Who is Inventor-Link.com?
July 25, 2007 on 11:42 am | In Independent Inventors |Amazingly, I have received three inquiries today from inventors asking about an invention promotion company named Inventor-Link LLC (Delaware). They appear to be operating in Portland, Oregon, specifically targeting U.K. inventors. Their website is at www.inventor-link. com (link intentionally left broken).
I don’t have any information about them, but I will leave the comments open so my readers can provide whatever information they may have.
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Inventor-Link LLC. This company, per Jerry Jerome, claims to only target UK inventors. They ask enormous upfront fees (£5,000 - £10,000) BEFORE inventors actually know what they are buying (US $10,000 -$20,000!)
What are the credentials of ownership and employees? Not one inventor so far has asked for the name of who owns the company let alone a resume.
What is an Limited Liability Company?
There is no Contract stipulating what Inventor-Link LLC will “personally” DO and what their refund policy is. What follows is a brief link defining a Limited liability Company: “A company where shareholders have no personal liability to the creditors of that company should it go bankrupt.” https://www.shareanalysis.com/asp/glossary.asp
What is Inventor-Link’s Refund Policy?
I
nventor-Link.com uses Paypal® then it delivers. They have no published refund policy on their website. Paypal’s refund policy does not protect inventors who choose to pay indirectly. It is, in my opinion, a carefully crafted plan to avoid revealing ownership. Hit Paypal’s “Submit” button and it is all over but the shouting. One will never know who/where that money was cashed by.
Paypal refund policy:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=p/gen/ua/policy_buyer_complaint-outside
1. Names of persons at or associated with this company:
a) Frank Good, “Market Strategist.”
Inventors should acquire his resume; ask for it! Demand it! Not one inventor has thought to do this thus far. Why?! What he states “verbally” must be put in writing (talk is cheap). So far the only delivery I’ve been informed about is via a Paypal link to a “Market Strategy Plan” (MSP)
I can envision an MSP as a key element in business planning for inventors taking the direct-to-market approach (set up a company to manufacture, produce, market, distribute either directly to consumers or via end-users). Otherwise, it is a waste of money and time from my viewpoint. Why? The entity that should have such a Plan is one’s potential Licensee/partner who will invest its money, resources and take all risk to launch new products into the marketplace. Inventors (Licensors) taking the Licensing route to market don’t need an MSP. What they need is to know how to find and correctly identify who seeks products like theirs. Once identified potential licensees must be pre-qualified in terms of (a) do they accept outside invention submissions? (b) Will they sign a “Non Disclosure/Non Compete Agreement” if no US patent (c) What is their track record in working with inventors? (d) Do they pay royalties on time? (e) Are they or have they been involved in lawsuits with Licensors (inventors) (f) do they have sufficient finances to stay the course and do a quality job of marketing, launching and distributing new products…so on and so forth. This does not require a MSP. It requires good old-fashioned research. There are plenty of examples in Google of MSPs that any twit, as far as I’m concerned, could cut n’ paste generating a top quality looking piece of artwork…………but whether or not it is a customised step-by-step strategy to launch a new business or product appropriate for what one has is another issue. Expecting someone else to write a Business Plan and/or a Market Strategy Plan is wishful thinking as there is no one shoe fits all cookie-cutter approach to market entry.
b) Jerry Jerome, “Market Strategist”
I personally spoke with him before I knew his last name which he did not volunteer though a UK inventor gave it to me. He was suspicious in tone wanting to know how I got his phone number, where I live, what is my full name…etc. Very weird! N(Not unlike Spanish inquisition format). He asked for my invention details in “general” terms then got dodgy stating, “we don’t target US inventors our ‘niche’ is UK inventors.” If that is true, why was he so interested in my invention knowing I live in the U.S? Moreover, why would a US-based company ONLY target UK inventors when the US has many more inventors and free resources to find them? It makes no sense on its face though one inventor suggested that UK inventors are easy pickings due to jurisdiction issues (US versus UK law) and off-shore litigation costs are cost-prohibitive for average inventors therefore they would rather bite the bullet than make a fuss.
c) P.Hartman (registered their website September 2006) No idea who he/she is.
Public Phone records indicate there are two Frank Good’s in Oregon. One is in Eugene the other in Sutherlin, Oregon. There are also two Jerry Jerome’s. One is in Roseburg the other in Gresham, Oregon. For all we know he/they could sitting in front of a fire in Brighton or for that matter be one of the same person!
The company has been in business under that name only since December 2006. Has anyone asked them to provide physical evidence or a link to a product or invention successfully sold or licensed? After all, there are two pathetic examples of inventor testimonials on their site but only “initials” are listed (wouldn’t you just know it!) Of course, they are going to counter with “we don’t do any marketing or licensing” or for that matter ANYTHING! but send a Paypal link to pay for a Plan. Why has no one asked for references or physical evidence of success? Someone had better seriously consider it.
I’m not sure what it is about UK inventors but they are just not as aggressive or perhaps educated in how to tackle US invention marketing companies head-on. Since I am British now residing in the U.S., I must say my skin has become toughened after investigating literally hundreds of invention marketing companies. Before I was “proper” now I’m just down-and-dirty at digging up information. I want to educate foreign inventors on what a cutthroat business invention marketing has become here in the States. Paying up front is asking for trouble!
2. Location - The 11th floor of the World Trade Center tower in Portland, Oregon.
Research indicates the 11th floor is leased by “Regus Business Center” http://www.regus.com Regus’s “virtual office solutions allow you to establish a local presence with a prime business address.” To non US inventors anyone, for a fee can feature the WTC tower and address on their website to really impress the world in how well one is doing. Whereas, what one is doing is only paying for “virtual” services such as forwarding calls, mail; usage of meeting rooms (which they wouldn’t need sif they don’t work with US inventors). And let’s not forget having a prestigious address/tower photo representative of a billion dollar empire. Translated, it more likely than not those who partake of Regus Business Services are at home in their “jammies” doing business sipping Sherry.
3. Corporate Registration (akin to the UK’s “Companies House”):
As a company, Inventor-Link is registered in the state of Delaware on the extreme east coast Whereas, Inventor-Link is allegedly in Oregon on the west coast in a state where the business registration office (within the Secretary of States office) offers a “free” online database of all companies registered in Oregon to view “all” registration information including officers name. The state of Delaware does not (a) reveal officers names (b) one pays to download actual registration details (c) printing only the front registration page is free, and (c) they registered as a company December 1, 2006
It is but one more way to hide who is behind this enterprise.
To view Inventor-Link’s Delaware corporate registration do the following:
a). https://sos-res.state.de.us/tin/GINameSearch.jsp
b). Enter Inventor-link LLC in “Entity Name” –to open document
Inventor-Link.com displays two pathetic (initials only) testimonials but no way to confirm who they are. Further, since Inventor-Link allegedly targets only UK inventors they do not have to abide by the “American Inventors Protection Act” of 1999. However, UK inventors reading this should read a list of questions US law requires invention promoters answer BEFORE an inventor signs a contract. What follows is a link to a list of questions you should get answer to even if told the law does not apply to them (website link was down but it’s now back up. If it goes down again be patient and keep trying or contact us and we’ll get you the info) Navigate cursor down to “Section 4102, Integrity of Invention Promotion Services”:
http://web.archive.org/web/200.....tatute.htm
4. Free “Smart-Start Evaluation Program” -
Has anyone asked for a resume and credentials of the person rendering the evaluation? Me thinks not. I’m hoping one UK inventor will bite the bullet and step up to the plate to demand it.
Upon site entry and after reading the usual promotional diatribe one fills in a generic “tell us who you are and what you have” form. Eventually one receives a free “Smart-Start Evaluation Program.” It contains ten (10) pages with nineteen (19) categories each having five (5) multiple choices under it. After their version of an evaluation is done inventors receive this document displaying an arrow pointing to one (1) of the multiple choice answers in each of the nineteen (19) categories. Combined (one expects) all arrows together equal one has a “winner” so one moves to the next phase.
Sidebar: their Evaluation according to copy sent to me appears to represent an incomplete rendition of PIES (Preliminary Innovation Evaluation System) pioneered in the 1970s by Dr. Gerald Udell (now with the University of Missouri) who formerly researched and developed it further while at the University of Oregon in the field of product development. Go to http://www.wini2.com to learn more about Dr. Udell and the accredited PIES evaluation system which is the benchmark for all US evaluations.
An example of one category Inventor-Link sent to an inventor shows:
Category: “Safety Considerations”
Variables: Very Dangerous; Dangerous; Moderately safe; Safe; Very Safe
Result: An arrow points to the word “Safe”
5. How Contact is Made?
UK inventors ring them in Oregon to discuss their next step (after their “winner” evaluation) and/or they contact inventors. One inventor was about to turn her life savings over but found me. I recommended she contact the University of Wolverhampton which has a great (free) programme for inventors be they students or not. How many inventors reading this realize there may be free resources close by where each of you live? Provide your location and I’ll give you your closest FREE programme or I will try to get you set up with someone to mentor you for free!!!! You’ll need that money for prototypes, presentation materials, phone calls, patents, etc.
If inventors want to get their inventions viewed by manufacturer/distributors, they’d better ensure companies first qualify. Many invention marketing companies acquire manufacturers from http://www.thomasregister.com. It’s FREEEEEEEEE!!
One problem is that inventors seeking licensees need to understand the difference between a “Contract” manufacturer and a Licensee-qualified manufacturer/distributor. One is open to outside invention submissions while Contract manufacturers are pay-per-job. Unless Inventor-Link stipulates in its Contract (I don’t think they have one!) it will only provide qualified Licensees and not contract manufacturer contacts, it could be a waste of good money. So, get something in writing stipulating all contacts one will pay to download as part of their Market Strategy Plan (a) accept/are open to outside invention submissions (b) seek US patent pending or patented inventions or otherwise (c) WILL sign “Non Disclosure/Non Compete Agreements” (d) seek or not prototypes (e) the name of the correct person to contact.
6. The final round for three of the inventors thus far?
They were emailed a Paypal link which opened NOT to a legal Contract stipulating what Inventor-Link will DO, DELIVER, or PROVIDE “directly” but a link to a “Market Strategy Plan.” (In my opinion any twit can cut n’ paste one together from data found for free on the net and make it look very professional especially if they’ve no idea what such a plan is used for).
I am hopeful one day someone will email me a copy of this “Plan” unfortunately it might be after they were hooked, drawn and quartered (my money says it will be the same Plan invention-to-invention though I hope I am proven wrong).Take a look at what one has to fill out in order to get (one hopes) their Plan (before it disappears from off the web after they figure out what I’m up to and change the link): http://www.inventor-link.com/checkout.htm
7. Since the above another inventor has emailed me (no correction made in the email for typo)
He has been promised a patent and marketing of his invention. That is a first as the others were not. However, I now fomd am email in in-box since I’ve written the above indicating all the inventor is going to get is that same Paypal link to their “Market Strategy Plan. ” Accompany the link the email to the inventor stated, “Our strategy centers on defining your product’s strong points, and identifying high profile targets while maintaining the confidentiality of your invention. The objective is to provide you with access to principal decision makers at top manufacturers.hould you have any questions about our proposal, please don’t hesitate to call me. We look forward to working with you on this project. Click here to access our Market Strategy Plan Agreement and Secure Payment Form.”
INVENTORS! INVENTORS! INVENTORS!
—You must acquire a resume of the Evaluator who supplied or will supply a generic free evaluation.
—You must know who is the writer and acquire a resume behind their Market Strategy Plan (obviously inventors do not realize they should be writing it themselves in tandem with a Business Plan and/or be working with a credentialed local business consultant).
– Find out who owns Inventor-Link since employees are not liable and there is obviously no Contract therefore no defined obligations.
– It would appear YOU the inventor will be doing all the work so ask yourself, is this what you bargained for?
If anyone pays and within a year gets nowhere with what they got, please email me a copy of your “Market Strategy Plan” (blacking out confidential sections) or just email one to me anyway so I can compare/contrast its quality to monies spent.
A review of what Inventor-Link.com claims it does as found in Google indicates: “Official Site of Inventor-Link LLC - Your Link to Success for Your … We know how to get your idea from a rough sketch to a finished product in the market place. If your idea has what it takes, we can help you get the results you want …….www.inventor-link.com”
Once again and in closing, who is this “we” and what are their qualifications to get ideas to market. I see no evidence of products gotten to market. Not a Success or News page. Their history. Nada! Require they provide evidence in the form of products moved into the marketplace to support their statements and as a result of paying in advance for their MSP.
Regards,
Penny Ballou
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 25, 2007 #
(weeji is a code name because im still waiting for a reply from inventors link,please do not show my real name, thanks)i contacted inventor link 3weeks ago, i got a call from mr jeremy jerome a few days ago, the conversation ws almost identical to the one you described,lol. I was very sceptical after his call , espescially since he claims they would take up all costs and it wouldnt cost me anything, nowadays no one does things for free. Luckily im a multimedia graduate and im fully aware of the power of the web, a little bit of research and i come across this site,and it was just what i expected. I knew someone mustve been through this ,so thanks penny ballou. Im waiting on jeremys call back ( i think ill record his conversation ,lol put it on utube ) keep in touch
Comment by weeji — July 26, 2007 #
Hello again,
First, apologies for a couple of sloppy hard to read words in my last post, I could give the excuse that I was worn out and dead tired but I won’t.
Next, to new facts regarding Inventor-Link.com that are literally “hot off the press.” Pay close attention:
1. A UK inventor has taken my words to heart and asked, naturally in a polite English way, of Frank Good he supply examples of success ……………before he (inventor) hits Paypal’s® submit button for £5,000, as follows: “Just had another call from Frank. Frank’s response was, he basically said he couldn’t supply me with any of the other projects they’ve worked on because of confidentiality.” Though, “he will ‘try’ and get some testimonials over to me.”
Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a Red Flag is flapping! If you had a business wouldn’t you want the world to know about your successes? Once again we have, as I call it, a dodgy money-driven objective and a willingness to flip-the-inventor-off rather than send him what he seeks. Apparently they are making so much money they could care a less about customer satisfaction or helping inventors across the pond feel more at ease.
2. The inventor asked other questions of Frank Good according to what he wrote but his response was once again, as I interpret it, to take a long walk off a short pier”: “I have yet to recive anything back from them regarding my questions, when normally they have been rather prompt.”
Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! a second Red Flag is flapping. Understand, I am not including in the above Red Flags inventors being required to remit money via Paypal® before knowing exactly what they are buying.
Additionally, I’ll not include red flags for NOT providing personal credentials or resumes or having them posted to their website. “Who are these fools anyway!?!”
3. But that’s not all, Frank Good allegedly told the inventor: “He also said that if I wasn’t happy with parting with the money then I shouldn’t go ahead with them. I suggested no upfront fee and a different share of any proceeds - which he dismissed stating they need the money for day to day overheads.”
They need money for overhead!?! Well that takes the cake! Even he can do better than that. I’d add “bollocks!” but I’ll be nice and merely type: give me a break!
If he/they can’t find and shoot over to the inventor one singular success to contact (that I can investigate too), readers had better think twice before hitting Paypal’s® remit button.
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
Hi weeji!
What a smarty pants you are!
Here’s a Plan, get “chatty” with him acting like a stupid twit who needs her hand held ….then try to find out his background. Who is he? Also, attempt to plug the gap in what they are NOT telling us about themselves - - which is everything so far.
I’ve also received word they claim to not only search but patent inventions too. They are moving into dangerous territory for several reasons by seemingly practicing law without a license. Inventors should be directly connected to a licensed and registered patent attorney or agent. That is, “assuming” they even use one!! For all we know they could have purchased cheap patent-it-yourself software!!!
I looked for patents under their names and found none.
But that’s all, I suspect UK inventors AND Frank Good plus Jerry Jerome do not realise that if one intends to file a patent application only in the U.S. then one is required to get a “Security Permit” from the Security Section of the British Patent Office FIRST!!! (Probably to ensure national secrets are not exported). A copy of one’s proposed US application is mailed to the Security Section at :
Concept House, Cardiff Road, Newport, South Wales NP10 8QQ explaining what one intends to do.
I just bet UK inventors are also not being told for £50 they can write and file a “Provisional Application for Patent” and instantly acquire one year in which to legally attach the term “U.S. patent pending” to their inventions!!!
Keep up the good work!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
Is there anyone out there that you know has been successful with Inventor link?
Comment by Laurie — July 26, 2007 #
I submitted an idea to inventor link 2 days ago, and have had 2 conversations with a ‘nancy ford’ who said my idea met their criteria and would research (at no cost to me) my idea, which would take 2 weeks. She told me what I wanted to hear ie, that they license my product to a manufacturer and I receive a royalty. I asked her to e.mail me their proposals and she refused stating that they act in confidence and would not rip my idea off. Am I worrying unduly? She did mention that if they were to take me on they would write to me with their proposals. Does anyone know what they might be?
Comment by anonymous — July 26, 2007 #
have have been speaking 2 nancy ford aswell,but i think it is a load of scripted crap.it sounds like she is reading off a piece of paper, aand when i ring her i say m name and u’d think seh’d remember who i am untill i say my id number.they sent me a load of documents which looked like a copy and paste job.
Comment by rich — July 26, 2007 #
Hi Anonymous,
Of course she won’t send you their Proposal! It reads to me that you are too smart for the likes of her with sufficient business acumen to know that that is what one should expect as a first order of (legal) business in any joint venture.
Yes, we all know by now what is coming in their Proposal. It’s called a “Market Strategy Plan” and comes with a PayPal® link to first pay £5,000 – £10,000 then you get to download their crown jewel!
An old salesman trick is to ask what type of work one does in the “let’s get to know each other honeymoon phase.” Speculatively, let’s say you’re a General Practitioner with a small private medical practice in Bowling Green versus a Rubbish Bin Collector who lives in Brixton. You’ll be charged £10,000 and the bin collector £5,000 – get it?
You can be sure she’ll find nothing like it in the two weeks she is “checking” whatever she’s checking. And by the way, have you asked what her “checking credentials” are? LOL!
Later she will send you their free “Smart Start Evaluation” (read my rant above) after which you’ll learn “you have a winner” then you’ll get all excited (positioned or should that be securely affixed to a hook) to move to the next step.
Next will be a phone call followed by a link to a Paypal® document titled, “Market Strategy Plan” (please read my long, long post above about it too). If you get anything different please keep us informed.
A new datum I learned today from a UK inventor (quote): “He [Frank Good] also says that he will be taking 25% of all profits.” Excuse my French but how the hell would he know what a UK inventor thousands of miles away made other than by relying on the general “proper” or “let’s not make a fuss” disposition of UK inventors? (Unless, cheques are made out in Inventor-Link of Frank’s name first then they cut their cheque to the inventor? Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Again, I’ve not heard there is a contract which would usually include whose Jurisdiction (law) will be enforced —- US or UK? Besides which they have no presence in the UK so who the heck are they to say what is what. I’d love to see them try to enforce that 25% in a British court. LOL!
Until someone writes something different (a) there appears to be NO contract (b) allegedly they write patents which is illegal. What they should be doing is providing inventors with the phone number/address of a patent attorney or agent so they can liaise directly with them (c) inventors are NOT being informed (probably because Inventor-Link is ignorant of UK law) that if a UK inventor is only filing a patent in the U.S. then he/she must supply a copy of the proposed patent application (before it is filed in the US) to the UK patent office in Newport, Wales requesting a “Security Permit” (clearance to file in the US first).
You could do something for us all —-> (c ) ask Nancy if one of their services is to apply for a US patent and if so (d) who will write it. If she won’t answer or says “Frank handles patents” —–eventually you need to talk to Frank. Also (e) find out what percentage if any they might take of one’s profits (Stupidos!!! —> It should be revenue NOT profits!–assuming the inventor whom I quoted above understood correctly what Frank told him).
In closing, when the shouting is all over and you are done with them…………> let us know if you bought their package of goods or not and what else may have transpired so we can keep UK inventors informed and up to date.
Thanks
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
Hi Rich,
1. I have have been speaking 2 nancy ford aswell,but i think it is a load of scripted crap.
it sounds like she is reading off a piece of paper,
* Makes sense. Most invention submission companies hire telemarketers who read from scripts.
2. …when i ring her i say m name and u’d think seh’d remember who i am untill i say my id number.
* All these outfits are robotic. They have hundreds of inventors calling them so can’t remember names. Hence why inventors are given ID numbers to make sure they are not dealing with a people like me out to keep inventors informed about their (£££) extraction tactics!!!!
3. they sent me a load of documents which looked like a copy and paste job
* What are they Rich? What do they generally state or offer?
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
Laurie,
Let us know if you hear of anyone or, try to get Inventor-Link to provide physical evidence of someone (which they refused according to a quote in a post of mine above supplied to me by an inventor) you or I can personally contact to validate it.
Cheers!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
hi i had a recent call off ” jerry ” saying my invention will work i am from the uk and 19 he said he would ring i 2 weeks when we spoke on the phone he was mumering to himself a few things and said a few ” large ” words and then murmerd “umm we will pay for that emm ok just wait for my call in 2 weeks ” it souded to good to be true of course i called him and left a message he called back and said he was going to - phone today anyway - then he gave me 2 options i can either co share which would cost around 4-5 k if it was dollers or pounds i do not no or i could hire contract a manafacture which would cost around 10 k i have no money like that and said to him if my invention is going to be that good could you not put the money into it as their are alot of fraud companies out their and im unsure of who to trust i then asked if he had any names or details of any sucessful inventions he had helped he said all information is kept private i then said i dont have the money like that to put into it he said would about friends or family you got to put money into it to get money out so find it i found it very intimidating right now im scared he might steal my invention as i did not patent it i just posted all the details i printed of the site with my invention on sent it to my self i have not opened it just for records incase a invention like mine happens to come out he said he had done a report on it and will post it and it should take a week im in the process of waiting im stuck which way to turn now can you help me email me morganjuk07@aol.com
Comment by joody — July 26, 2007 #
Hi Joody,
No need to be scared. Outfits seeking huge sums upfront don’t usually steal inventions. That is not what they are after “stealing,” as you put it.
Yes, you’re right nothing is usually free these days hence why sirens are ringing in your ears and being the smart young girl you are you used the Internet to try to find help.
So Jerry Jerome gave you two options:
1.Co-share for 4,000-5,000 (either dollars or GBP).
2.They would hire for you a contract manufacturer for around 10,000 (dollars or GBP).
Obviously door #1 (Licensing route to market) would be your choice. However, as yet they’ve proven to no one they have any licensed product statistics let alone successes and apparently won’t supply any. Frankly my dear, #1 would be a waste of good money as I see it.
So Jerry asked you to “Get your friends or family to put money into it to get money out”.
You’re just a number to him. He could give a hook what you’ve got so don’t be scared that he’ll steal your invention as it’s not what he’s after, my dear (you are completely missing the point).
Yes, I can help you so don’t worry. If you are located in or near an area with an inventors club or a university which helps inventors, likely I will know what it is. So what is your “general” location or better yet, what is a large city close to you?
Best
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
im in uk northeast and durham city is the closest
Comment by jody — July 26, 2007 #
Hi Jody,
You really are way up in the middle of nowhere
eh? Just joking. I looked around Darlington and Middlesbrough but find nothing there.
1. Check out i4ideas in Durham…..their website doesn’t open anymore so you’ll have to make a phone call , “i4ideas is an EU and government funded project aimed at assisting individuals to exploit their new and innovative ideas to the benefit of themselves and the NE region. i4ideas firmly believes that everyone has a good idea at some point in their life, however the majority of people don`t have the time, the knowledge, or the confidence to do anything about it. We can help by assisting in the them to assess, develop, and broker their ideas to the NE regional business community.”
Mark Graham
Tel: 01642 885022
i4ideas,
C/o Cleveland Innovation,
Aurora Court,
Barton Rd.,
Middlesbrough,
TS2 1RY
2. Call Business Link N.E. 0845 600 9 006
See who they can refer you to for guidance.
3. Below is a LONG LONG LINK for “Help and Support for Inventors”:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk.....amp;r.s=tl
4. NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE:
Patents Advice Centre,
City Library,
Princess Square,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE99 1DX .
Contact Lynsey Newton –
Telephone 0191 232 4601;
email her at: nlis.pac@dial.pipex.com
It would be safer to get help from Manchester or Birmingham sites than to mess around in the U.S. with invention marketing companies. Why don’t you send an email to the Birmingham group to see if they know anyone in your area you can talk to?
http://www.birmingham-inventors.org.uk
These people meet in Manchester every month I believe (London based) but they may have a contact for you in your area: http://www.ideas21.co.uk
Take Care
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 26, 2007 #
thank you or that i am currently seeing a business advisor at businesslink as i just completed rthe nes course with them im wanting to start my uown business up mainly i just had an idea that t thought would work and when i got the ” phone call ” it made me think more about it many thanks for the info
jody morgan
Comment by jody — July 27, 2007 #
Hi Penny
i’ve just found this site after doing a bit of background checking. i to have entered into a discourse with inventor-link. i’ve had the initial market resarch doc through and now they are wanting 5 grand to progress with the idea. again i got suspicious when i asked for other products they’d brought to market, and about the process of patenting the idea.
do you know of any free / usful advice i could get for my idea? i’m in London, but have been to uni in Leicester and Oxford.
any information or advice would be greatfully recived.
thanks
john
Comment by John — July 27, 2007 #
Hey John,
Did you find this blog via Google? What search term(s) did you use?
1. i to have entered into a discourse with inventor-link. i’ve had the initial market resarch doc through and now they are wanting 5 grand to progress with the idea.
* The “usual” so far. What would be fun is if we had a copy of every inventor’s free “Smart Smart Evaluation” programme to see if there is any difference in where the arrows land. LOL!
2. i got suspicious when i asked for other products they’d brought to market, and about the process of patenting the idea.
* Did they give you their “pat” response: it’s confidential we don’t reveal our clients successes?” Good for you for asking …it’s about bloody time by sheer force of requests “to put up or shut up” they list numbers of launched products as a direct consequence of their “Market Strategy Plan” (naturally that we could personally verify). The fools will never do this while the money is flowing in.
3. do you know of any free / usful advice i could get for my idea? i’m in London, but have been to uni in Leicester and Oxford.
* Why don’t you pop by the East London Inventors Club. It think their meeting is tomorrow (28th) They’re held at Kingston University in Docklands. Or, if you’re closer to Croydon, visit next month’s meeting at WRTI. If you let me know your general location I’ll find a club closer -perhaps-but the above two are a nice London spread.
* I was in London over the Christmas/NYs holidays visiting my friends at ELIC and WRTI. Had a blast! I got to visit my old hangouts and schools. I miss London but housing is ridicuously high!!! How the heck can anyone afford to live?!
Had a blast on the Embankment at NY’s! Thousands crammed together waiting for the London Eye to let loose it’s fireworks display. It was a blast!
4. any information or advice would be greatfully recived.
* Not a problem just DO NOT go chasing U.S. outfits as the majority of them are, in my personal opinion, scammers. Stay closer to home if only initially. Outfits wanting upfront fees really take-the-cake especially when using Paypal(R) to buy first then one hopes they’ll deliver
but what they’ll deliver is another issue. I suspect it’s a boilerplate document the main differences being: invention name. Worse, that method continues to hide the true identities, their credentials (if any) and who is behind this outfit –especially who owns it. They have, in my opinion, done a pretty good job at hiding themselves. They can’t be nailed here since they allegedly are not delivering to U.S. inventors. We need a few to fill in their blank online application form just as a test to see if that is true.
Find me off-line if you’re interested and we’ll chat more.
Cheers!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — July 27, 2007 #
Hello Penny,
I too searched google for inventor-link and found this site.
I, like others, submitted an idea to them about a month ago. I was initially sceptical and just filled in my name and number but did not add my idea and closed the web page, next day Jerry called asking what my idea was and why I had not filled it in. I explained my concerns and he pointed me to their “agreement”. I then submitted my idea and have like others had my initial report back saying they thinks it’s an excellent idea, they then sent me the detailed report LOL! of bullet points saying it’s going to be a success. Jerry called last night saying the next step is for me to send £4940 to get things moving.
I explained I was sceptical still and would need time to consider, thank heavens I came across this site beforehand. I live in London (North) and work (Central). I have been to see a company in Holburn who have said what a good idea I have and they have told me what I need to do to amend it to ensure I get the patent. (All free of charge by the way) and they have given me advice on how to do the patent myself. I am so glad I found this site. Cheers Penny
Comment by Dave — August 1, 2007 #
Well done Dave!
Who did you find in Holborn? I don’t have anyone in that area but it’s central enough I’d like to know who it is. Is it a Business Link office? Great location. The only one I know in a similar genre but not the same is: http://www.alcs.co.uk/
Shoot it to me here or you can find me off-line via Google.
Best,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 1, 2007 #
Penny,
They are Kilburn and strode.
http://www.kstrode.co.uk/
They are patent and trademark attorneys.
They helped me significantly and even offered to review my claim before I submit it.
Comment by Dave — August 2, 2007 #
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do drop by next month’s meeting of ELIC usually held in a room at Kingston University (www.eastlondoninventorsclub.com) or at WRTI in Croydon or one of there other clubs.
Well done on getting yourself in the right legal hands. Phew! It saved you a TON of money.
Best,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 2, 2007 #
Oophs! I meant to type “their” and not - there (I may not be a genius but I’m not totally ignorant!) LOL!
————
Also, find out when WRTI holds its next meeting as it doesn’t appear to be monthly:
Phone: 01420 562 378
There’s also one held in Kent set up by Business Link and Greenwich University were it closer to you. I think it’s around £25 per year.
All the very best!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 2, 2007 #
Penny,
I recently sent my idea off to 2 companies one being Inventor Link the other being Davison Inventions. Davison were the first to come back and give me the go ahead however they wanted around £400 to do the Market Research, after getting rather suspicious I found a page like the one you have set up stating it was a scam. Then Jerry at Inventor Link got back to me and I have had all the research done like others receiving a plan through the post of how well it will work etc. He has phoned to say that there are 100 manufactures who they would try to get on board however they need £4090 upfront!! Again having my suspicions I have dug a little deeper to discover your page and everyones comments. So feeling some what disheartened I would just appreciate some advise on what to do next. I live in the North East, I would like to persue my idea as I feel it has potential, I am desperate to seek Patent advise but the contact you stated - Lynsey Newton her e-mail and telephone number are not in use? What do you suggest.
Regards
Peter
Comment by Peter — August 7, 2007 #
Hi Penny
Thanks for the quick response, I found this site by searching for ‘inventor-link fraud’ and as everyone else on here I’m glad I did.
I was just writing to tell you I hadn’t heard back from them when the phone rang, spooky? I was quiet up for giving them some stick, based on what I‘ve learned from this page. To be honest though I ended up just asking the questions which I’d been thinking about since I read their ‘contract’. I said I didn’t believe that the contract was comprehensive enough to cover what they were setting out, she said in America they don’t use complicated language for contracts. I said been under 2 pages long it didn’t cover dispute resolution, rights of third parties or anything else in enough depth to be convincing. I also asked for proof, or any kind of evidence that they had a team together who could develop the design. She said that they could not share anything due to confidentiality, then went on to say that not every idea would be successful and tried to steer away form the topic. I asked if they could provide any evidence such as resume of cv for their design team, she said they don’t do that. Finally she suggested a visit. I jumped at the chance and asked what I’d be able to see, she said nothing, as I could be a spy. The conversation ended amicably, she did place me on hold for a minute which I guess was to see if I was talking to other people about the conversation, I stayed quite. When she returned she said that I obviously wasn’t confident in their abilities and said that we should leave it as that. I tried once more to re iterate that it wasn’t a lack of confidence but the lack of any kind of evidence and that I wasn’t going to invest based on believe. She wished me well and said I could contact them in the future if I required further help.
Once again I’m glad I found this site, but am a little disheartened as its not the best start as I pursue my idea through other channels. I am wondering though if I should not pass on their details to a fraud squad or something. Is there any body to which they could be held accountable over in the US?
If your interested in my smart start evaluation document I can scan and upload it. its probably the same as everyone else’s.
Dave I’m working in Islington and would be interested in knowing more about the guys that helped you out, is there any chance you could email me some more details?
Thanks again guys
John
Comment by John — August 7, 2007 #
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the follow-up. So let’s see what you have for me today:
1. I recently sent my idea off to 2 companies one being Inventor Link the other being Davison Inventions. Davison were the first to come back and give me the go ahead however they wanted around £400 to do the Market Research, after getting rather suspicious I found a page like the one you have set up stating it was a scam.
(a) Not to mention the 26-million $ Davison has to return to inventors having recently lost a lawsuit brought against them (second one) by the equivalent of DTI (Federal Trade Commission = http://www.ftc.gov)
2. Then Jerry at Inventor Link got back to me and I have had all the research done like others receiving a plan through the post of how well it will work etc. He has phoned to say that there are 100 manufactures who they would try to get on board however they need £4090 upfront!!
(a) Funny! I’ll put my money in the pot by stating –> not one of them is a qualified turns “Licensee” manufacturer merely “contract” manufacturers. Unfortunately to find that out you have to open wide getting reeled in….as the saying goes!
3. Again having my suspicions I have dug a little deeper to discover your page and everyones comments.
(a) Congrats!!! I hereby dub thee a qualified research-oriented inventor and not a mere statistic!
4. So feeling some what disheartened I would just appreciate some advise on what to do next. I live in the North East, I would like to persue my idea as I feel it has potential, I am desperate to seek Patent advise but the contact you stated - Lynsey Newton her e-mail and telephone number are not in use? What do you suggest.
(a) Hold your horses and let me find someone else (I’ll find out what happened re Lynsey Newton). The northeast is tough. Let me know your general location then I can sort through my database using your location term to see who/what pops up. In the meantime I want you to contact Barrister John Lambert. He lives in Holmfirth and practices around Yorkshire and Huddlesfield. Matter of fact he ’sthe only Intellectual Property attorney in the entire section of north!!!!!!!!!!!! He is majorly involved in helping inventor clubs and all sorts of not-for-profit charities in your neck of the woods. He has a blog to keep us updated on the latest events in the North of England. In terms of patenting, he’s your man:
http://www.ipit-update.com/tm04.htm
Get back to me with location and give me a day or two and I’ll see who else I can uncover for you.
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 7, 2007 #
Hi back at “ya” John,
1. Thanks for the quick response, I found this site by searching for ‘inventor-link fraud’ and as everyone else on here I’m glad I did.
(a) “ain’t” that the truth!
2. …To be honest though I ended up just asking the questions which I’d been thinking about since I read their ‘contract’. I said I didn’t believe that the contract was comprehensive enough to cover what they were setting out, she said in America they don’t use complicated language for contracts.
(a) What an “A-hole” answer. She obviously thinks you’re some kind of (blank) inventor. That is the most stupid answer I’ve ever read. In “America???!!!”— what a dipshit! Who is she -some kind of “foreign” legal eagle!!! Just as well I’m not talking to her or I’d clean her dipstick up one side and down the other before she batted her first blink. Twit!
3. I said been under 2 pages long it didn’t cover dispute resolution, rights of third parties or anything else in enough depth to be convincing.
(a) And you’re just starting!!!!!!! I love it!!!!! I have never seen a contract from other than what is mentioned above none of which rises to the level of a contract. Shoot me a copy if it’s other than what I’ve posted above.
4. I also asked for proof, or any kind of evidence that they had a team together who could develop the design. She said that they could not share anything due to confidentiality,…
(a) Welcome to the wonderful world of invention submission companies using scripts and cheat sheets to answer questions such as you asked. Like………one’s “team” should be kept confidential in the first place! It’s pretty obvious they don’t have a team but are more likely than not three to four “entrepreneurs” out to make a what I personally deem to be a veritable killing.
5. …. then went on to say that not every idea would be successful and tried to steer away form the topic.
(a) Well done on identifying their “steering away from probing questions”…a good lesson for inventors reading this blog in how to stay focused by recognizing when a question has NOT been answered and staying on it like a bloodhound to its prey.
6. I asked if they could provide any evidence such as resume of cv for their design team, she said they don’t do that.
* Figures! Their resumes and CVs are confidential because they have nothing of consequence anyone would consider credible! Likely they were all former pen pushers while they worked for invention companies to learn the ropes.
7. Finally she suggested a visit. I jumped at the chance and asked what I’d be able to see, she said nothing, as I could be a spy.
(a) Now that is a strange answer. Knowing you’re it the UK she suggests you visit then basically tells you won’t be allowed entry as you could be a spy? Too Funny! They sure don’t want to be discovered, eh? Hiding and Evasiveness appears to be something they are very good at.
8. The conversation ended amicably, she did place me on hold for a minute which I guess was to see if I was talking to other people about the conversation, I stayed quite. When she returned she said that I obviously wasn’t confident in their abilities and said that we should leave it as that.
* Duh!! What abilities? If it’s her ability to avoid answering questions I’d say she “takes the cake!” LOL!
9. I tried once more to reiterate that it wasn’t a lack of confidence but the lack of any kind of evidence and that I wasn’t going to invest based on believe. She wished me well and said I could contact them in the future if I required further help.
(a) Bottomline: they’d rather “waste you” than let you in on who they really are. It’s an old, old salesman’s tactic -evasiveness rears it’s ugly head again.
10. Once again I’m glad I found this site, but am a little disheartened as its not the best start as I pursue my idea through other channels. I am wondering though if I should not pass on their details to a fraud squad or something. Is there any body to which they could be held accountable over in the US?
(a) From what you’ve written they offered no MATERIAL details of any consequence so what you’d turn over would amount to hearsay.
(b) Yes! there are “accountables” here but they are hard to find. Give me a general idea of your field of invention and let’s see if I have someone to refer you to with NO UPFRONT FEES!
11. If your interested in my smart start evaluation document I can scan and upload it. its probably the same as everyone else’s.
(a)Thanks, but no thanks. I have a copy already. It’s a bunch of what I deem to be pure junk compared to those issued through the University of Wisconsin Innovation Centre and the WIN Programme run out of the University of Missouri by Dr.Gerald Udell. No wonder they operate in Hiding and are Evasive.
Tell me what you need to move forward and I’ll find it for you or provide directional suggestions. Believe what you seek is right there where you are at, not here in round one, two, and three.
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 7, 2007 #
Thanks again Penny for the feedback and help.
I’d be grateful for any help in moving forward. basically i’m finishing of uni over the next month so i’m not going to be able to move anything forward, but i guess after that the next step is to develop a clear outline of what i’m doing, then attend one of these events or talk to an Intellectual Property attorney about how to patent the idea. i haven’t really looked at the full process but i’ll get onto it mid September when i have my free time back
I’ll keep in touch with yourself, and keep popping back for info if thats alright.
cheers
John
Comment by john — August 8, 2007 #
oh yeah, this was the MSP link
https://www.inventor-link.com/checkout.htm
i’m sure its the same as the one you’ve already seen.
john
Comment by john — August 8, 2007 #
John,
Sorry been away for a few days, just saw your message. The guys that helped me were fantastic. Gave advice to me that they said they would give to a millionaire or me! They advise patenting yourself and then they will get involved once you have companies interested in manufacture.
They even helped me with the wording of the patent application form. Hope this helps.
Comment by Dave — August 10, 2007 #
Hi Folks,
I too have been in touch with inventor-link and have got to the stage where they said they will do a “market strategty” for me after giving me two more options of:
1. Getting my own manufacturers. “Which could run into 10’s of 1000’s of pounds”-frank good
2. Getting a solicitor to obtain a patent for my invention. “Which could cost anywhere between $20,000 & $30,000″-frank good
This is very disheartening reading all these comments (no offence intended!) as I truly believe I am onto a winner lol! I just can’t believe I have been so gullible to their ego feeding!! GRRRR!!!!
I would appreciciate any info as to getting my invention up and running.
I live in the West Midlands
Disappointed Dolf
Comment by dolf — August 12, 2007 #
Hi Dolf,
I can’t imagine why you’re “disappointed” and not jumping for joy you didn’t buy the “ticket to ride!”
U wrote :
1. I too have been in touch with inventor-link and have got to the stage where they said they will do a “market strategty” for me after giving me two more options of:
1. Getting my own manufacturers. “Which could run into 10’s of 1000’s of pounds”-frank good
2. Getting a solicitor to obtain a patent for my invention. “Which could cost anywhere between $20,000 & $30,000?-frank good
* #1 is definitely a possiblity. #2 is way off the scale if one has a simple consumer-type invention. Now, were it electrical/electronics and/or a chemical composition requiring much research and a skilled patent writer……I suppose it could be “up there”. Those prices one expects huge corporations to pay not lowly inventors who typically have simple improvements on existing products.
2. This is very disheartening reading all these comments (no offence intended!) as I truly believe I am onto a winner lol! I just can’t believe I have been so gullible to their ego feeding!! GRRRR!!!!
* You may have a winner so stop feeling sorry for yourself (they hooked you but they didn’t reel you in!!!) Gullible is one thing, buying a ticket to be taken on a “gullibility joy ride” is another. You never bought a ticket so what does that say for you?
3. I would appreciciate any info as to getting my invention up and running. I live in the West Midlands.
* Could you be more specific please. check some of the previous links I provided see if any work for you. West Midlands could be Birmingham or Manchester and I’ve given links already. Just how West is west? (Liverpool? Wales?)
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 12, 2007 #
Hi Penny,
Wow I guess that told me didn’t it! lol.
No, really, thanks. I feel more optimistic now and have found a link on this site to Wolverhampton University which is right on my doorstep!
“Now, were it electrical/electronics and/or a chemical composition requiring much research and a skilled patent writer……I suppose it could be “up there”. ”
Just out of interest it is an electronic component. Would this be more difficult to continue with very limited funding?
Kind Regards,
Dolf
Comment by dolf — August 13, 2007 #
p.s. Could you suggest any questions I should ask Mr Good when he rings me again.
Thanks, Dolf
Comment by dolf — August 13, 2007 #
Hi Dolf
if i were you you could try giving them a hard time but to be honest i’m not sure its worth your time.
i had the same pitch from a Nancy Ford, with the 3 options, the 2 you mentioned and the 3rd to go with them. and obviously it sounded like the better option.
also i really like the idea that they would work away and make it happen without much effort on my part, (working full time i’ve not got alot of spare time)
if you read my bit above, i tried on the phone to get any kind of evidence that they were capable of doing the work they said they would and they couldn’t give me anything.
like i say you could give them a grilling, but i fear you’ll just be wasting your time.
i don’t know if Penny has anything to suggest.
john
Comment by john — August 13, 2007 #
Thanks John. I’ve just finished reading all the postings. I see what you mean. I might just not respond at all.
Dolf
Comment by dolf — August 13, 2007 #
i did that, and a week later they contacted me, obviously they were keen. they will chase you up as your potential income to them, so by all means ask some tough questions but i doubt you’ll get any further. do let us know though
john
Comment by john — August 13, 2007 #
I’ve read enough! Thanks to all contributors to this site, - I will not be taking my initial contact with inventor-link any further. As to honest contacts in the U.K.- has anyone dealt with Wolverhampton University (Caparo innovation centre)?
Comment by Jim Darwin — August 13, 2007 #
Hi Jim,
I am just in the process of dealing with wolves uni and have had an e-mail off Gavin Smeilus. He is posting me all the info soon. I’ll post it on this site a.s.a.p.
Dolf.
Comment by dolf — August 13, 2007 #
Thanks so much Dolf. The more UK inventors we can steer to them the better. Too bad they do not have a clone down south too.
Much Appreciated!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 13, 2007 #
Hi Folks,
Does anyone have any info/comments about http://www.worldinventionscenter.com.
Dolf
Comment by Dolf — August 15, 2007 #
Sure,
That’s Harvey Reese. He’s okay if you have a toy or game…..it was once his speciality.
Since then he’s branched out and will pretty much take anything if you have the money to pay for his Evaluation. Some inventors allege he is making a small fortune off “evaluating” inventions. I can’t say for sure just the buzz but all told he’s an okay fellow.
Even though he’s branched out into other fields after the toy industry giants swallowed-up a lot of the smaller holdings, it’s hard for me to believe he specialises in virtually everything.
My suggestion would be to find an agent specializing in your invention field if other than toy/game. I caution you - if they want money upfront and percentage, run like hell.
Why don’t you ask him to supply you a list of licensed products in your invention category. That list should tell you how successful he’s been in it.
Also, he has to provide a list of numbers of clients paid versus licensed versus made more money than paid to him per the American Inventors Protection Act.
I note he’s selling tapes and even building/hosting websites….things must be tough I guess.
Do deeper research even though he has a great track record in the field of toys/games. If you tell us your invention category - if other than toys/games - maybe we can suggest agents or companies seeking such products (don’t need to know other than product “category.”
Which reminds me, do you have a US patent or in in US patent pending?
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 15, 2007 #
WORLD WIDE INVENTION SOLUTIONS
Yes (need you ask) lol!
1. Josh Lichter and his alleged secretary (could be his wife or girlfriend for all we know)
Neeley Wells.
2. No address or phone number listed on the site
3. No Privacy Agreement, no TOS, no Non Disclosure/Non Compete Agreement - nada!
Enter the phone and P.O. Box listed on site registration and all you find are “tons” of scams listing the same PO Box and Phone number which appears not to be answered.
4. Site registered and created August 13, 07 (hot off the press, as it were).
5. Not registered in California (if it’s even there) as a corporation.
I say it’s someone operating out of his house.
5. Josh Lichter is today out of the office in Alabama at a conference…..but can be reached on his Blackberry. The only problem, he won’t give up its number!!! LOL! Got to love this crappola!
Approaching any site with absolutely NO INFORMATION on it is asking for trouble. The only way to reach this “blank” is by sending him an email listing your info in his Contact Us page.
It is a completely blank site void of any salient info that would lead to who he is, his credentials, licensed products…….where he goes to the bathroom…as it were. Stay Clear for now. Research is ongoing. More will be forthcoming. Translated, don’t even think of sending him your info let alone your invention details patented or not.
Stay Tuned to this Blog.
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 15, 2007 #
World Inventions Center:
That is Harvey Reese. As long as you have a toy or game I personally think he’s okay. He’s branched out to other areas when the toy/game industry consolidated so he like many toy/game agents were, how shall I say, forced into spreading their wings by adding “evaluations” and venturing into new pathways.
I would want to see a list of his licensed product in your product category for starters before paying “evaluation” fees.
Many operators these days and I’m not implying him make their living from “Evaluations” and a good living it is. What their qualifications are only the shadow knows and he “ain’t” talking.
In closing, old Russian proverb:
“Free Cheese comes only in mousetraps”!
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 15, 2007 #
Hi
Yes I too am a victim of Inventor - link. Frank Good rang me today to ask if I had taken my idea to market. He sounded to good to be true he said he’d send me a Smart Start Evaluation pack through the post. I feel such an idiot what shall I do?
Comment by Linda Brown — August 16, 2007 #
Linda,
You are NOT a victim as you haven’t paid any money yet.
Question: How did he find you and your phone number, Linda?
Let the cycle roll out. When he sends you a Paypal link to pay for the final phase, ignore it. No harm done!
Chin Up! What part of the UK are you in and let’s see if we can find you a link to a company nearby who can help you.
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 16, 2007 #
PUBLIC NOTICE:
FEEL FREE TO POST ANY “ERRORS OF FACT” REGARDING THIS TOPIC.
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 16, 2007 #
I found this website ‘Inventor Link’ and thought i’d give them a go. I’ve had this idea for some years now and they really sounded convincing and trustworthy. I took the first few steps, sent drawings which were required, but no real feedback on them as such, just a ’strategy plan’ saying how it could be worldwide profitable and that they think my invention would be so successful. Then came the phone call about money they wanted to fund this. This Nancy Ford said she would require £4940 + receive 25% of the royalties and that i shouldn’t hesitate because i was in a win win situation. I told her i would think about the idea and she said she would ring me back in a few days. Fortunately, in that time of considering this so called fantastic offer my son (a multi media student) thought it would be a good idea to do a search about Inventor Link and came across your sight. We can’t thank you enough for taking the time to post your comments on this website of yours because i was certainly ready for this Nancy Ford when she rang back for the money. It got quite heated and i told her we wasn’t prepared to send any money before we had 100% proof of that they were at least putting this invention forward to the right people. With thank she went all round the houses and starting saying ‘whos been telling you these things to say’ as though this negative response was a common factor. Last thing i’d like to point out has anybody else noticed the names of the so called successful inventors on their homepage ‘H Simpson’ and ‘T Bennett’ it’s not Homer Simpson and Tony Bennett by any chance is it?! Thanks again Penny, M B
Comment by M B from Kent — August 20, 2007 #
HiPenny,Am I glad I came upon this website! only last night I telephoned Jerry Jerome to discuss the next move relating to my idea after receiving my Smart-Start Evaluation Programme.Jerry assured me that Inventor-link would pay the lions share of £10k+, and that I would have to pay £4,940. He told me that 100 manufacturers were interested in my idea, and that normally they only had around 30 interests. I was also told that I would have to pay $100 for patent application.I asked Jerry what sort of success stories they had had, he said that because the company was in its infancy,it was too soon to be able to give any feedback. The telephone conversation ended by Jerry stating that he would e-mail me a form to fill in,and that I needed to make a payment of £4,940 via paypal,credit or visa card, or cheque.I received the e-mail this morning (22nd Aug),but I was uanble to open the link -THANK GOODNESS!!.I then decided to find out a bit more about Inventor-link and luckily came across this website. I can’t believe how close I came to losing what I consider a lot of money. Can you please suggest a company in my area (Cardiff or Bridgend)to place my idea. Many thanks
Comment by Sue — August 22, 2007 #
Good on you Kent…Phew!
=================================================
As for you Sue,
Hello my dear and I’m excited to see you still have money in your pocket. I suspect their price has dropped because inventors are reading this blog so desperation is setting in. Oh boy! are they going to be mad at all these reports (Tough titty!)
A good friend of mine is a Senior Patent Examiner in the Newport patent office not too far from you. He used to be President of WIN WALES (Wales or Innovation). Check them out: http://www.win4wales.com
Guess what? IT’S FREE!!!
I don’t think the Welsch Development Agency would be any good to you since their focus, as I recall, is primarilly university/industry innovation but I’ll tell you what, connect with them to see who they might recommend as a mentor for individual inventors: http://www.netwales.co.uk
I hope that helps you.
Kind regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 22, 2007 #
One other thing Sue, that $100 for a patent application is NOT a formal patent application but the fee for an inventor to write/file a Provisional Application for Patent.
It is not a formal Non Provisional (Utility) Patent Application such as the owner of this blog would write (patent attorney Stepen Nipper), merely a “placeholder” securing a date for anything written in it supportive of future legal claims that would be written into a formal patent application. Use caution though before submitting any application in the U.S. without first getting the approval of the Newport patent office. See a message I posted about this and how to do it in one of the above posts from me.
Cheerio!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 22, 2007 #
Hi all…
Thank you for all your help… I got on the web and entered my idea on this inventor-link I wasn’t going to pay any money because it sounded too good to be true with Miss Ford…
My question is… Can this company steal My idea or Patent it before I do??
Thanks
Comment by Skipper — August 23, 2007 #
Greetings Skipper!
U wrote: .. I wasn’t going to pay any money because it sounded too good to be true with Miss Ford…
* I see you’re a person who draws somewhat speedy conclusions at least when it comes to money but not when it comes to turning over the care and feeding of your new born. Naughty, naughty.
U wrote: Can this company steal My idea or Patent it before I do??
* Yikes! What an awful thought! Let’s explore it:
In theory “they” (whoever they really are) could since you freely turned it over assuming you made a full and complete disclosure so that someone with a modicum of skill in the field of invention could make/use it without undue experimentation. On the flip side, I wouldn’t lose a night’s sleep over it as that is not usually the mission of invention marketing companies.
Hopefully you’ve experienced a good dose of reality so much so you thoroughly investigate anyone you intend to watch and care for your new born in the future.
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — August 24, 2007 #
hi guys,
I have now received an info pack off the caparo innovation centre (wolverhampton uni)and have arranged a meeting with Prof. Andrew pollard on 12/09/2007 where I will be able to supply them with my invention details and they will do an assessment there and then! They supplied copies of a confidentiality agreement for me to look through/sign before we meet. More details to follow…..
dolf
Comment by dolf — September 3, 2007 #
hi .. i recently also been asked for £5000
from (Nancy Ford)inventor-link to take my PATENTED IDEA to the next step..
what should i do ?
i really want this patent to kick off.
reagards Angelo
from London
Comment by angelo — September 4, 2007 #
p.s
did anyone actually pay them yet?
and lost the money!!
is there any proof that inventor-link stole money or ideas?
Comment by angelo — September 4, 2007 #
in desperate need of my own personal mentor some yoga or obi one i have no degree or diplomas but always been quite brainee.. have one patent for a colic free baby bottle and several ideas from which a few regarding perpetual motion but dont know at all what to do next to turn idea into money
thank’s Angelo
Comment by angelo — September 4, 2007 #
Angelo,
Why on earth would you be paying anyone is the first order of business. Give me your location in England and let’s see if I can find you a local mentor or organisation to help you at NO CHARGE!
I’ve listed Wolverhampton University in the first few emails. But there are other locations in the UK. I’ve posted lots of links above especially up in the Midlands to get free help.
You DO NOT send money out of the UK over to the US on a whim-and-prayer.
Angelo, have you asked Inventor-Link.com for referencess that you can personally verify? On the other hand, why would you one need references if all they supply are sheets of paper with writing on them named a “Market Strategy Plan?” After you hit PayPal’s credit card Submit button —it’s all over.
One point, if you intend to take your product to market yourself, you need more than a MSP. You work on a Business Plan since your first order of business is to go into business. Why else would you need a MSP anyway? If you’re not intending to own your business to produce your invention, you don’t need a MSP. What you need would be a Busines Plan. Questions it asks you find answers to. By the time you’re done finding all those answers, you have the steps required to launch your product into the marketplace.
On the other hand, if you hope to find a Licensee (a person or company perhaps a manufacturer / distributor willing to invest its time, money, resources, tooling, marketing, sales and distribution expertise to launch your product and who will pay you royalties - the entity with the MSP had better be the investor/manufacturer!! (not you!)
Inventor-Link.com is providng a MSP…that’s all. Do you even know what it is? If you did you would realize this is something “you” should be putting together as you’ll be “doing” all the “do” work not them. All you get is a bunch of sheets of paper with a MSP on it. Use Google to pull samples of them for free! It is NOT what you need if you intend to take your product to market personally. If you do not instead you hope to find a Licensee for it, no way would “you” need a MSP. The entity doing the launching (Licensee) had better have one already. If taking this route, a question becomes, do you have a patent because it is more likely than not a Licensee will want one.
In closing, no one is telling you not to throw your money to the winds for that is your call. We just want you to undertand more about the two routes to market because in Route 1 - direct to market you should be formulating a Business Plan while Route 2 is finding a Licensee. It is the one who has or creates the Plan while you sit back and get paid - one hopes - if the product becomes a hot seller.
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 6, 2007 #
M B from kent wrote: “i’d like to point out has anybody else noticed the names of the so called successful inventors on their homepage ‘H Simpson’ and ‘T Bennett’ it’s not Homer Simpson and Tony Bennett by any chance is it?! ”
Don’t know if you’ve checked the inventor link site M B, but they have now updated these ” Inventors” names to Hugh Simpson & Theodore Bennett. ha! Is it possible the inventor link people are monitoring this site? If so……….. :-p !!!!!
Comment by dolf — September 7, 2007 #
hi there penny i am just courious as to what you get from doing this as you seem to put a bit time and effort in to it
Comment by georgia — September 7, 2007 #
to penny i just dont know who you can trust out there i am sceptical of everyone. also to angelo hasent the colic free baby bottle been on the market for sometime already my baby nephew has got one
Comment by georgia — September 8, 2007 #
I reckon Georgia is Nancy Ford, Frank Good, Jerry Jerome in disguise. lol!
Comment by dolf — September 8, 2007 #
hello, we do not have concrete edivence that invent link our a con because no has come forward to say that they paid the money and got stitched up after doing so. i want to find someone who has hit the paypal button paid the 10 grand and gone to the next stage
Comment by georgia — September 8, 2007 #
to georgia!
??????????? there are several bottle’s like mine oni invented the valve for this bottle in 2002
you can look for my anywhere even in the library
Patent number: GB2395911A
Publication date: 2004-06-09
Inventor: CACCHIONE ANGELO (GB)
Applicant: CACCHIONE ANGELO (GB); MALTESE TOMMASO (GB)
Classification:
- international: (IPC1-7) A61J9/04
Application number: GB20020028347 20021205
Priority number(s): GB20020028347 20021205
or here’s a link
http://gb.espacenet.com/search.....LNavigate=
to Penny :
Angelo
thanks again for taking the time to answer my question i live in NW london i would really appreciate if you could help me find a mentor or someone that could help me
Comment by angelo — September 9, 2007 #
some bit’s from my previous message are missing???
there are several bottle’s like mine on the market that solve the same problem but with different mechanism. i inventedthe valve in 2002.
Comment by angelo — September 9, 2007 #
To georgia
you say its hard to know who to trust, i’d always side with the person who is not trying solicit money. Seems everyone is free to make their own mind up, and personally i was not convinced by inventor link.
Comment by John — September 9, 2007 #
Sent this to nacy 6 weeks ago, she now seems to have vanished!!
Hello Nancy,
Since our telephone conversation yesterday and your follow on e-mail requesting £4940, I have done some research and need you to answer the following questions before I commit financially.
I am very nervous about sending any money upfront as you will understand, so hope it will be fairly easy for you to put my mind at rest.
1. Who owns your company? Your website appears to have been registered by P Hartman in 2006.
2. Your company seems to be registered in the state of Delaware, but you appear to have a presence in Regus Business Center, Oregon? Is the Oregon address virtual? where does Inventor link physically trade?
3. Name, resume and credentials of the person rendering the evaluation?
4. Please tell me about your success stories, do you have any testimonials or link to any inventions successfully sold or licensed?
5. Do you have a refund policy?
Hope to hear from you shortly
Regards
Diana Shaw
Comment by Diana Shaw — September 10, 2007 #
Sent this to nancy 6 weeks ago, she now seems to have vanished!!
………….Hello Nancy,
Since our telephone conversation yesterday and your follow on e-mail requesting £4940, I have done some research and need you to answer the following questions before I commit financially.
I am very nervous about sending any money upfront as you will understand, so hope it will be fairly easy for you to put my mind at rest.
1. Who owns your company? Your website appears to have been registered by P Hartman in 2006.
2. Your company seems to be registered in the state of Delaware, but you appear to have a presence in Regus Business Center, Oregon? Is the Oregon address virtual? where does Inventor link physically trade?
3. Name, resume and credentials of the person rendering the evaluation?
4. Please tell me about your success stories, do you have any testimonials or link to any inventions successfully sold or licensed?
5. Do you have a refund policy?
Hope to hear from you shortly
Regards
Diana Shaw
Comment by Diana Shaw — September 10, 2007 #
Hi Diana,
I suspect you’ll not be hearing from Nancy again.
See what happens when inventors get proactive about protecting their babies?
If you need help I should be able to help you from here. Just let me know what you need and I’ll find it or refer you to “free” resources.
Penny Ballou
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 10, 2007 #
Hi Angelo,
Okay so you’re in NW London. Could you narrow that down to your closest largest city near you.
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 10, 2007 #
hello again penny,i am sorry if i have offended you with my suspicious questioning but i am a novice in this field and it was from you that i got the information to ask upfront questions. Because you have not answered me i am even more suspicious.so could you tell me who you work for please
Comment by georgia — September 11, 2007 #
Greetings,
Not to worry Georgia, you have not offended me.
Sometimes there’s a box for me to check (tick) so I automatically receive notification of any answers and sometimes not. I do try to regularly visit this link either way.
There is no way you or anyone could offend me as I have nothing to feel guilty about. In answer to your question, I work for no one. I have nothing to sell you let alone trade, swop, barter or buy. I am an impartial information provider to the inventing community. I trust this is not a disappointed to you? You will find lots of other emails on this site from me too about invention companies so you realize no one company or person is placed under a spotlight.
The data you read above is the data provided to me by inventors and/or posted by them as you’ll note from all the emails from UK inventors to this topic.
If you have any other questions feel free to post them. You can ask me anything within reason. If I don’t get back to you right away it’s because I haven’t been notified a message awaits my answer.
If you have anything you disagree with feel free to post it too. I usually place an “ERROR OF FACT” notice in at least one email I send on any topic I’m reporting about so the party can offer corrections. Consider this notice in case you would like to post something contrary.
Regards,
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 11, 2007 #
Hi Folks,
I have had a meeting with John Lester at Wolves Uni and they were very helpful and described all about Caparo Innovation Centre. http://www.caparo.com. They liked my idea and are now researching it in more depth. One question they asked is if I have contacted the big boys (i.e. Sony, Apple e.t.c.)
with my idea. My answer was “no” because I don’t know what channels to go through.
Any Ideas ?
Cheers,
Dolf
Comment by dolf — September 14, 2007 #
to Penny:
:)
(london) edgware/hendon/brent cross
anywhere in the nw (north west) area
thanks again for your help
Comment by angelo — September 14, 2007 #
Greetings!
I think the closest one would be the Kingston-Upon-Thames club: http://www.kingstoninventors.org/
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 14, 2007 #
Hi, very glad to have found this site, have had the same too good too be true story with inventor link..very dissapointing. firstly what are the chances of my idea now being used/passed on by inventor link without me knowing and is there anything stopping them? secondly im in the south east of england, any pointers in terms of who to take my idea too? many thanks.
Comment by willy — September 16, 2007 #
Hi, please I need to contact same body who work whith Invent-link LLC. i have to pay 5000 dollars, I need to know if they are fear.
Mercedes alvarez
Feel free to contact me on mercedesalvarezniebla@yahoo.es
Comment by mercedes — September 17, 2007 #
Well done Penny you ve just saved a father of two making a fool of himself and his friends for investing in me.ive yet to talk to franknotso good and ask him all the quality questions you have created and fold my arms and wait for a responce.i have a deafness aid phone attachment invention and i live in bedfordshire.do you know of any place near me i can submit my idea to with confidence PHEW!!! thanks again
Comment by Darren — September 17, 2007 #
Well what a lucky find this site was yesterday. Just got off the phone to Nancy Ford about my “winning” idea..and would you believe it, what a beauty it is too!!Satisfies every part of their criteria and got my “Good News Bible” from them. The Smart Evaluation Pack makes wonderful reading and it’s all totally unique to my product I am told. After reading some of the posts above, I am now more than ever sure it is 100% auto-generated. £1000 indeed!! I think she probably did it while we had our first telephone conversation, ticking all the right options as she asked me the relevant questions. Oh, and guess how much I was asked for….the magical £4640. What is it about this number?
Is there a chance we could all be wrong about these guys or is all this bad press fully justified? I’m holding on to my money and my idea for now. Anyone who knows where I could lodge an idea more locally, please let me know. Somehow, I would be more inclined to trust someone whose door I could turn up at if it all went pear-shaped.
Cheers and good luck
John Hamilton UK
Comment by John — September 18, 2007 #
How much money do you think this blog has saved people so far? maybe we should set up our own company. lol
thanks again Penny
Comment by john — September 19, 2007 #
Hi Darren,
It’s all about networking. There is not much in your area I could find but the below:
My friends who founded ELIC (East London Inventors Club) hold meetings at Kingston University in Docklands (both inventors). They just moved from Essex to Cambridgeshire the next county to you. They drive down to the club once a month. If you’re interested in contacting the let me me know.
Start out with: http://www.gateway2innovate.org.uk.
Their territory includes Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. Again, you’re looking for contacts who can help you.
Next, there’s a Business Link in Berkshire: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk.....mp;site=15
How about contacting David Lefeyier to see if he has any leads? He is at “Technology Exchange Ltd”, Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedford, MK45 4HS? His number is/was 01525 860333 fk06@dial.pipex.com …. He has/had some form of an International partner search for technology, audit and promotion to industry. Publisher of “Technoshop/World Licence Catalogues” and “Techmart Fairs for the United Nations.”
Inventors in your area:
a) Kathryn Mitchinson,
11 Aldridge Park, Winkfield Row, Bracknell, Berks RG42 7NU Ph:01344 885261 -www.paperrucksacks.co.uk
b) Philip Howard Gazeley, 8 Browns Way, Aspley Guise, Bedfordshire MK17 8JA. He’s got a golf club grip. See if his phone number is in the white pages.
I wish I could be of more help. Let me know if you find anyone else.
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 19, 2007 #
Hi penny
The address you gave about David Lefever is great news because my kids go to school in Silsoe and i pass that college daily and never thought to contact them.You will be pleased to know i spoke to frank at inventor link and asked him everything you had talked about and he had no response other than to say good luck and i would still be able to use them in the future if i had any other inventions{is this man hooked up to a main frame that is only there to help you even though they are ripping you off completely}My thoughts are they deal with gullible people like me on a daily basis and they just close you down if your lucky enough to suss them out .keep you up dated Penny and if you are down my way pop an e-mail to me and lunch is on me .Thanks Darren
Comment by Darren — September 20, 2007 #
Hi Penny, I’ve just discovered your site after dealing with Jerry Jerome. I’m at the stage where he issending me a report by post of my invention. After reading previous posts i don’t think I’ll be progressing with them! Could you let me know how I could take my idea further? I live in Worthing, West Sussex. Incidently, I came across your site by typing Inventor Link Scam in Google. Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
Comment by Heath — September 20, 2007 #
Hi Penny!
Apparently Inventor Link expanded their “targeting” area from UK to the rest of Europe or at least to small countries no one ever heard of, probably thinking people are bound to be pretty gullable there. Well, they thought wrong.
My husband posted an idea to them and we just recieved a phone call from Frank Good. Within minutes after the call we started reasearching and found your site. Thank you so much for taking the time and effort. Keep up the good work!
Comment by spela — September 26, 2007 #
Hi Heath,
You’re in West Sussex? My old hangout. My parents lived in Hove. I was there over the 2006 Christmas holidays.
There’s the “Rural Inventors Club” in W/Sussex but I’m sure if it is what I might call “a club” (meetings etc)
Dr. Graham Rawlinson is behind it:
graham@dagr.demon.co.uk
He has the book, “How to Invent (Almost) Anything” co-authored with David Straker for sale at Amazon.com I “think” his phone number is
(0) 1403-871159. Let me know if I have the correct info, eh?
Wonder why he calls it Rural? Odd? Brighton/Hove is far from being rural since it’s so close to London. Somerset and Devon maybe but West Sussex?
Maybe it has to do with so many retirees living there. The Isle of Wight had a club but it has since closed. Croydon is about it and the one at Kingston-upon-Thames is way off base.
Want to start a club? I can help you and it shouldn’t cost you much money if anything. You get it started through a press release circulated on the net for inventors to gather maybe at a local restaurant to meet and chat? It’s easy, truly it is.
Best,
Penny Ballou
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 26, 2007 #
If anyone in central London is interested in starting a group let me know. Obviously not to talk about specific ideas, but might be handy to share contacts, experiences and advice.
John
Comment by john — September 26, 2007 #
Thanks for the reply Penny. The phone number of Dr.Graham is for the Horsham area. That’s rural enough for me!!
I’ve just received Inventor-Link’s pack containing the results of my invention going through their Smart-Start Evaluation Program (quite successfully too I might add!). I’m expecting a call from Mr Jerome anytime soon. I’ll try the phone number you supplied as well as the email and let you know what happens.
I’m not sure about starting up a club although I do like the idea of food and restaurants though!!
Thanks again for the advice
Kind regards
Heath
Comment by Heath — September 26, 2007 #
hi penny
I thought i would just tell you the number for David Lefeier in Silsoe Bedfordshire is now a private number and the office has closed 2 years back.But im still plugging those other numbers any way just in case. Anyone with any contacts in this neck of the woods please let me know.
Beds,Herts,Bucks etc
cheers Darren
Comment by darren — September 26, 2007 #
Hi Heath,
U wrote: “I’ve just received Inventor-Link’s pack containing the results of my invention going through their Smart-Start Evaluation Program (quite successfully too I might add!). I’m expecting a call from Mr Jerome anytime soon.”
I haven’t heard yet from anyone who has NOT with flying colours flown through their SSEP yet…but I’m hopeful one day someone will be turned down……ha, ha, ha.
Thanks for the heads up on David Lefeyier. Keep me posted if you find anyone else.
=================================================
If anyone would care to play a little game, I’d be willing to provide something along the lines of a perpetual motion machine to submit to them just to show how everything passes with flying colours according to my personal opinion. It has to pass to move into Phase 2 ……£5,000!
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 26, 2007 #
Sorry Darren! My last email was for you but I inadvertently placed Heath’s name on it.
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 26, 2007 #
I can’t believe this site. We are a very honest and trustworthy bunch here at Inventor-Link. We are simply trying to help all the homeless people in the US. All funds received are given to charity and we seek to gain no advantage whatsoever from any inventor. All I ask is for you guys to give us a break. Your ideas are safe with us and we will continue to work very hard on your behalf for a small fee. Just remember who we give your £1000s to.
Keep up the good work and keep sponging up all our crap.
Nancy F.
Inventor-Link
Comment by John — September 28, 2007 #
Sorry folks….couldn’t help it!
All but given up on working with them now but need to find someone this on side of the pond to go to. I’m in Scotland and wonder if Business Gateway might help…or is that the wrong direction. Please help.
Comment by John — September 28, 2007 #
MY RESPONSE TO NANCY FORD, REPRESENTING INVENTOR-LINK.COM BASED ON HER MESSAGE POSTED BY “JOHN” ABOVE:
Nancy wrote (1-6 below):
1. I can’t believe this site. We are a very honest and trustworthy bunch here at Inventor-Link.
* “Bunch”? How many would that “bunch” be Nancy? Let’s see if together we can find a way to validate your alleged words by (a) providing your actual location not the mail drop executive office suite you rent in the World Trade Centre in Oregon (b) provide the names of all officers of Inventor-Link.com (c) provide evidence of monies taken in versus paid out to U.S. charities for “the homeless” (per your statement below). Naturally I/Link will have filed a tax return demonstrating “all” monies in paid out to U.S. homeless right?
2. We are simply trying to help all the homeless people in the US. All funds received are given to charity and we seek to gain no advantage whatsoever from any inventor.
* Someone is paying the World Trade Centre tower rent or is it donated space? If “all” monies go to U.S. homeless who pays the bills? Are you all volunteers and if so…..prove it. Is the corporation registered as a C(3) U.S. not-for-profit in Delaware? Who is its President, Secretary, and Treasurer? How can we contact he, she and/or them directly and not through the number you promote on your site. Where are you all actually located because we know you’re not physically in the World Trade Centre tower in Oregon. Tell you what, name homeless shelters you support in the U.S. so it can be validated?
3. All I ask is for you guys to give us a break.
* What have you done to earn it? Who are you? Where are you really located? What are each of your credentials? Why are there no Resumes or CVs on you site? Why does your site state nothing about giving all monies away to charities? Why is there no evidence on your site if it being a registered C (3) not-for-profit corporation?
4. Your ideas are safe with us and we will continue to work very hard on your behalf for a small fee.
* A “small” fee!!!! £5,000 is not a “small” fee. Why are you not asking U.K. inventors to make PayPal “donations” since, allegedly, you are only in business to give all monies away to U.S. homeless populations?
5. Just remember who we give your £1000s to.
* Why? Are you implying by allegedly giving all monies away to the homeless “honesty” transfers itself to Inventor-Link.com? If so, provide evidence of same to support such a proposition. By the way, how come monies are NOT sent to U.K. homeless? Get real! Some of us were born at night but NOT LAST NIGHT!
6. Keep up the good work and keep sponging up all our crap.
* You wrote it, not us. Crap would appear to be what you are providing - using your own words. So let’s get honest and straight, Nancy. Provide evidence of sending all funds to support the homeless by naming the centres you are paying all monies to?
* Provide evidence you do not send “the same” canned Market Strategy Plan to all inventors irrespective of invention field (copies of your MSP sent by inventor clients are now available). In other words, confirm your Market Strategy Plan is NOT customised for each type of invention or product? In other words, it is a “canned” document any/all UK inventors receive irrespective of what they have or what industry their invention or product is in.
As always, Errors of Fact are welcomed.
Regards,
Penny Ballou
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 29, 2007 #
Hi John,
Your Q is: “I’m in Scotland and wonder if Business Gateway might help…or is that the wrong direction. ”
It might if you plan to build a business around your innovation? If you intend to take the Licensing route, I doubt it but they may have network connections to someone.
Have you checked out : http://www.icass.co.uk
What is your location in Scotlan John? (I thought you were in Central London or are you a different John than posted above?)
Penny
Comment by Penny Ballou — September 29, 2007 #
hi everyone.
just a few hours ago my partner and i were dancing around the kitchen wondering what we were going to spend our fortune on. after finding this site, we are gutted! but i am very glad that we did. it has made me more cautious and actually made me believe that i have found someone who can put me in the right direction of free advice on how to get my idea to a product on the market. i have to say the first thing i want to do is to close these awful people down so they cant take anyone elses hard earnd cash, penny, is there any way at all this could be taken further through the legal route, can we break them??? what can we do to expose them further?
i am a 21 yr old mother of 2 and all my dreams came true when i got the call from frank good telling me i fitted their criteria and my inventor id number and all his contact details. now i know for sure i need to find somewhere in my area to find the right help. i live in Todmorden, west yorkshire but half hour on train to manchester city centre. please help me penny. this has given me the drive to get it going through the right channles!
thanks again and look forward to hearing your suggestions.
collins.
Comment by collins — October 5, 2007 #
Hi “Collins”,
Nope, nothing can be done hence why public information systems such as this on is a way to get the word out. Let me point something out, it is not illegal what they are doing. They merely provide what I personally deem a crock of canned (blank). The fact UK inventors are willing to believe what they read and are told over phone lines without intense backfround research - is their loss. It’s just part of due diligence. You have to do it these days. Notice how allegedly they will not answer references or success questions based on someone’s post above? Clue #1. Notice how they are someone indicates they say, “all money is given to help the homeless.” Can you think with that? I sure can’t.
What you can dear is to stay close to home in especially when a beginner. On the flip side, if you had a saleable and protected product readied for overseas distribution and/or licensing - that is a different issue.
The UK has what I consider the best system of help available. The problem is knowing where to find it. You’ll note a tremendous amount of research I’ve done to get you guys pointed in the right direction. Being British I feel it’s my duty to make sure you are not hung, drawn and quartered by likes of the hundreds of “invention submission companies” and/or agents over here out to clean your coffers knowing there’s a limited possibility they have funds to fight across the pond. Once one hits that Paypal button - it’s all about but the crying.
Now, as to your being in West Yorkshire. Let me look around a bit and see what I can dig up for you. Weirdly, it’s one region with a limited amount of help unless one is willing to travel to say Birmingham - yikes!
1. Be cautious I haven’t checked the following out - if they are still there:
INNOVATIONS QUEST: Town Hall, Tong, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD4 0RR Telephone: 0113-285-4144
Games And Inventions Technical Services.
19 Peckover St., Bradford, W.Yorkshire, BD1 5BD 01274-730823
2. Her website address is not working so see if her phone line is. If she’s changed her site address let me know:
Ms.Liz PAUL, The Development Centre, Valley Drive, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29 8AL, UK
44-194 360 2611
3. I know it’s a bit of a drive but why don’t you check out the Leeds club. They meet at the Central Library on Surrey St. Eric Redfern is in charge last I heard. Tel 0114-273-4736
http://www.sheffieldinventors.org.uk/events.htm
Keep me posted on how it goes, okay?
Kind regards,
Penny Ballou
Comment by Penny Ballou — October 7, 2007 #
Dozier Internet Law is a hired gun for Inventor-Link.com. Everyone, check out http://www.CyberTrialLawyer-SUCKS.com, o