Episodes

  • Innovating with Mushrooms: A Bold New Frontier in Sustainable Food Production
    Nov 1 2024

    In this week’s Bold Inventor Show, hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth explore an exciting breakthrough in mushroom cultivation with MuMycology founders Natalie, Nicholas, and Edward. This trailblazing team has developed a revolutionary new way to grow mushrooms sustainably, maximizing yield while minimizing waste. 🍄 Discover how their innovative method can disrupt both traditional agriculture and urban food production by enabling small-footprint mushroom growth systems perfect for restaurants, research, and more. 🌱

    The MuMycology team shares their journey from garage experiments to achieving a patent with Bold Patents. They reveal their approach to continuous colony production, how they manage sterility and nutrient delivery, and their future plans to scale mushroom cultivation for rare species and gourmet applications. 🚀

    Key Takeaways:

    • 🍄 Mushroom on Demand: MuMycology’s technology allows mushrooms to be cultivated in confined spaces, making it ideal for urban areas and local food sources.
    • 💡 Beyond Hydroponics: Learn about this novel system that goes beyond traditional hydroponics, feeding fungi nutrient-rich solutions for ongoing growth.
    • 🌎 Sustainable Solution: By keeping mushroom colonies alive and continuously harvesting, MuMycology drastically reduces waste.
    • 🔬 A Treasure Trove of Mushrooms: With thousands of unexplored mushroom species, MuMycology's controlled environment opens the door to discovering new flavors and medicinal properties.
    • 📈 From Patent to Market: The team discusses their next steps, including potential applications in fine dining, food deserts, and research partnerships.

    The episode also features a bold bite as J.D. and Matt analyze a mushroom jerky pitch from Shark Tank—exploring how mushroom-based products can capture growing consumer interest and how IP protection plays a role in securing market advantage. 🌿

    What does it take to patent a revolutionary mushroom-growing technology? Find out how MuMycology is leading a new movement in sustainable food production with a method that can unlock new culinary possibilities, nutritional benefits, and environmental solutions. Ready to dive into the world of mycology and explore the future of food? This episode is a must-listen!

    #BoldInventorShow, #MushroomInnovation, #SustainableFarming, #MycologyRevolution, #UrbanAgriculture, #FoodTech, #GourmetMushrooms, #FungiFuture, #GoBigGoBold, #BoldPatents

    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    57 mins
  • Secrets to Licensing Success: Insider Tips on Monetizing Your Patent
    Oct 24 2024

    In this Bold Inventor Show episode, co-hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth dive deep into the art of patent monetization with a special guest – Tom Stegeman. Tom shares his inspiring journey of developing an innovative swim fin product and successfully licensing it to a major company. If you’ve ever wondered how to get your product from prototype to market, this episode is packed with insider secrets, actionable advice, and real-world lessons. 🎧

    Tom breaks down the challenges and triumphs of navigating the patent process, offering practical insights into:

    Key Takeaways:

    • 🏊 From Idea to Prototype: Why testing early with real users is essential to validate your product.
    • 📝 NDA Negotiation Tips: How to filter through companies based on the attitudes and red flags in their NDAs.
    • 📞 Getting Past the Gatekeepers: Creative ways to connect with decision-makers at top companies.
    • 💼 Licensing vs. Manufacturing: Why partnering with an established company can often be more profitable than going to market alone.
    • 📊 Persistence Pays Off: Tom’s roadmap for building relationships, pitching effectively, and staying resilient through the licensing process.

    The episode wraps up with an exciting Shark Tank-style bold bite – analyzing a tandem inflatable boogie board pitch, discussing patentability, and exploring how to protect unique product designs. 🦈 Tom and the hosts evaluate the business model, highlighting key lessons on the importance of patents and trade secrets for entrepreneurs.

    Teasers:
    Thinking of licensing your product? Discover the critical questions to ask during negotiations and how to make the right connections in your industry. Tom also reveals how securing a patent can unlock powerful licensing deals and explains why NDAs are more than just paperwork – they reveal a company’s true intentions.


    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Prototyping to Patent: Inside Prototype House’s Path to Innovation 🚀
    Oct 18 2024

    In this exciting episode of the Bold Inventor Show, host J.D. Houvener goes deep with special guest Matthew Bordy from Prototype House. Ever wondered how a groundbreaking idea becomes a tangible product? This episode takes you on a journey through the complexities of prototyping, manufacturing, and patenting – with real-life examples, actionable insights, and inspiring stories that will keep you hooked until the end. 🎧

    Prototype House, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is no ordinary development firm. They transform raw ideas into polished, market-ready products for entrepreneurs and big brands alike. Matthew shares the intricate dance between product development and intellectual property, breaking down key challenges inventors face and how to overcome them, including:

    Key Takeaways:

    • 💡 Idea to Reality: Why inventors should build early prototypes and how to perfect them.
    • 🚀 Trade Secrets vs. Patents: When to keep it confidential and when to patent your product.
    • 🧑‍💻 Working with Engineers: How to find trusted partners and engineers to bring your idea to life.
    • 🛠️ NDA Basics: Protecting your invention before sharing it with firms or investors.
    • 💰 Raising Funds: Proven tips for securing investments and building lasting business relationships.

    Matthew also dishes on a Shark Tank-inspired success story and offers advice on balancing creativity with practicality in the fast-paced world of product innovation. Hear about his firm’s upcoming focus on robotics and how AI will shape the future of product design.

    Ready to turn your idea into the next big thing? Dive into this episode for pro-level tips, humor, and practical advice to jumpstart your entrepreneurial journey. 💥

    Don’t miss the Q&A session! Stay tuned for insights on licensing your products and creating multi-million-dollar portfolios, even with a simple idea.

    Hashtags:
    #BoldAndBetterShow, #PrototypeHouse, #ProductDevelopment, #Entrepreneurship, #Startups, #PatentTips, #Innovation, #Prototyping, #SharkTankSuccess, #AIAndRobotics, #InvestorTips, #BusinessGrowth, #InventionIdeas, #GoBigGoBold, #BoldPatents

    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    57 mins
  • Unlocking Post-Patent Success: From Soccer Coaching to Enforcing Intellectual Property
    Oct 10 2024

    🎙️ Welcome to The Bold Inventor Show! In this episode, JD Houvener and Matt Kullsup reunite to talk about everything from international adventures to the practicalities of post-patent enforcement. 🚀 Fresh off a month-long trip chasing elk in Montana and celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary in Italy, JD is back to share insights on balancing soccer coaching, parenting, and patent law.

    JD kicks things off with his thoughts on coaching in a competitive rec league in Central Washington, harnessing his inner "Ted Lasso." And from there, it's all about intellectual property: What happens after you secure that patent or trademark? How do you protect your innovation in a world that’s always moving forward? 💡

    Key Takeaways:

    • ⚖️ Post-Registration Realities: Why securing a patent or trademark is only half the journey—learn how to enforce your rights and avoid common pitfalls.
    • 💰 From Patents to Profit: Explore how companies like Apple have faced patent enforcement challenges and what smaller businesses can learn from those David vs. Goliath battles.
    • 🐾 Pet Safety and IP Enforcement: Get the inside scoop on a Shark Tank pitch gone wrong—why a pet safety product failed after an expired patent and what inventors can do to avoid the same fate.

    In this episode, JD also shares exciting updates about his new puppy, Cal, and how life with a Golden Doodle has already been an adventure of its own! 🐶

    👉 Curious about the patent process or have questions about trademark law? We’ve got answers! Whether you're developing products, coaching soccer, or starting a new venture, this episode covers the essentials you need to know.

    Hashtags: #PatentLaw #TrademarkEnforcement #PetProducts #SharkTankFail #Entrepreneurship #SoccerCoach #IntellectualProperty #SmallBusiness #StartupJourney #Innovation

    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    57 mins
  • Patents vs. Trade Secrets: Unveiled
    Sep 26 2024

    🔍 Exploring the Intersection of Patents and Trade Secrets on the Bold Inventor Show 🔍

    In this week’s episode of the Bold Inventor Show, hosts J.D. Houvener and special guest David Bosland dive deep into the critical topic of patents vs. trade secrets and where these two legal protections meet in the world of innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring inventor or an established entrepreneur, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you understand the nuances of protecting your intellectual property.

    🎯 Key Topics Covered:

    • Patent vs. Trade Secret: We break down the pros and cons of both, including when to choose one over the other. Should you patent your invention, or is keeping it a trade secret the better move?
    • Reverse-Engineerability Test: Learn how to determine if your product can be reverse-engineered, and why this is a pivotal factor in deciding between patent protection and trade secrets.
    • Real-Life Examples: From Boeing’s trade secret processes to modern-day startups, we explore how businesses successfully leverage both patents and trade secrets to gain a competitive edge.
    • Legal Hurdles: Discover the legal definitions and requirements for establishing trade secret protection and the steps you need to take to keep your information secure.
    • Patents and Trade Secrets Working Together: We discuss how patents and trade secrets can complement each other and be used strategically to protect different aspects of your innovation.
    • Real Questions from Inventors: We field questions from Reddit on topics like patentability, age requirements for inventors, and how to build and protect prototypes.

    💡 Whether you’re just starting your inventor journey or managing a robust intellectual property portfolio, this episode is packed with expert advice and practical tips to protect your innovations and maximize their value.

    🔗 Don't forget to download our free Inventor's Kit PDF to get started on your journey toward IP success! 🌟 https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

    Tune in Live Every Wednesday at 1:30 PM PST for more inventor insights, patent law tips, and lively discussions that help you take your innovation to the next level! 📅

    #PatentsVsTradeSecrets #IPProtection #InventorTips #BoldInventorShow #TradeSecrets #PatentLaw #InnovationProtection

    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Inventing on the Job: Who Owns Your Idea? – Bold Insights on Employee Innovations
    Sep 12 2024

    In this engaging episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and special co-host David Bosland dive deep into one of the most pressing questions for professionals in the workplace: Who owns your inventions when you're on the job? 🎙️ Whether you're an engineer, a designer, or a creative thinker, this episode unpacks the legal implications of innovating within a company.

    From J.D.’s experience as a former Boeing employee to David's expertise in intellectual property (IP) law, they explore the fine line between personal ownership and company claims on new inventions. They tackle real-life scenarios where employees innovate outside their job descriptions but might still face claims from their employers due to contracts, tools used, or simply working hours.

    Key Takeaways:

    • 💼 Employer IP Rights: Understanding how employment contracts affect invention ownership.
    • 🛠️ Work Tools Matter: How using company resources (laptops, tools, etc.) could mean the company owns your invention.
    • ⚖️ Independent Innovation: Strategies to protect your ideas if you're creating something outside your job role.
    • 💡 Freedom to Operate: The importance of clear contracts for inventors, especially when working as contractors.

    Whether you're working at a large corporation or a small business, understanding IP ownership is critical if you're creating while on the job. Tune in for insights, real stories, and practical advice on securing your innovations!

    Don't miss this episode packed with actionable advice for inventors everywhere!

    🔗 Schedule your FREE Discovery Call with our team to explore how we can help protect your intellectual property: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    57 mins
  • Patents, Trademarks & Legal Hacks Every Inventor Should Know!
    Sep 6 2024

    In this exciting episode of The Bold Inventor Show, join patent attorney J.D. Houvner and trademark attorney Matt Kulseth as they dive deep into the world of intellectual property. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, inventor, or business owner on the brink of something big, this episode is packed with crucial legal insights that can help protect your innovative ideas.

    🌟 Highlights of this Episode:

    • 💡 Patent Restore Act & Prevail Act – Understand the latest developments in patent law and how they could shift the landscape for inventors. Will these acts tip the scales in favor of patent owners?
    • 🔑 The Importance of Trademarks – Learn why your brand's trademark could be your second most valuable asset, and how it plays a key role in scaling and protecting your business.
    • 🎯 Real-World Legal Questions – Hear answers to pressing legal questions from business owners about patenting motorcycle club patches, inventorship vs. ownership, and more!
    • 🛠️ Tools for Market Domination – Get an inside look at how to leverage tools like AnswerThePublic.com to sharpen your SEO strategy and stay ahead of the competition.

    Plus, Matt shares stories from the front lines of trademark battles and their surprising connection to memorial walls and motorcycle clubs! This episode is packed with actionable advice, humorous moments, and expert legal knowledge to empower you to take your business to the next level.

    Don’t miss the live audience Q&A and insightful tips for entrepreneurs looking to secure their intellectual property in today’s competitive market.


    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    41 mins
  • From Schoolyard Inventions to IP Strategies: How to Protect and Scale Your Ideas in a Competitive Market
    Sep 2 2024

    See full video here: https://youtube.com/live/hu61JPZY7_s?feature=share

    Welcome to The Bold Inventor Show, your weekly deep dive into innovation, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property. Hosted by patent expert J.D. Houvener and trademark guru Matt Kulseth, this episode blends insightful discussions, practical advice, and real-world case studies that every aspiring inventor and entrepreneur should hear.

    In this episode, J.D. and Matt tackle a variety of questions from their audience, analyze a unique back-to-school invention from Shark Tank, and discuss the complexities of patenting and trademarking in today’s market. From understanding licensing agreements to exploring the challenges of bringing innovative products to market, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Licensing at the Provisional Stage: Learn about the risks and rewards of licensing a product during its provisional patent stage, and the importance of conducting thorough patent searches.
    • Trademark Tips for Entrepreneurs: Discover the pitfalls in trademarking, such as the misconception that adding "Co" to a brand name makes it distinctive. Learn how to create strong, registrable trademarks.
    • Consistency in Branding: Understand the importance of maintaining consistency in brand usage, particularly with composite or unitary trademarks, to ensure strong brand identity.
    • The Power of AI in Legal Work: Explore the emerging role of AI in the legal industry, particularly in patent and trademark searches, and the importance of human oversight in legal analysis.

    Lessons Learned:

    1. Market Validation is Key: Securing patents and media coverage doesn’t guarantee success. The Vest Packs product illustrates the importance of strong market demand.
    2. Understand Your IP Rights: Knowing when and how to assign your patent or trademark rights is crucial for strategic management in licensing agreements.
    3. Create Strong Trademarks: Combining descriptive words doesn’t create a strong trademark. Aim for suggestive, arbitrary, or fanciful trademarks that stand out in the market.

    J.D. and Matt conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to take action on their intellectual property strategies and to protect their innovations. Tune in every Wednesday at 1:30 PM Pacific for more insights and live discussions on how to turn bold ideas into reality.

    Support the show

    Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with us today: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast

    DISCLAIMER
    Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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    53 mins