BAD GUY CHARACTERISTICS -- NATIONAL INVENTOR FRAUD CENTER, INC.

You should use the NIFC Good Guy Test prior to working with any invention promoter. You will also want to visit the FTC List where you can search for companies that have had problems in the past with the Federal Trade Commission regarding the services they provide.

Bad Guy Characteristics

FTC Problems. You will want to ask the company whether they have ever been sued or settled with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Fails Good Guy Test. A company that fails the Good Guy Test should probably be avoided unless you still feel they will provide value for your money.
Don't Evaluate Marketability. Any invention promoter that will not provide you an opinion of marketability should be questioned (many companies only offer a market analysis).
Low Success Rates. If a company has less than a 2% success rate, you will want to consider going elsewhere for assistance.
Avoids Answering Questions. If you have a problem getting direct written answers to your questions on the Good Guy Test, you should consider going elsewhere. A "Good Guy" typically does not have a problem with answering questions in writing.

FTC Articles About Invention Promoters

So You Have a Great Idea? - Invention promotion firms can offer more than they can deliver.
FTC Warning Signs - Guidelines for inventors who want to market their inventions.
Sweet Sounding Promises - An FTC article on how to spot fraudulent invention promotion firms.
Search FTC Archives - You can search the FTC archives for actions against various invention promotion companies.

You may write or call for a free FTC brochure:
“Invention Promotion Firms”
FTC’s Public Reference Branch, Room 130
6th Street & Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20580
Telephone Orders: (202) 326-2222

National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc.
2534 South University Drive, Suite No. 4
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
Telephone: (701) 281-8822

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This web site provides general information only, not legal advice. You should not act upon this information without independent legal counsel. You must read and agree to the Terms of Service before viewing this web site. The NIFC is not associated with any Federal or State government agency. If you have been harmed by an invention marketing company or patent attorney, you should immediately seek the legal assistance of a reputable attorney licensed in your state. Michael S. Neustel is licensed to practice law only in North Dakota and in the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Statements made in this web site are merely opinions of the National Inventor Fraud Center, Inc. and should not be interpreted as factual. Neither Michael S. Neustel nor the NIFC market inventions, provide market analyses or provide marketability analyses for inventors. You are strongly encouraged to investigate any company or law firm you plan to work with and do not rely solely upon this web site when selecting a company to work with. Only you can determine if the companies listed on this web site are reputable or not. Information upon this web site is not for residents of Pennsylvania.