A leader's perspective: Warren Tuttle, President of the United Inventors Association

Each month, we interview a different expert for their unique insider's perspective on innovation. This month: Warren Tuttle, President of the United Inventors Association (UIA). Warren has worked behind the scenes on some very successful kitchenware products, such as the Smart Spin™ (8 million units sold) and the MISTO™ gourmet olive-oil sprayer (4 million units sold). As a marketing expert, he consults for large corporations, helping them become more innovative. He also speaks at national events, such as the International Home & Housewares Show. Here's perspective from Warren:

 

Q: What is the purpose of the United Inventors Association?

  

Warren: To provide helpful educational materials and information to aspiring inventors and product developers as they navigate the exciting path of taking a new product to market.

 

Q: How does the organization help inventors specifically?

 

Warren: Through a weekly newsletter with lots of helpful information; a listing of inventor friendly companies that have gone through a rigorous UIA certification process; a ten-part video series featuring knowledgeable specialists introducing inventors to the many challenges they will face; regular dialogue with the US Patent Office about issues that are important to independent inventors; and support for local inventor organizations around the country.   

 

Q: How did you get involved in the organization?

 

Warren: Initially I was a member of my local Connecticut inventor club. Then I began speaking at local clubs around the country. I then ran for the UIA Board of Directors.  

 

Q: As the UIA's new president, what changes do you envision in the coming years?

Warren: Several important changes include tying UIA membership in a local club into the UIA as well; upgrading our certification program while providing more inventor friendly company information to our members; reaching out to inventors through participation in industry trade shows, such as the May National Hardware Show in Las Vegas; serving as a bridge between disparate inventor spokespeople around the country; and providing helpful information to inventors as the new patent law changes are debated this year.       

 

Q: How does an inventor get involved with the UIA?

 

Warren: Either join a local certified inventor club (see the back of Inventors Digest Magazine for a complete national listing) or visit our website at www.uiausa.org.

  

Q: Lastly, we always ask, what is your favorite invention of all time, and why?

 

Warren: Well, I have many, but the two that have been the most successful for me have been MISTO and SmartSpin with sales of 12 million units combined :) We are launching many new products through Lifetime Brands these days. A few of the new successes are the Odor Absorbing Splatter Screen, and Snack Tape, so look for these on the shelves in the months ahead.    

Comments

[bill weibl]

I em new in this business, but I have 2,3, new products,but the problemis I dont know wer icen start the product working and marketing, or??????? somone cen helping me this is gret.Thanks your time, Bill my E mail is wweibl@yahoo.com or 702 823 5171

[Richard Eadens]

I have been a long time inventor, mainly in the mechanical field. A recent project involves a simple housewares product that I can have manufactured if necessary but needs a marketing source. This would fall under a "Confidentiality Agreement" process whereas, a patent application is not to be considered at this point.
I would appreciate any contacts for investors and marketers for my various product ideas developed.

Richard Eadens

[Marcocabinets]

i am working on a few inventions and i would like if someone would recommend some serious patent companies. and give me some tips on what and what not to do, i would really appreciate this information.
thanks alot,
marcocabinets@gmail.com

[John M Lang]

I have invented a method of getting electricity from the action of oceanwaves. I am in the process of getting a temporary patent. I have tried to get funding to build, test, improve and upgrade until it is ready for market. This device will cost much to develop but when ready for market can bring in many millions. how can I get a funding source or company to take it and run??

[Glenn E. Isler]

I am in the process of looking for someone to purchase my invention which I have a patent on, it is for diabetics to use for
their feet, making it easy for them to examine their feet in a seated position. This new product is call the Foot Doctor and
can be viewed at the following site:

HTTP://www.invention.Net/isler.HTM

[Loyda Cintron]

Mr. Tuttle:
I have a patent on two potholders. Absolutely New wants to market my patent, but in the past I have explained to them that I do not have the monies for marketing. I have suggested other ways to no avail. Can you help me get my product out on the market? I had a factory in China make 500 pieces, but when they sent me the shipment they made them in a cheaper quality material; not what I had approved on the samples, and many are damaged. I turned them in, but nothing has been done. I had a gentleman who is doing a movie tell me that he was going to get me intouch with a friend in California that knows Rachael Ray to get my potholder on her show, but the lady he said would be calling me has not called. Please email me back, and let me know if you can be of help so we can talk. Thank you. God bless

[Nike Dunks]

Human life, luck sometimes is very important! You're lucky sometimes determine your own life, win or lose! Yet, if luck is not work! Need to have stamina