NATIONAL INVENTOR FRAUD CENTER, INC. -- EDUCATING INVENTORS ABOUT INVENTION MARKETING AND PATENTS

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PatentWizard 3.0 Released - A new version of the popular provisional patent application software program by Neustel Software, Inc. has been released with significant new features. See www.PatentWizard.com for more information.
S. Michael Bender Disbarrment Upheld by CAFC (June 21, 2007) - Patent attorney who worked with American Inventors Corporation (AIC) was disbarred for failing to properly advise clients, conflict of interest and engaging in evasive conduct that hindered the USPTO's investigation.

FTC Charges Invention Promotion Swindlers with Contempt (03-12-07) - "The individuals were employed by International Product Design Inc., which the FTC charged with fraudulent business practices in 1997. A court order issued in 1998 prohibited Julian Gumpel, Darrell Mormando, and Greg Wilson from deceptively marketing invention promotion services, but Gumpel later revived the same scam under the name, “Patent and Trademark Institute of America” (PTI)."
$26 Million Judgment Against Davison Associates, Inc. (PDF) (March 17, 2006) - The FTC was awarded $26 million on March 17, 2006 against Davison Associates, Inc. in the largest FTC judgment against an invention marketing company.
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (PDF)
- Order for Permanent Injunction (PDF)
- Order of Final Judgment (PDF)
Prison Time For Invention Promoter - The three top executives of American Inventors Corporation (AIC) pleaded guilty in Federal District Court on May 15. Read The Story . . .

About The NIFC
Michael S. Neustel, a U.S. Registered Patent Attorney, founded the National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc. (NIFC) with the goal to provide information to consumers about invention promotion companies and how people can market their ideas. Many inventors do not realize that some invention marketing companies charge thousands of dollars, yet have success rates of 0.00%. The goal of the NIFC is to educate and help inventors make the right decisions. The NIFC is owned by Neustel Law Offices, LTD.

Tips for new inventors
1. Don't Rush. Never "rush" into the invention process. Make sure to take your time before making important decisions that affect you and your invention. Rarely are there situations where an inventor needs to make a decision within a few days.

2. Investigate. Thoroughly investigate any invention promotion company BEFORE providing them with your invention or money. You can visit the FTC web site (www.ftc.gov) to search for information about invention marketing companies.

3. Education. Educate yourself about the invention process and invention marketing companies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the United States Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) have several informative articles for inventors to read prior to starting the invention process:

4. "Objective" Evaluations. It is important to have an objective invention "marketability" evaluation performed by a third-party. If the company you are considering will not evaluate the marketability of your invention, then seek the assistance of another company which will (see the Good Guys).

5. Inventors Groups. It is very important to network with inventors in your area. Contact a local inventors group and attend a meeting before going further with the invention process. Ask the experienced inventors in the group for guidance and support. We have a listing of Inventors Groups for you to contact.

Recovering Your Money
It is unfortunate when an inventor pays thousands of dollars for services that have little value to them. If you desire to get your money back from an invention marketing company, you should remain calm and follow a strict plan for getting your money back. Expressing anger and frustration to the company usually will not help you. We have a Suggested Approach for you to review that may help you in getting your money back.

Good Guys
Some of the invention marketing companies listed on the Good Guys section operate upon a percentage of the money the inventor receives from their marketing efforts. Many of the Good Guys charge for their services, but do not be discouraged solely by their fees. You should investigate any invention marketing company before paying money, even if they are listed as a Good Guy. It is also recommended that individuals join a Local Inventors Group.

Finding Additional Information
Information is a valuable tool for inventors during the invention process. It is important for inventors not to rush into the invention process without performing thorough research. There are numerous informative places for inventors seeking to market their invention such as the Federal Trade Commission, Attorney Generals, Inventor Groups, the U.S. Patent Office, and Internet search engines.

National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc.
(Owned by Neustel Law Offices, LTD)
2534 South University Drive, Suite No. 4
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This web site provides general information only, not legal advice. You should not act upon this information without independent legal counsel. You must read and agree to the Terms of Service before viewing this web site. The NIFC is not associated with any Federal or State government agency. If you have been harmed by an invention marketing company or patent attorney, you should immediately seek the legal assistance of a reputable attorney licensed in your state. Michael S. Neustel is licensed to practice law only in North Dakota and in the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Michael S. Neustel is the owner of Neustel Law Offices, LTD and Neustel Software, Inc. Statements made in this web site are merely opinions of the National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc. and should not be interpreted as factual. Neither Michael S. Neustel nor the NIFC market inventions, provide market analyses or provide marketability analyses for inventors. You are strongly encouraged to investigate any company or law firm you plan to work with and do not rely solely upon this web site when selecting a company to work with. Only you can determine if the companies listed on this web site are reputable or not.