Q&A with former patent examiner Tara Ho on innovation
Each month we interview a different expert for their insider’s perspective on innovation. This month: Q&A with Tara Ho, an industrial engineer who served as a patent examiner at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) before leaving the government to pursue a legal career. Now a full-time employee at AbsolutelyNew, she comes to the table with an insider’s understanding and practicality towards patenting. Here’s perspective from Tara:
Q: What are 1 or 2 things many inventors probably don’t know about the patenting process and how USPTO operates, that could help them be more successful during the patenting process?
Tara: The USPTO has an application backlog exceeding 3 years. So be patient. Also, most ideas are not wholly novel and unique, so expect a complex revision process.
Q: How, if at all, does a patent examiner look at an invention differently than a patent lawyer looks at an invention?
April 2010
In this issue
- Q&A with former patent examiner Tara Ho on innovation
- Expert advice for inventors: the top 6 suggestions for bringing products to market
- No, really, this is no joke
- FYI: Upcoming tradeshows for new inventions
- More headlines from AbsolutelyNew
- Invention quote of the month
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Expert advice for inventors:
the top 6 suggestions for bringing products to market
In addition to this month’s insider’s perspective on innovation from Tara Ho, we thought we’d also speak with Bill Freund, AbsolutelyNew’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. As a member on the Board of Directors of the United Inventors Association, as well as an educator at Stanford University’s Engineering School, Bill is often asked to provide advice about how to bring new products to market. Here are some of his top suggestions:
- Live the Dream. Many inventors dream of a better life—for themselves and the world around them. They clearly imagine their invention contributing to society, and contributing to their income. While that’s an important part of the process, it’s just the beginning. Unfortunately, most inventors get stuck in the dream stage—until they discover that someone else has beaten them to the market with a similar concept. It’s important to keep moving forward—with action. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; just try to minimize them by learning from others.
No, really, this is no joke
At first glance, this photo might make you say, “What in the world is that?” Well, it’s a new innovation that’s been getting a lot of press coverage, and it caught our attention recently. Yes, we realize it’s April, but this is no “April Fools” joke. We thought we’d see if you could figure out what it is just by looking at it. You may need a little help, so we’ll make it multiple-choice.
Is it:
- “Play-Doh”—the next generation
- A physical-therapy aid for treating carpal tunnel syndrome
- A high-tech cleaning compound
- A new super-strong adhesive sealant for tire punctures
Still not sure, click here
FYI: Upcoming tradeshows for new inventions
Tradeshows are great for showcasing inventions and/or making contacts with industry leaders. The key is to plan ahead, to get the most out of each show you attend. Here’s a list of U.S. tradeshows happening in the April to June window.
More headlines from AbsolutelyNew
• PBS Television Show Features ShowerBow™
• Power Leash™ Selected as Top Pet Product on ABC News
Invention quote of the month
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi