United Patent Research will be attending the exciting ICAST 2016 tradeshow, the largest sport fishing tradeshow in the world. ICAST 2016 is being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from July 12 to July 15, 2016. This convention center, with one half a million gross square feet of showroom floor, provides an ideal venue for the hundreds of manufacturers and distributors who will be in attendance. The focus of ICAST 2016 centers on fishing gear, accessories and apparel. As a significant number of inventors working with United Patent Research have conceived products related to sport fishing, this tradeshow provides an opportunity for United Patent Research to make meaningful manufacturer contacts on behalf of our clients.

United Patent Research (UPR) attended the International Home & Housewares Show 2016 this March. This extensive tradeshow was held in Chicago, Illinois in the state-of-the-art McCormick Place Exposition Center. This annual tradeshow is oriented towards the industrial and business community with over 60,000 industry and business professionals in attendance. Mr. Patrick Ralston, the President of United Patent Research, was in attendance with the goal of establishing productive manufacturer contacts.

One of the companies that Mr. Ralston reconnected with at the tradeshow was the AllStar Products Group. This company showed special interest in the All Around Sunshade invented by UPR client Jose F. After returning from the tradeshow Mr. Ralston emailed AllStar Products Group information about this innovative sunshade which helps to keep cars cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Another productive meeting was held with the Arrow Plastic Manufacturing Company. Three representatives of this company showed initial interest in four inventions in the category of food/beverage carriers.

At the COSCO (Home and Office Products) booth Mr. Ralston enthusiastically presented information about the Tripod Ladder System conceived by UPR client Alan L. This creative ladder combines the reach of an extension ladder with the safety and security of a step stool. As COSCO indicated an interest in step stools, Mr. Ralston thought that this product might be an excellent addition to their product line. After the tradeshow Mr. Ralston contacted the inventor and told him that the COSCO review team would like to evaluate a sample of his invention.

One of the exciting aspects of attending tradeshows is that our representatives can discover corporate relationships that might not be readily known. For example, at the March housewares show Mr. Ralston met with a representative of Creative Concepts USA which has a working relationship with Tristar. In this meeting Mr. Ralston presented information about the Workout Buddy, an exciting product which is simultaneously a pet toy, pet exercise item, and a human workout device. Upon returning to UPR headquarters, Mr. Ralston sent Creative Concepts additional information about this pet/exercise product.

Mr. Ralston’s meeting with Hampton Direct was also very productive. The representative of Hampton Direct showed an initial interest in four inventions created by UPR clients: the Workout Buddy (a pet item); the Baseboard Heater Covers (a home improvement item); the All Around Sun Shade (a unique auto sun shade); and the Tree Shelf (an accessory for decorative trees).

As can be seen from the above summary of Mr. Ralston’s activities at the International Home & Housewares Show 2016, many positive contacts with manufacturers were made. Some of these contacts were “old friends” that wanted to review our latest product offerings and some contacts were “new friends” who were eager to review the many innovative inventions conceived by United Patent Research clients. The important fact is the United Patent Research will continue to present interested manufacturers with pertinent information about our clients’ conceptions. As with any endeavor, consistent effort is the road that leads to success.

United Patent Research engaged in very productive meetings with major manufacturers during the 2016 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The meeting at the Prism booth was especially interesting as the company’s founder and CEO, Steve King, is also an inventor.  He has developed a very unique stylus for use with computers and tablets having touch screens.  United Patent Research will be sending this company some of its product offerings for their consideration.  Moving on to the Levo booth, UPR’s representative, Mr. Patrick Ralston, met with the representative of this successful manufacturer of accessories for electronic tablets.  UPR hopes to interest this company in some of the inventions created by UPR clients.  Mr. Ralston was impressed with the wide range of quality headphones at the Audio-Technica booth.  As this company seems to have expanded its product line to include holders for portable video cameras, UPR may have some very relevant inventions to present to them.

A major company working in conjunction with Wal-Mart has shown initial interest in Plate – Bowl & Cup Loc conceived by United Patent Research (UPR) client Paul S.  The Plate-Bowl and Cup Loc is an innovative item for infants.  This unique, spill-resistant serving tray permits parents to confidently put food and beverages on a highchair without worrying that the food and drink will soon be on the floor.  The simplistic yet rugged design of the tray insures low production costs and a long product life.

In January of this year United Patent Research (UPR) attended the 2016 International Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas – one of the largest consumer shows in the world.  At this show many valuable manufacturer contacts were made.  United Patent Research President, Mr. Patrick Ralston, met with the representative of OBM Distribution, Inc. who showed an interest in the Back Jack developed by UPR client Brian B.  The Back Jack is an innovative backpack which can easily be converted into a combination waterproof jacket and backpack.  This item would especially be useful in situations where a person needs to carry an emergency raincoat.  The simple yet effective process to convert the product from a backpack to a backpack/jacket combo makes the Back Jack ideal for use by school students, hunters, hikers, bikers, vacationers, and many more.  After signing a standard confidentiality agreement, the manufacturer’s representative was shown a short video of the invention which further enhanced his interest in the invention.  The manufacturer’s representative promised further review and consideration of this truly unique and practical backpack.

The President of United Patent Research (UPR), Mr. Patrick Ralston, is pleased to note that his contacts with manufacturers are leading to positive results for several inventors working with UPR.  Creative Concepts has shown initial interest in the Reaching Cane conceived by UPR client Danilo A.  This medical/convalescent accessory is designed to serve as both a walking cane and a reaching/grabbing tool.

Another major manufacturer of creative and novel products has indicated interest in the Universal Forefoot Guard (UFG) conceived by UPR client Gwyndell D.  The Universal Forefoot Guard is an innovative clothing accessory designed to provide added comfort and protection to the user’s toes, forefoot, and bunions.  This soft yet effective item easily fits into standard shoes and socks and cushions shocks that might otherwise produce bruising and/or strains.  Diabetic users would especially find this product to be of significant value.

Mr. Ralston is also pleased to note that he met with Toys are Us in a private meeting during which several innovative products were introduced to this major toy manufacturer.  Finally, Mr. Ralston is encouraged that a large American based company has shown interest in the Wiper Techion invented by UPR client Mark M.  The Wiper Techion is an innovative wiper blade accessory designed to significantly prolong the life of car wiper blades. Users can quickly and easily attach the Wiper Techion to existing wiper blades thereby protecting the wiper blades from exposure to sun and various weather conditions.  As an added benefit, the aerodynamic design of the Wiper Techion reduces air drag on the vehicle.

A major company specializing in unique work clothes has expressed interest in two inventions devised by inventors working with United Patent Research (UPR).  Joseph M. is the inventor of the Knee Ease.  This unique knee pad provides comfortable yet effective protection for the knee.  The innovative design allows the pad to easily conform to the user’s knee and leg. Additionally, the product is lightweight and uses a replaceable wear pad in order to promote a long product life.  The other invention of interest is Comfort Knees invented by UPR client John D.  Comfort Knees is an innovative clothing item designed for people who, at least occasionally, need to perform tasks on their knees.  This unique clothing item allows people to easily work in comfort while kneeling.  This clothing item is unobtrusive and does not need to be attached to the knee.  An additional advantage is that no adjustment is required for effective use.  The inventors will be keeping in close contact with United Patent Research and Universal Licensing, the licensing affiliate of UPR, regarding these manufacturer contacts.

C & H Stamping, Inc. has expressed initial interest in the Z-Best Portable Overbed TV Stand invented by United Patent Research client Joseph R.  After C & H Stamping signed an appropriate confidential disclosure agreement, Universal Licensing, the Licensing Affiliate of United Patent Research, provided C & H Stamping with detailed information concerning the Z-Best Portable Overbed TV Stand.
The inventor will keep in close contact with Universal Licensing and United Patent Research regarding further contacts with this interested manufacturer. The Z-Best Portable Overbed TV Stand is an innovative television/bed accessory which permits a user to comfortably view television while lying on a bed or sitting in a side chair. The multiple, easy to use adjustment options allow the stand to provide comfortable TV viewing with any bed/television combination while casters permit the stand to be easily moved around. Anyone who is confined to a bed will find this TV stand to be of great value.

The Back Jack, invented by United Patent Research client Brian B., has received interest from a product development company with ties to a New York based back pack manufacturer. United Patent Research initially made contact with the product development company while attending house ware trade shows in 2014 and 2015. United Patent Research with the assistance of its licensing affiliate, Universal Licensing, will be proceeding to negotiate on behalf of the inventor. United Patent Research and Universal Licensing will, of course, make sure that all interested parties sign appropriate non-disclosure agreements in order to guarantee the intellectual property rights of the inventor. The Back Jack is an innovative backpack which can easily be converted into a combination waterproof jacket and backpack. This item would especially be useful in situations where a person needs to carry an emergency raincoat. The simple yet effective process to convert the product from a backpack to a backpack/jacket combo makes the Back Jack ideal for use by school students, hunters, hikers, bikers, vacationers, and many more.

During the first week of November, 2015, United Patent Research (UPR) attended the SEMA and AAPEX tradeshows in Las Vegas, Nevada. These tradeshows are the most significant automotive product presentation venues held in the United States each year. The President of UPR, Mr. Patrick Ralston, was fortunate to have several meetings with manufactures at these tradeshows. At these meetings Mr. Ralston presented information about inventions devised by UPR clients. If the manufacturer had signed a general non-disclosure agreement (GNDA) Mr. Ralston proceeded to supply details, including drawings, about relevant inventions. A general non-disclosure agreement is an agreement whereby a company promises in writing not to disclose or utilize any information presented to them by UPR unless authorized to do so by the inventor.

The advantage of a general non-disclosure agreement is that a company needs to sign only one agreement promising confidentiality. If a company chooses not to sign a general non-disclosure agreement, UPR first presents a brief written description of an invention’s advantages. A company must then sign a separate non-disclosure agreement for each invention they wish to review in detail. It is therefore much more efficient for a company to sign one general non-disclosure agreement. At the tradeshows Mr. Ralston encouraged the companies he met with to sign a general non-disclosure agreement as this greatly speeds up the process of presenting relevant information.

On November 26 Mr. Ralston spoke with the President of Trillium Worldwide Inc. As the company had previously signed a general non-disclosure agreement, Mr. Ralston was able to present relevant information about several inventions. The President of Trillium Worldwide promised to carefully review these inventions.

At the AAPEX show Mr. Ralston visited the booth of GreatNeck Tools, LLC and presented information concerning several inventions. One of the representatives said that 4-5 of the inventions caught his eye and he will be discussing these products with UPR after the show.

At the Allied International booth, Mr. Ralston met with a Vice President of Sales who said his company was looking for impulse products. He then proceeded to review the products Mr. Ralston presented to him. He will contact UPR if he makes a decision to license any of these inventions.
When visiting the AmPro North America booth Mr. Ralston met with a husband and wife representative team who reviewed a list of relevant inventions. Five to six inventions were selected as being especially interesting. UPR will be providing additional information to AmPro regarding these inventions.

Off to the Rock Tamers booth, Mr. Ralston was surprised to see that this company actually employed a representative to guide people into their comprehensive booth. In the company’s booth, Mr. Ralston met with the National Sales Manager whom he had met at a previous tradeshow. Although this company apparently has a successful, but relatively narrow market niche, the Sales Manager signed non-disclosure agreements for four inventions! United Patent Research will be following-up on this initial corporate interest.

Another promising manufacturer contact occurred at the Wall Lenk Corporation booth. Mr. Ralston made contact with this company at a previous AAPEX show and was glad to meet with them again. This time the company’s representatives indicated interest in a novel soldering gun.

At the Orion Safety Products booth Mr. Ralston rekindled his relationship with this company. Although this company’s area of concentration is safety flares, the company’s representatives said they might be interesting in new inventions related to hunting. UPR will follow-up by sending a list of appropriate inventions to Orion.

At the Tiger Accessory Group booth the company’s representative explained to Mr. Ralston the reason why they are proud of their car cleaning products. Mr. Ralston mentioned that UPR clients have devised inventions in this area and he will be sharing this information with them.

At the K Tool International booth Mr. Ralston received information on who is the appropriate contact person to receive information about new products. UPR will follow-up by sending information to this individual.

One of the advantages of attending a tradeshow is that UPR can make personal contact with foreign companies. Mr. Ralston was pleased to make contact with Who-Rae Australia, LLC. This company expressed interest in items related to car interiors, such as seat covers. Winplus North America Inc. likewise expressed interest in items for the interiors of cars.

Mr. Ralston’s visit to the booth of SP Tools Asia Ltd. was truly productive. The CEO of this company was in attendance and he selected four tool related inventions for further review and consideration. As this company previously signed a general non-disclosure agreement with UPR, they will be provided with details regarding the four inventions conceived by inventors working with UPR.

The visit to the booth of SE Tools likewise proved to be productive. This company has developed many tools for the government and is always searching for new, practical tool concepts. The President of SE Tools was in attendance at the booth and signed a general non-disclosure agreement with UPR thereby allowing UPR to send invention details to them.

At the Schiey Products Inc. booth, in the SEMA tradeshow, Mr. Ralston met with the Vice President of Schiey and presented him with a list of inventions to review. The Vice President said he will carefully review the inventions on our list. Mr. Ralston also had a very productive meeting at the H&S Auto Shot booth in the SEMA show. In this meeting Mr. Ralston presented a list of recent inventions. As H&S Auto Shot previously signed a general non-disclosure agreement, UPR will be able to provide detailed invention information to them.

At the Apex Tool Group booth Mr. Ralston was able to determine that this company is interested in finding new specialty tools with mass market appeal. UPR will make sure that Apex is provided with information regarding this category of tools. When visiting the Astro Pneumatic Tool Company Mr. Ralston was pleased to note that this company showed some initial interest in a unique ratchet. As soon as this company signs an appropriate non-disclosure agreement detailed information about the ratchet will be sent to them. When visiting the Malco Products Inc. booth, the company’s representative told Mr. Ralston that he did not have time to discuss new inventions at the show but would like Mr. Ralston to email him after the show.

Moving on to the SAS Safety Group booth Mr. Ralston was able to get the name of the contact person in charge of reviewing new inventions. At the Ken-Tool booth Mr. Ralston showed the Product Line Specialist in attendance a video regarding a tractor maintenance invention. As Ken-Tool had previously signed a non-disclosure agreement regarding this invention, Mr. Ralston was able to show the detailed video demonstrating how the invention looks and works.

When visiting the Durofix Inc. booth, Mr. Ralston met the National Sales Manager for the first time and presented him with a list of inventions which UPR believes are relevant to Durofix’s product line.
The National Sales Director promised to review the inventions provided by UPR. At the ITW Global Brands booth Mr. Ralston discussed a novel car windshield wiper with the representative as this company sells car windshield wipers. As soon as soon as ITW Global Brands signs an appropriate non-disclosure agreement, they will be provided with detailed information about the new windshield wiper.

In summary, it can readily be seen from the above discussion of United Patent Research’s activities at the SEMA/AAPEX tradeshows this November that there is quite a bit work involved in contacting manufacturers on behalf UPR clients. This activity not only involves concentrated “leg-work” at the tradeshow itself but also considerable follow-up work after the tradeshow. United Patent Research does, however, believe that this tradeshow activity is extremely valuable for the successful licensing of inventions.