I had a patent APPROVED with the help of Innovative. Was it expensive? YES! Was it a lengthy process? YES! Was it nerve racking at times not knowing if the investment of time and money was going to result in my patent being approved? YEEEESSS!!!
However, Innovative were upfront and professional all the way through. They were CLEAR on what was expected from me on my end. I was asked to conduct a PRELIMINARY patent search myself and see if my idea was patented anywhere else.
I believe this to be a good thing because only I really know what about my idea I want patented. Otherwise, it could end up being a lot of back and forth (sending results to me and me saying "That's not what I meant.", or "My idea is different." etc. ).
Innovative having me do this preliminary search seems beneficial. Besides, I'm not being billed for the research I do and I can ensure that my search is thorough! I can't expect them to work for me for free, right?! Of course not!
Anyhow, I found my idea to be fairly distinct from similar patents. So, I confidently went ahead, knowing the risks involved. Part of me wanted to go through the process -initially- just to see what was involved and to get an idea of how difficult it would be to patent a more complex idea and how much it may cost. As my patented invention wasn't too technical and quite basic in nature.
Kevin Steele, recognized this also and the team at innovative were quite quick with getting back to me and thorough in explaining what my options were at various steps throughout the process. Always professional, always upfront, and never dodged any questions I had. They were clear about the potential higher costs and STRESSED that I be clear and articulate (to the best of my ability) of what my idea was and how it would be distinguished from similar ideas. That, the clearer I was, the less back and forth there would be and the sooner my patent would either be denied or approved (this would also reduce costs involved).
The VALUE that Innovative provides isn't in "doing everything for you", I believe the VALUE I received is: years of experience within the intellectual property environment, the valuable connections they have with Lawyers and technical advisors on wording etc.. Intellectual property and inventing isn't a lazy man's game. Like everything in life, you get out of it what you put into it!
While I have yet to do anything with my patent (reasons: overseas trade, and personal endeavors have taken up much of my time), this is all me, and the lack of success in taking my product to market has nothing to do with Innovative Licensing and Promotion (I didn't seek their help in this way). They, 100%, fulfilled their obligation in a professional manner and my patent was approved successfully!
Thank you Kevin and everyone at Innovative... read more