This week, we wanted to talk about some ways to get fresh new ideas for inventing. Have you noticed that some inventors have only one good invention idea while others are constantly creating and introducing new products? The difference is in their perception. To be a truly great inventor you need to look at everything with fresh eyes. The problem most of us have is that we get adjusted to product weaknesses and compensate for them unconsciously.

There is a bill pending in the US House that could affect how we all do inventing. The Patent Act of 2005 would change the current patent laws that award patents on a first-to-invent basis to a first-to- file basis. How patent law works now, whoever can prove that he or she invented a concept first, usually by documenting an inventor?s notebook and submitting it to the US patent office, has rights to the patent. These notebooks are kept on file for two years which can give inventors time to find out if their product will need a patent or time to find investors to help with the patent fees. You can actually start selling your product now and the patent office gives you up to one year to apply for a patent before you lose your rights to one. Some inventors use this option to see if their product really has market potential before making the substantial investment involved with a patent. If this new law passes, then all of this will change.

Dear Don, I have a new product idea that I've been developing but I don't have enough money for my initial prototype so I can run some tests. I already tried asking my friends and family for funding, but no one wanted to invest. Do you have any other suggestions?