The document summarizes the experiences of 12 entrepreneurs who developed 15 ideas and filed 11 patent applications, with 5 patents granted. It discusses why some applications were abandoned due to high costs, while others succeeded. It also profiles 3 entrepreneurs, including one who developed a 3D mouse and received a patent after 5 years, and another who has been inventing for over 50 years and still receives royalties from early designs. In general, patents are only useful when combined with products and businesses, and commercializing patents can provide significant value.

1. DaVinci Institute 17 October 2009 Invention Patents Entrepreneurship

4. 9 Entrepreneurs, 9 ideas, 6 patent applications: If there’s no business, there’ll probably be no patent. Having a patent doesn’t mean there’s a business. No Abandoned 2004 Used car sales CR66 No Not pursued Search only Investment software Dr Deeds Small Granted Design 2008 Ear bud jewelry Ice Small Did not pursue Search only Microcontroller Vesta No Did not pursue Search only Open space cooling Elias No Abandoned 2006 Reduce urine smell MedXCo No Abandoned 2006 Software Happy Life No Abandoned 2004 Web video software Rita No Abandoned 2004 Surftree (software) Bert Business? Result Patent App? Idea Inventor

10. How does the inertia pump work? Accelerate a pipe with liquid in it Use a check valve to prevent back flow in reverse cycle Oscillate back and forth

11. Turn configuration into a loop and oscillate it Inlet Check valve Fluid flow direction