Bold Inventor

J.D. Houvener

At the Bold Inventor Podcast, we're dedicated to bringing you the cutting-edge knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property law. Whether you're an aspiring inventor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about how ideas turn into successful products, our podcast delivers expert advice and actionable insights to fuel your innovative journey.  Our content helps inventors everywhere—from filing their first patent to securing trademarks that protect their brands. Every episode is designed to simplify the complicated legal processes that inventors face, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your ideas.  📚 Patent & Trademark Law Simplified:Our podcast breaks down the complex world of intellectual property law, giving you step-by-step guidance on how to protect your inventions and ideas.  🎧 Top-Notch Expert Interviews:We bring on patent attorneys, successful inventors, and legal professionals to share their insider knowledge.  🚀 In-Depth Episodes Packed with Value:Our listeners rave about the practical advice we provide on topics like patent application strategies, trademark registration, and protecting intellectual property rights.  🌐 Reaching Inventors Worldwide:Your support will enable us to expand our reach, ensuring that inventors from around the globe can benefit from our expert advice on patents and trademarks.  🔑 Free and Accessible for Everyone:We believe that everyone should have access to the tools and knowledge to secure their intellectual property—regardless of budget. Ready to take a Bold Step? Schedule a free Discovery Call here: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast LEGAL NOTICE: By listening to this podcast, you are not becoming a client of Bold Patents nor of J.D. Houvener. Confidential discussions and consultations can be scheduled so that we can discuss your specific invention with a Patent Attorney. This forum is for general questions about the process, not about specific legal advice.

  1. 25 DE MAR.

    From Costly Damage to Clever Invention: The Dumpster Guard Story

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener sits down with Douglas Forte—builder, problem-solver, and inventor of the Dumpster Guard—a simple but powerful solution to a very expensive problem 💥 Imagine thousands of dollars in property damage… caused by something as routine as taking out the trash 🗑️➡️💸  That’s exactly what Doug kept seeing across his commercial properties—dumpster trucks knocking over enclosures and racking up repair bills. So what did he do?  👉 He built a fix  👉 Filed for a patent  👉 Turned it into a product used across the country 🇺🇸 From Starbucks to Dunkin’, and even a 400-unit order from New York City 🏙️—this “side hustle” quickly became something much bigger. Doug shares the real story behind:  ⚙️ Building early prototypes (and literally teaching himself to weld 🔥)  📄 Filing design + utility patents (and why timing matters!)  🚫 Dealing with copycats and enforcing his IP  📦 Scaling manufacturing + shipping nationwide  🤝 Exploring licensing opportunities to go even bigger This episode is packed with raw, real-world insight for inventors who want to move from idea → product → profit. 🔑 Key Takeaways  💡 The best inventions solve real, everyday problems  🛠️ You don’t need to know everything—just start building  📄 Filing early can protect you from costly mistakes later  ⚖️ Patents are powerful—but enforcement is on YOU  🚀 A “side hustle” can turn into a national product  🤯 Validation > money—if people buy it, you’re onto something  📦 Manufacturing & logistics can make or break your idea  🔥 Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of the process Whether you're a builder, inventor, or entrepreneur, this episode will challenge you to look at problems differently—and act on them. 🎯 Got an idea? Don’t wait. Build it. Protect it. Test it. 🔥 Hashtags  #BoldInventors #DumpsterGuard #InventorStory #PatentJourney #StartupLife #EntrepreneurMindset #ProblemSolving #Innovation #ProductDevelopment #SideHustleToSuccess #IPStrategy #PatentLaw #InventorTips #BusinessGrowth #ConstructionInnovation #RealWorldProblems #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.

    27 min
  2. 19 DE MAR.

    What Do Patents & Trademarks REALLY Cost? Breaking Down IP Pricing for Inventors

    Send us Fan Mail After a short break, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth are back on the Bold Inventors Show—and this episode tackles one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions in innovation: 👉 “How much does it actually cost to protect my idea?” From patents to trademarks, legal fees to government fees, this episode delivers a transparent, no-fluff breakdown of what inventors and entrepreneurs should realistically expect when investing in intellectual property. J.D. walks through the full lifecycle of a patent, from idea validation to filing to prosecution—while Matt unpacks the true cost of trademarks, including classes, filings, and long-term maintenance. Along the way, they answer live audience questions about: Using patents as collateral for loans 💼Whether you can reuse a “dead” trademark 🔄Trademark scams and how to spot them 🚨DIY filing vs hiring an attorney ⚖️This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating early-stage innovation, budgeting for IP, or deciding when (and if) to invest in protection. 🔑 Key Takeaways 💡 Patent costs typically range from $10K–$25K+ depending on complexity🏷️ Trademarks usually fall between $3K–$5K total⚖️ Government fees are only part of the equation—strategy matters more🔍 A proper search upfront can save thousands later🚫 Be cautious of trademark scams and fake “renewal” notices💰 Patents alone rarely secure loans—commercial traction matters🧠 Investing in IP is a business decision, not just a legal oneWhether you're an inventor with a napkin sketch or a founder preparing to scale, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make smarter IP decisions. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #PatentCosts, #TrademarkCosts, #IntellectualProperty, #StartupStrategy, #InventorJourney, #EntrepreneurTips, #IPStrategy, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkLaw, #StartupFunding, #InnovationCosts, #BusinessPlanning, #FoundersGuide, #ProtectYourIdea, #LegalStrategy, #InventorTips, #SmallBusinessGrowth, #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.

    32 min
  3. 12 DE FEV.

    🌎 The Dirt Whisperer: Reinventing Foundation Repair with SpatialVision™ and Smart Soil Innovation

    Send us Fan Mail What if the biggest threat to your home isn’t what you see — but what’s happening underground? On this episode of The Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with inventor and soil expert Bob Brown, founder of Transparent Engineered Solutions and creator of SpatialVision™ 3D Software. Known as “The Dirt Whisperer,” Bob has spent decades diagnosing structural failures caused by soil movement, expansive clay, moisture imbalance, and corroding rebar. After building and selling a successful foundation repair company, he turned his attention to solving systemic problems in the construction industry through patented systems, non-corrosive materials, and powerful 3D visualization software. From composite rebar systems to moisture mitigation technology and foundation lifting innovations, Bob shares how he moved from costly early invention mistakes to licensing real-world solutions contractors actually use. This episode dives deep into: Why most foundation failures are misunderstoodThe science of soil expansion and structural liftHow rusting rebar silently destroys stem wallsWhy better diagnostics unlock better inventionsThe real economics of licensing engineering innovationsWhen a patent makes sense — and when it doesn’tBob also discusses SpatialVision™, his 3D floor elevation mapping software that helps engineers, inspectors, and contractors visualize slab movement in ways never before possible. Instead of guessing at settlement or heave, professionals can now see it — clearly, precisely, and visually. 🔎 Key Takeaways 🧱 Most foundation issues start with misunderstood soil mechanics💧 Moisture migration can lift a home just as easily as it can sink it🧪 Carbonic acid + steel rebar = long-term structural decay🔬 Composite materials may replace steel in future construction📊 Better data visualization leads to better engineering decisions💡 Invent what people need, not just what sounds clever💼 Licensing can be a powerful path after exiting an operating businessBob’s journey is a masterclass in practical innovation — solving expensive real-world problems with smarter systems and better materials. Whether you’re in construction, engineering, real estate, or product development, this conversation reframes how we think about what’s beneath our feet. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #InventorStory, #SpatialVision, #TransparentEngineeredSolutions, #FoundationRepair, #ConstructionInnovation, #SoilEngineering, #StructuralEngineering, #PatentStrategy, #LicensingDeals, #3DSoftware, #EngineeringEntrepreneur, #BuildingScience, #CompositeMaterials, #StartupFounder, #IPStrategy, #InnovationLeadership, #RealEstateTechnology, #SmartConstruction, #GoBigGoBold 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.

    30 min
  4. 5 DE FEV.

    Building a Quality Patented Outdoor Product: The Compass Carts Founder Story

    Send us Fan Mail What starts as a cold morning in a Minnesota tree stand turns into a fully patented, premium outdoor product business. In this episode of The Bold Inventors Show, hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Todd Hanson, founder of Compass Carts, to unpack the real, unfiltered journey from idea to execution. Todd didn’t start with a factory, investors, or a perfect plan. He started with a frustrating problem: hauling gear and game on public land where vehicles aren’t allowed. Instead of settling for rattly, flimsy carts, he asked a better question—why can’t a game cart and hitch rack be the same thing? That question sparked 19 product iterations, countless field tests, and ultimately a granted U.S. utility patent protecting a clever wheel-rotation and hitch-mounted cart system that’s now used by hunters, anglers, outfitters, e-bike riders, and outdoor pros across the country. In this episode, Todd breaks down: How to validate an idea before spending big moneyWhen it actually makes sense to file a patent (and when it doesn’t)Why premium materials can be a competitive advantageHow patents increase company value—even before big salesThe realities of trade shows, copy risks, and overseas manufacturersWhy resilience matters more than perfection for inventorsWhether you’re a first-time inventor, a weekend tinkerer, or a founder thinking about patents, licensing, or acquisition, this episode delivers practical insight without the fluff. 🔑 Key Takeaways 🦌 Solve a real problem you personally experience🔁 Expect many iterations—version 1 is never the final version📄 Patents work best after market validation, not before💰 IP can raise valuation even before major revenue🛠️ Premium design + durability = long-term brand trust🌎 Trade shows create exposure and copy risk—be prepared🧠 Resilience beats perfection every time🎧 Perfect for: inventors, product founders, outdoor entrepreneurs, hardware startups, and anyone curious about patents, trademarks, and real-world commercialization. 🔥 Hashtags #BoldInventors, #InventorJourney, #ProductDevelopment, #StartupStory, #Patents, #EntrepreneurLife, #HardwareStartup, #OutdoorInnovation, #HuntingGear, #EbikeAccessories, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkStrategy, #InventorMindset, #FromIdeaToMarket, #FounderStories, #AmericanInnovation, #IPStrategy, #StartupLessons, #ProductDesign, #GoBigGoBold 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.

    30 min
  5. 28 DE JAN.

    🚀 Bold Inventors Show | Nesoni Founder Steve Waddell — From “Fountain Faucet” Idea to Smart Healthcare Tech 💧🧠

    Send us Fan Mail This week on the Bold Inventors Show, hosts J.D. Houvener (patent attorney, Bold Patents) and Matt Kulseth (trademark attorney) sit down with Steve Waddell, the founder of Nasoni—the company reinventing the everyday faucet into a hands-free fountain + smart accessibility platform. Steve’s journey is a masterclass in what it really takes to go from problem → prototype → pitch wins → product → pivots → clinical trials → grants. If you’ve ever wondered “Is my idea too small?” or “How do I fund this thing?”—this episode is for you. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 The “rinse test”: why brushing your teeth inspired a whole product category 🏗️ How Steve built early proof-of-concept prototypes (and what he learned the hard way) 🏆 Startup competition strategy: how pitch wins helped fund real momentum 📺 Steve Harvey’s Thunderdome: what it’s like to pitch on a high-pressure stage 🧪 From consumer product to healthcare tech: how Nasoni evolved into assistive innovation 🧓♿ Accessibility & independence: adapting faucet control for users with mobility challenges 🔬 Clinical trials + NIH grants: what it takes to validate and scale a medical-adjacent product ⚖️ Patents, timing, and ROI: when filing too early can backfire—and how to think about IP strategy 🌀 Motion mark trademark: yes, that’s a thing—and Steve actually has one 🔥 Why this matters for inventors Nesoni’s story shows how a product can start as a simple consumer “aha” moment… and become a mission-driven platform that helps real people live more independently—while still requiring smart decisions around funding, manufacturing, IP, and go-to-market timing. 📌 Watch live We’re live every Wednesday at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern on LinkedIn + YouTube. Bring your questions—patents, trademarks, product launches, licensing, and more (just keep it non-confidential since we’re live). 🔗 Want confidential guidance? Book a free discovery call at BoldPatents.com. #BoldInventorsShow #Nesoni #SmartFaucet #Innovation #Patents #Trademarks #InventorJourney, #Nasoni, #SteveWaddell, #BoldInventorsShow, #BoldPatents, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkLaw, #Inventors, #Entrepreneurship, #StartupJourney, #ProductDevelopment, #HardwareStartup, #SmartHomeTech, #AssistiveTechnology, #AccessibilityInnovation, #NIHGrants, #ClinicalTrials, #PitchCompetition, #Manufacturing, #IPStrategy, #MedicalDevices 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.

    43 min
  6. 21 DE JAN.

    From Caregiving Breakthrough to Patented Innovation + AI Efficiency for Professional Services

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to the Bold Inventor Show—the weekly live stream where inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners learn how to protect and scale what they’re building with patents, trademarks, and smart strategy. Hosted by J.D. Houvener, patent attorney & founder of Bold Patents, this episode is a powerful double-feature: a heart-driven invention story that became a patented product system, plus practical AI insights for professional services leaders who want to work faster without losing quality. 🎥 Episode Highlights (Fun + Fast Takeaways) 🧠 From personal pain point to patented innovation Angela Fairhurst shares how caring for her mom with dementia led to a breakthrough moment—discovering how tactile, safe, sensory tools could create calm + connection when words no longer worked. 🧸 Jerry Gadgets®: “tools, not toys” Angela explains why dementia-friendly products must be: ✅ dishwasher safe 🍽️ ✅ mouth safe 👄 ✅ non-toxic 🧪 ✅ durable 💪 ✅ engaging for two people (connection matters!) 🤝 ✨ Inventing isn’t magic—it's follow-through A recurring theme: ideas are everywhere, but execution is rare. Angela shares how she moved from “why doesn’t this exist?” to design, testing, market research, and IP protection. 📦 A patented “manipulation kit” system Rather than patenting one object, Angela protected the system—a smart strategy for innovators building product families with future variations. 🤖 Second Feature: Corporate Patents + AI Consulting That Actually Works 📡 Frank Lazaro on innovating inside big telecom Frank shares what it’s like to invent at a large corporation: 🏢 curated invention disclosure pipelines ⚖️ in-house patent counsel interviews 🏆 recognition + bonuses 📌 but the company owns the IP (a key lesson for employee-inventors) 🧩 AI as a tool, not a replacement Frank breaks down how firms can use generative AI like ChatGPT/Copilot/Claude to find efficiency—especially in law, accounting, architecture, engineering, consulting, and other professional services. ⏱️ “Find 12 minutes” strategy His approach is simple: reclaim small blocks of time daily and turn that into massive savings across weeks and months—without sacrificing quality. 📈 Strategic planning for innovation Frank’s thesis: AI shouldn’t be bolted on as an afterthought. It should be integrated into business strategy, operations, and measurable KPIs so leaders can track real ROI. 📅 Watch Live Every Week 📍 Wednesdays at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern 🎥 Streaming on LinkedIn + YouTube 💬 Bring your questions—live Q&A always welcome!  #BoldInventorsShow, #BoldPatents, #PatentAttorney, #PatentLaw, #Invention, #Inventor, #Entrepreneurship, #Startup, #ProductDevelopment, #IPStrategy, #Trademarks, #UtilityPatent, #Caregiving, #DementiaCare, #HealthcareInnovation, #ConsumerProducts, #GenerativeAI, #AIForBusiness, #ProfessionalServices, #InnovationStrategy 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.

    1h 1min
  7. 19 DE JAN.

    🎙️ Bold Inventors Show: Building Private Networks in a Hyper-Connected World

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when the internet goes down—but innovation can’t stop? 🚀  In this episode of the Bold Inventors Show, JD Houvener dives into the future of networking, resilience, and innovation with a deep discussion on private, decentralized networks, offline AI, and infrastructure independence. This conversation with John Fawcett of FrogNet explores how inventors and entrepreneurs can rethink connectivity beyond the cloud—unlocking new opportunities in disaster response, remote research, secure communications, and edge-based AI systems. From real-world use cases to the IP strategy behind breakthrough infrastructure, this episode challenges long-held assumptions about how data moves, who controls it, and where innovation can thrive. Key takeaways you’ll learn: ⚡ Why decentralized and private networks are becoming mission-critical 🧠 How offline AI and real-time sensors unlock new business models 🔐 The role of privacy, resilience, and control in next-gen tech 📡 Where innovation happens when traditional infrastructure fails 📜 How patents and IP strategy support deep-tech commercialization If you’re an inventor, founder, engineer, or investor thinking about the next evolution of connectivity, this episode is a must-watch. 👉 Watch, listen, and rethink what’s possible when innovation isn’t tethered to the cloud. #BoldInventors, #PodcastEpisode, #TechInnovation, #InventorMindset, #DecentralizedNetworks, #FutureOfTech, #EdgeAI, #OfflineAI, #PrivateNetworks, #DeepTech, #StartupPodcast, #EntrepreneurLife, #IntellectualProperty, #PatentStrategy, #InnovationLeadership, #ResilientSystems, #TechFounders, #EmergingTechnology, #HardTech, #Inventors 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.

    23 min
  8. 7 DE JAN.

    Kicking Off 2026: CES Tech, Disgruntled PMs & IP Gold Nuggets

    Send us Fan Mail First, J.D. and Matt tackle timely IP questions from the community—covering what commercial success does (and doesn’t) do for patentability, how abandoned or long-unused marks can impact trademark strategy, and why contracts matter when outside engineers or partners help improve existing equipment. They also touch on key best practices: ensuring your agreements clearly assign invention rights, avoiding willful infringement, and using smart legal steps when modifying or upgrading third-party products. Then the show goes live to CES in Las Vegas with developer and tech builder Joe Sumter (Tech Levitate). Joe shares what it’s like on the ground at CES, what trends are popping, and why founders should stop building in isolation. His advice: move fast with MVPs, collaborate early, validate with real users, and leverage modern “vibe code” tools to get something clickable in days—not months. Next up is Trevor Greenberg, host of The Disgruntled PM, who breaks down why project managers often feel invisible—because when they’re doing their job well, everything looks effortless. Trevor shares lessons from his podcast, why a “70% plan today beats a perfect plan later,” and how meaningful relationships happen when you go beyond DMs and actually talk to people. He also shares creator advice: start messy, iterate publicly, and don’t wait for perfection—especially when no one’s watching yet. If you’re building in 2026—whether it’s hardware, software, AI, consumer products, or a brand—this episode is a high-energy reset with practical guidance and motivation to go big. #BoldPatents, #BoldInventorShow, #JDHouvener, #MattKulseth, #Patents, #Trademarks, #IntellectualProperty, #PatentAttorney, #TrademarkAttorney, #StartupLaw, #Innovation, #Entrepreneurship, #CES2026, #TechTrends, #ProductDevelopment, #VibeCoding, #NoCode, #MVP, #ProjectManagement, #Podcasting, #GoBigGoBold 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.

    52 min

Sobre

At the Bold Inventor Podcast, we're dedicated to bringing you the cutting-edge knowledge you need to navigate the complex world of patents, trademarks, and intellectual property law. Whether you're an aspiring inventor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or simply curious about how ideas turn into successful products, our podcast delivers expert advice and actionable insights to fuel your innovative journey.  Our content helps inventors everywhere—from filing their first patent to securing trademarks that protect their brands. Every episode is designed to simplify the complicated legal processes that inventors face, ensuring you can focus on what matters most: your ideas.  📚 Patent & Trademark Law Simplified:Our podcast breaks down the complex world of intellectual property law, giving you step-by-step guidance on how to protect your inventions and ideas.  🎧 Top-Notch Expert Interviews:We bring on patent attorneys, successful inventors, and legal professionals to share their insider knowledge.  🚀 In-Depth Episodes Packed with Value:Our listeners rave about the practical advice we provide on topics like patent application strategies, trademark registration, and protecting intellectual property rights.  🌐 Reaching Inventors Worldwide:Your support will enable us to expand our reach, ensuring that inventors from around the globe can benefit from our expert advice on patents and trademarks.  🔑 Free and Accessible for Everyone:We believe that everyone should have access to the tools and knowledge to secure their intellectual property—regardless of budget. Ready to take a Bold Step? Schedule a free Discovery Call here: https://calendly.com/business-consultations/am06-podcast LEGAL NOTICE: By listening to this podcast, you are not becoming a client of Bold Patents nor of J.D. Houvener. Confidential discussions and consultations can be scheduled so that we can discuss your specific invention with a Patent Attorney. This forum is for general questions about the process, not about specific legal advice.