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"DE-SCAM-BLER" [tm]
CHECKLIST

The more of these services that "one" company offers, the higher the probability that the company is a "scam", what I call a "we-do-it-all-for-you", "one-stop-shop" company. They usually offer these services in "phases" or "stages", but they still offer them all.

Remember that inventing is an "a-la-carte" process. You pay separately for each service as you go along, when you need them, as you need them, and if you need them.

For example, you go to a prototype maker who specializes in prototypes when you need one; you go to a patent attorney who specializes in patents when you need one; you go to a trade show or advertise on a web site that specializes in exposure when you need one; you work with a licensing agent or find a licensee that specializes in your product's specific field when you need one, etc.

The goal of this checklist is to help you quickly recognize the scam companies. When shopping for services, put a check next to the services that the company offers. If you end up with all or most of the services checked, then beware - there is a very high possibility that the company is a scam. These types of companies are required by law to disclose their "success rates" to prospective buyers of their services - it will usually be somewhere in very small print in their literature with the total number of clients that have used their services, and how many have at least earned more than they paid - they usually disclose that they have a zero success rate.

For an explanation of all the warning signs, click here to read:
Spotting Invention Scams: "We-do-it-all-for-you" Warning Signs Chart.

checklist

" DE-SCAM-BLER" CHECKLIST Note: If you check most of these items, there is a high risk that the company you're considering is a scam.
Scams Usually Offer Most Or All Of These	What Services Does the Company offer?	Brief Service Description
X	______	Advertises on TV, radio and back of magazine classified ads
X	______	They have you sign their pre-signed confidentiality agreement which they send with initial sales package
X	______	They evaluate ideas (or imply they do)
X	______	They compile marketability reports
X	______	They perform patent searches
X	______	They file patents
X	______	They promote inventions, including exhibiting at tradeshows or their web site
X	______	They submit inventions to industry
X	______	Company acts as a licensing agent Ask for their "Success Rate"
X	______	Company licenses products. Ask for their "Success Rate"