Building the mental game that separates success from struggle Napoleon Hill Wisdom – Timeless lessons from Think and Grow Rich applied to your inventor journey David Meltzer is the former CEO of the Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment Agency (the inspiration for Jerry Maguire) and Executive Producer of Apple TV’s 2 Minute Drill and Entrepreneur’s #1 digital show, Elevator Pitch. His mission is to empower over one billion people to be happy—and he delivered value in every conversation. Watch the episode here: https://youtube.com/live/lkL1pT96a-Y?feature=share ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com

November 19, 20251 hr 14 min

What Happens After You Have the Idea: Licensing, Building, Scaling & Exit

National Inventor Club – Fireside Chat with Steve Greenspon The National Inventor Club sits down with entrepreneur and inventor Steve Greenspon, former CEO of Honey-Can-Do International. Steve built a consumer goods company from the ground up, scaling it to over $110 million before successfully exiting. With 35 patents and decades of experience in product development, licensing, manufacturing, and retail distribution, Steve offers a rare, full-picture perspective—both as an inventor and as a business leader. In this episode, Steve shares insights on: What licensees look for when inventors pitch products How licensing deals actually work (royalties, terms, structure) Building manufacturing partnerships and working with factories Distribution strategies: buyers, reps, catalogs, and major retailers Scaling a consumer goods brand to 9 figures What the exit process really looks like and key lessons learned Whether you're an inventor developing your first idea, a startup founder growing your product line, or an entrepreneur preparing for a future exit, this conversation is packed with real-world, actionable advice from someone who has done it all. Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Zi3K76lvgGI ----------------------- Become a member today @ https://nationalinventorclub.com. Unlock Your Invention's Potential with Inventor Smart! Inventor Smart Community - The Ultimate APP for Inventors to connect, collaborate, network, and drive invention ideas forward! Join social networking, participate in group chats, events, visit the library, and find the support you need! Download the Inventor Smart Community app on Google Play or Apple App Store or here http://inventorsmart.app Join us today! Have a great invention idea? Do you want to know if your idea will make you money? If you're just getting started, need help with product development, engineering, prototyping, finding a product licensing agent, or with bringing your invention idea to reality manufacturing, schedule a call with Brian Fried, The Inventor Coach @ https://brianfried.com