In November, United Patent Research attended the SEMA tradeshow in Las Vegas. At this show Patrick Ralston, the President of UPR, made contact with several manufacturers in the automotive supply industry. Upon returning to UPR Headquarters, Mr. Ralston proceeded to send lists of relevant inventions to the manufacturers he contacted at the SEMA show. A Canadian company located in Ontario recently responded by signing UPR’s non-disclosure agreement and requested additional information about four inventions. United Patent Research’s licensing affiliate, Universal Licensing, then contacted the company with additional information about the four inventions the company inquired about. United Patent Research and Universal Licensing will continue to work together on this promising manufacturer lead. It should be noted that many of the tradeshows attended by United Patent Research are not open to the general public and therefore UPR’s tradeshow activities often offer inventors a unique “window of opportunity”. Presently, United Patent Research is preparing to attend the very significant Consumer Electronic Show which will be held in Las Vegas this January.

Getting appropriate information about an invention into the marketplace is always a challenge for inventors. United Patent Research Client Chuck S. recently had the opportunity to discuss his invention on WDEL 1150 AM radio, a Delaware radio station. Chuck explained how his experiences with wheelchair use led him to conceive the Comfort Canopy. This innovative accessory for wheelchairs, power chairs, and child strollers provides protection from sun and rain while providing personal cooling during warm weather. Without giving exact construction details over the air, Chuck explained the value of his invention and his enthusiasm for it. Details of this interview can be accessed as follows: http://www.wdel.com/destories.php

United Patent Research encourages American inventors to focus on attaining patent protection in the United States instead of trying to first attain patent protection in other world markets. UPR, does however, realize that attaining patent protection in other world markets, in addition to achieving patent protection in the United States, can be a valuable asset. United Patent Research is proud to make available to its clients highly competent patent work in the European Economic Community. As the European Economic Community currently consists of 27 member countries, it constitutes a considerable marketplace in terms of both size and economic resources. Several UPR clients have recently been successful in filing a patent application in the European Economic Community and receiving an official Certificate of Registration from the Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market of the European Community.

• Inventor Brian B. is the creator of the Back Jack which is an innovative backpack that can easily be converted into a combination waterproof jacket and backpack.
• Jeffrey H. is inventor of the simplistic yet effective Windshield Road Guides that permit a driver of a large truck to easily stay within a highway lane.
• Another auto/truck related invention is the Night Spotter Safety Treads invented by David G. This innovative tire design was designed to significantly improve road safety at night.
• For multiple emergency situations Dale J. has conceived the practical Portable Privacy. This highly transportable lavatory is also a valuable accessory for camping, fishing, and hunting.
• With years as a funeral home professional, Hal M. created the unique Cremation Urn which can store the cremated remains of a loved one in a secure and dignified manner.
• For the boating industry worldwide, Philip R. invented the Pre Cast Boat Ramp and Retaining Wall. This innovative boating accessory permits relatively easy construction of boat ramps, retaining walls, and bulkheads in an environmentally friendly manner.
• Finally for people who enjoy new culinary sensations, Darren G. has created Daddy’s Salt. This unique seasoning can enhance the flavor of multiple, varied foods.

It is a great day for an inventor when an official patent certificate is received in the mail. At last, the inventor can feel confident that his or her intellectual property rights are protected in the country covered by the patent. Although United Patent Research (UPR) believes that securing patent rights in the United States should be the primary patent goal for American inventors, UPR understands the value of securing patent rights in other marketplaces. It is good news that several inventors working with United Patent Research have been sent official China patent certificates by the State Intellectual Property Office of China.

• Timothy C. is the inventor of a unique personal light called the Foot Light. This invention permits the user to have a personal light in a dark environment while maintaining the full use of both hands.
• Bryant and Erica T. are the proud inventors of the Taco Rack. This taco cooking and serving device greatly simplifies the task of cooking and serving both soft and hard shell tacos.
• An invention that should find international approval is the Hitch Buddy invented by Edward B. This innovative truck accessory is designed to conveniently store up to two trailer hitches in a truck bed. With this unit trailer hitches can be safely stored and easily accessed when needed.
• Finally, Raymond and Alice R. are the inventors of the simplistic yet practical Dip Stick. This easy to use tool takes the guesswork out of adding the proper amount of oil to an engine. Gas station attendants should find this tool to be especially helpful as they will not have to look in a manual to find the correct amount of oil to add to a specific engine.