The Ultimate Inventor's Resource Guide
Everything You Need to Turn Your Ideas Into Reality
Find Essential Tools and Guidance for Every Stage of Invention
Protect Your Idea (Patents & IP)
Covers legal aspects like patents, trademarks, and intellectual property protection.
Create Your Prototype (Prototyping & 3D Printing)
Focuses on tools, resources, and services for turning ideas into physical prototypes.
Funding Your Project (Crowdfunding & Investors)
Helps inventors find funding through platforms like Kickstarter, angel investors, or grants.
Manufacture & Distribute (Manufacturing & Logistics)
Covers resources for finding manufacturers and handling product logistics.
Market Your Product (Marketing & Sales)
Guides on building a brand, launching marketing campaigns, and selling your product.
Get User Feedback (Testing & Iteration)
Learn how to gather valuable user feedback, refine your product, and iterate to improve your invention.
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Sponsors
Our sponsors provide invaluable resources to inventors at every stage of the journey. From design to expert advice, these trusted partners help drive innovation forward and provide support to the inventor community.
Tags: Sponsorship, Resources, Expert Advice
Inventor Smart Community App - The Ultimate APP for Inventors.
InventorMart – Designs and merch for inventors.
Invent Buddy – Experts for every stage of invention.
Fiverr – Freelance services for inventors.
PickFu – Consumer feedback on product designs.
Soona – Content creation suite for inventors.
Patent Awards – Recognizing innovation with awards.
The Patent Professor – Exclusive patent services for the Inventor Smart Community.
Prototype House - Get your product to market faster with expert inventor help.
Simply Business - Small business insurance reimagined.
1. Protect Your Idea (Patents & IP)
Protecting your invention is a crucial first step. From securing patents to registering trademarks, this section provides key resources to help safeguard your intellectual property and ensure your ideas remain legally protected throughout your journey.
Tags: Legal, Patents, Trademarks, IP
USPTO – United States Patent and Trademark Office.
WIPO – World Intellectual Property Organization.
Patent Bots – AI-driven patent drafting tools.
LegalZoom – Online IP and trademark services.
Cooley GO – Legal tools for startups.
PatentScope – Global patent search tool.
UpCounsel – On-demand legal service for IP.
Rocket Lawyer – Legal documents and advice for inventors.
Google Patents – Free and extensive patent search tool by Google.
PatentLens – Open-access patent search and IP analysis tool.
Nolo IP – Legal guidebooks and self-help resources for IP law.
Patsnap – Advanced IP analytics software for research and innovation tracking.
2. Create Your Prototype (Prototyping & 3D Printing)
Turning your idea into a physical prototype is a key part of the invention process. This section connects you with the best 3D printing services, prototyping tools, and resources to help bring your concept to life.
Tags: Prototyping, 3D Printing, Models
3D Hubs – On-demand manufacturing and 3D printing.
Sculpteo – 3D printing and digital manufacturing services.
ProtoLabs – Rapid prototyping tools.
Fictiv – Fast manufacturing and prototyping.
Xometry – Custom manufacturing solutions for parts and prototypes.
Formlabs – Professional 3D printing services and materials.
Tinkercad – Free online 3D design tool for beginners.
3. Funding Your Project (Crowdfunding & Investors)
Funding is essential to bring your invention to market. Whether you're seeking investors or launching a crowdfunding campaign, this section highlights platforms and resources that can help you secure the financial support needed for your project.
Tags: Crowdfunding, Investors, Fundraising
Kickstarter – Crowdfunding platform for creative projects.
Indiegogo – Crowdfunding for entrepreneurial ideas.
Fundable – Equity crowdfunding for startups.
CircleUp – Connecting startups with investors.
Crowdfunder – Equity crowdfunding platform.
AngelList – Network of angel investors.
SeedInvest – Equity crowdfunding for vetted startups.
GoFundMe – Crowdfunding platform for personal projects.
4. Patent Information
Access the tools and resources you need to research, analyze, and file patents. Whether you're looking to conduct a patent search or find guidance on patent law, these resources will help you navigate the complexities of intellectual property.
Tags: Patent Search, Patent Law
Google Patents – Free global patent search.
PATENTSCOPE (WIPO) – In-depth patent analytics.
PatentLens – Open access patent information.
IP Watchdog – Educational platform for patent law.
5. Manufacture & Distribute (Manufacturing & Logistics)
Find the best manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors for your product. From small-scale production to global logistics, this section will help you manage the entire manufacturing and distribution process efficiently.
Tags: Manufacturing, Distribution, Logistics
Alibaba – Global marketplace for manufacturers.
MFG.com – Connecting inventors with manufacturers.
ThomasNet – Directory of manufacturers and suppliers.
Maker's Row – U.S. manufacturing connections.
Kickr Design – End-to-end product development.
UL (Underwriters Laboratories) – Certification for product safety.
6. Market Your Product (Marketing & Sales)
Effectively market and sell your invention with these resources. From creating a brand to launching on eCommerce platforms, this section will connect you with tools to promote and sell your product.
Tags: Marketing, Sales, eCommerce
Shopify – Leading eCommerce platform.
Amazon Handmade – Retail platform for handmade products.
BigCommerce – eCommerce for large businesses.
Faire – Wholesale marketplace for artisans.
Etsy – Marketplace for handmade and unique products.
Handshake – Wholesale marketplace.
Printify – Print-on-demand services.
7. Get User Feedback (Product Testing & Iteration)
Gather valuable user feedback to improve your invention and make informed decisions. Use these platforms to test your product with real users and iterate based on their insights.
Tags: Product Testing, User Feedback, Beta Testing
UserTesting – User experience testing platform.
BetaTesting – Community-driven beta testing.
TryMyUI – User testing platform for websites and apps.
8. Licensing & Partnerships
Discover key resources for licensing your invention and building partnerships to expand your reach and maximize impact.
Tags: Licensing, Partnerships, Business Development
Licensing Expo – The largest trade show dedicated to licensing.
InventionHome – Licensing and marketing services for inventors.
9. Graphic Design & Marketing & Branding
Create a compelling brand and design materials to market your invention effectively. These tools will help you with everything from logo design to full marketing campaigns.
Tags: Design, Branding, Marketing
Canva – Graphic design tool for inventors.
99designs – Crowdsourced graphic design services.
Looka – AI-powered logo design.
Tailor Brands – Automated branding design.
VistaCreate – Design tool for visual content.
Crowdspring – Crowdsourced graphic design.
Brandfolder – Digital asset management.
Designhill – Graphic design marketplace.
DesignCrowd – Crowdsourced design services.
Envato Elements – Design assets and templates.
10. Advertising / Promotion / PR / Content
Promote your product and reach your target audience with these advertising, promotion, and PR tools. From social media campaigns to press releases, this section helps you build a successful marketing strategy.
Tags: Advertising, PR, Promotion, Content
Facebook Ads Manager – Targeted ads for Facebook and Instagram.
Google Ads – Search, display, and video ads.
HubSpot – CRM and marketing automation.
Hootsuite – Social media management.
Mailchimp – Email marketing and automation.
BuzzSumo – PR and content research tools.
HARO – Connecting inventors with journalists.
PRWeb – Press release distribution.
Outbrain – Content promotion platform.
Influencity – Influencer marketing platform.
Loomly – Social media content calendar.
AdEspresso – Facebook Ads optimization tool.
Presswire – Global press distribution.
Later – Social media scheduling.
11. Distribution & Logistics
Efficiently manage your product’s distribution and logistics with these tools. From fulfillment services to automated shipping, this section ensures your product gets to customers on time.
Tags: Fulfillment, Shipping, Logistics
ShipBob – Fulfillment and shipping services.
Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) – Amazon's storage and shipping service.
ShipStation – Automating eCommerce order fulfillment.
12. Accounting / Taxes / Finance / Compliance
Handle your finances, taxes, and compliance with ease using these resources. This section provides accounting software, tax services, and legal tools to keep your business running smoothly.
Tags: Accounting, Finance, Taxes
QuickBooks – Accounting software for small businesses.
FreshBooks – Cloud-based invoicing and expenses.
Bench – Online bookkeeping services.
TaxJar – Automated sales tax reporting.
Gusto – Payroll and benefits management.
Wave – Free accounting software.
Avalara – Sales tax automation for eCommerce.
H&R Block Self-Employed – Tax preparation for entrepreneurs.
TurboTax Self-Employed – Tax filing for inventors.
UpCounsel – Legal help for tax compliance.
One-on-One Coaching with Brian Fried
Get personalized guidance from the Inventor Coach with 15 patents.
Tags: Mentorship, Coaching, Consultation, Expert Guidance
Book a session – with Brian Fried for expert coaching and consultation.
Meet Brian Fried – The Inventor Coach and Founder of Inventor Smart
Discover how Brian Fried, with 15 patents and over 18 years of experience, helps inventors turn their ideas into reality. As the founder of the Inventor Smart Community app, Brian offers expert guidance and resources to support inventors through every stage of the process. Watch the video to learn more about his journey and how the Inventor Smart Community can help you succeed. Learn more