The Free Tool Kit from the Minnesota Inventors Congress is available for the inventor who has just come up with a bright idea and wants to know what to do next or is not sure if they have missed any important steps. The most important investment you, as an inventor, can make is to become as educated as possible about the steps necessary to take a product successfully to the marketplace. After reviewing the information, call us if you have any questions.
To download your copy, click the FREE TOOLKIT box to join our mailing list.
Once the PDF opens up, be sure to open a folder in your computer and save it for future reference.
We do not rent, borrow, lease or sell your contact information. Your information will be held confidentially!
Here is an overview of what is included in the tool kit:
Document #1: Thank You for Contacting the MIC. General information about the Minnesota Inventors Congress. (1 page)
Document #2: Invention Development Checklist: Inventor’s guide to the steps in the invention development process. (4 pages)
Document #3: The Inventor’s Notebook: Do’s and don’ts to help inventors protect their inventions. (1 page)
Document #4: Basic Networking: The fundamentals of building your network for inventors & innovators. (3 pages)
Document #5: Product Evaluation Directory: Reliable organizations, contacts, and services to help inventors seeking product evaluations early in the development process. (1 page)
Document #6: Evaluate Your Invention: Questions/points to consider about one’s invention. (4 pages)
Document #7: Confidentiality Agreement: Samples of an agreement. Seek legal advice. (2 pages)
a. Confidentiality Agreement
b. Non-Disclosure/Non-Compete Agreement
Document #8: Provisional Application for Patent: USPTO brochure that describes the requirements and features of a provisional patent application. (2 pages)
Document #9: Inventors’ Top Ten Most Common Mistakes and Tips to Avoid Those Mistakes. (1 page)
Document #10: Reference Sheet: Sources to aid in product protection, development, financing, and marketing. (3 pages)
Document #11: Internet Sites Helpful to the Inventor: Internet Site Resource List. (1 page)
Document #12: Membership Form: Information on becoming a member, dues and categories. (1 page)
Information on Invention Promotion Companies
United States Patent and Trademark Office: Contact the USPTO BEFORE you get BURNED!
Brochure: Information on Invention Development Companies. Be aware of the “Hooks” that lure you into a scam. (2 pages)
Federal Trade Commission:
Facts For Consumers: Invention promotion firms – from FTC – Common sense tips, addresses for headquarters, and regional offices. (4 pages)
Spotting Sweet Sounding Promises of Fraudulent Invention Promotion Firms. (2 pages)
Inventor Services Disclosure Form: Sample questionnaire for inventors – used to research firms/agencies offering services/evaluations, (invention promotion firms). (1 page)
Inventors – If you need further information, contact us at info@minnesotainventorscongress.org or 1-800-INVENT1 (800.468.3681)
