What to Do When Someone Is Interested in Your Invention

A Big Moment for Any Inventor

Someone’s interested in your invention.

It might be a company.
It might be a product scout.
It might be a licensing agent, a buyer, or even a curious rep at a trade show.

Whatever the situation, someone saw your idea and said, “Tell me more.”

That’s a big moment. And it’s easy to get excited, nervous, or feel like you need to move fast. But I’m here to tell you something most inventors need to hear right now:

This is where smart inventors start separating themselves from the pack. Because how you handle these first conversations can open real doors, or quietly close them without you even realizing it.

Over the years, I’ve coached thousands of inventors through this exact stage, and while each product and opportunity is unique, there are clear, proven steps that help you:

• Stay protected

• Stay in control

• And move forward professionally

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through exactly what I teach my private clients when someone shows interest in their invention.

You’ll learn how to:

• Prepare your materials so you look professional from the start

• Understand when and how to use an NDA

• Share just enough without oversharing too much

• Present your invention clearly — even if your prototype is rough

• Know what your contact is really looking for (it’s more than just the idea)

• And decide what kind of deal makes the most sense for you

No fluff. No vague advice. Just real-world guidance from someone who’s been in the room, on both sides of the table.

Get Organized: Be Ready to Share the Right Way

When someone expresses interest in your invention, whether it’s a company, a product scout, or a potential buyer, it’s natural to feel like you need to act fast. But before you hop on a call or send over anything...

This is where you start showing that you’re not just someone with a cool idea, you’re an inventor who knows what they’re doing.

I always tell inventors to have two essentials ready before any conversation:

✅ A solid one-pager

This is your invention at a glance - a simple, clear, and visually appealing summary of your product.

What it should include:

• The problem your invention solves

• The solution — what your invention is and how it works

• Key benefits — why it’s useful, helpful, or different

• Bonus if it includes a few mockups, photos, diagrams, or a prototype

Think of this as your elevator pitch on paper. If someone can't understand what you’re offering in under a minute, the one-pager needs work.

🎥 A short demo video

No matter what stage your prototype is in, even if it’s made from cardboard and duct tape, a simple video can go a long way.

Here’s what I suggest:

• Keep it under 2 minutes

• Show the invention — what it looks like, how it works

• Speak clearly and confidently, even if it’s just a voiceover

• Don’t worry about fancy production — clarity beats flash every time

You’re not making a commercial. You’re showing that your idea is real, workable, and understood by you.

These two tools, the one-pager and the demo video, are what I call your starter pitch kit. When you have them ready, you can:

• Jump into conversations without scrambling

• Show up like a professional

• Keep the ball moving without oversharing

Even if you’re still figuring out the next steps, just having these ready to go puts you in a stronger position.

💡 Need help putting together your one-pager or recording your demo video?
I work with inventors every week to refine and prepare these exact materials.

👉 brianfried.com/invention-help

Do You Need an NDA? Here’s How I Think About It

This is always one of the first questions inventors ask when someone expresses interest:

I get it. You want to protect your idea. You’ve worked hard to get to this point. But here’s what I tell every inventor:

Let’s walk through when to use one, why it matters, and how to use it the right way.

📄 If you haven’t filed a patent yet (provisional, utility, or design):

Yes, use an NDA before sharing your invention details.

At this stage, you’re not legally protected, so it’s smart to ask the other party to sign an NDA before you show or explain anything. It sets a professional tone and documents the moment you shared your concept.

You don’t need to overthink it, you just need something in place.

🛡️ If you’ve already filed a patent and have “patent pending” status:

You may not need an NDA, and here’s why:

Once you’ve filed, your invention is legally documented, and you can usually disclose the concept with more confidence. Personally, I often say something like:

That one sentence sends a clear message:

• You’ve taken protective steps

• You’re treating this seriously

• And you’re aware of your rights

❓What if they send you an NDA to sign?

Read it carefully. These NDAs are often written to protect them, not you.

Look for red flags:

• Does it limit what you can talk about afterward?

• Does it include language about assigning rights?

• Is it mutual, or one-sided?

When in doubt, get a second opinion. You don’t want to sign something that gives away more than you intended.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Use an NDA if you’re unprotected

• Rely on “patent pending” if you’ve filed

• Ask questions before signing anything they send you

• And remember: You’re not trying to be difficult, you’re being professional

🔐 Need a solid NDA to use in your conversations?
Use my free, editable NDA template. It’s the same one I give to inventors I coach:

👉 brianfried.com/download-nda

NDAs won’t stop someone truly dishonest. But they do something else that’s just as important:
They signal that you’re taking this seriously, and that makes people take you seriously too.

How to Present Your Invention with Confidence (and Without Oversharing)

When someone shows interest in your invention, whether it’s a potential licensee, buyer, rep, or partner, it’s tempting to tell them everything.

But here's what I coach inventors to remember:

That means showing just enough to spark interest, build trust, and leave them wanting more. Not flooding them with details that could backfire or bore them.

Let’s walk through how I help inventors present their idea the right way.

🎯 Lead with the benefit — not the backstory

Don’t start by telling them how you came up with the idea or the 5-year journey it took to get here. Start by showing them what it does and why it matters.

That’s what buyers, companies, and reps want to know first.

📸 Be visual. Always.

Even a crude prototype or basic drawing goes a long way.
People want to see what they’re dealing with, not just hear about it.

If you have a short demo video, that’s even better.

You don’t need high-end production. Just clear, honest visuals that tell the story.

⏱️ Keep it short and sharp

Aim to present in under 5 minutes, then open it up for questions.
You want to guide the conversation, not dominate it.

Let them ask if they want to go deeper. That’s how you know you’ve sparked interest.

🛑 Avoid jargon and oversharing

Stay away from overly technical language, especially if your idea isn’t protected yet.

• Don’t explain internal mechanisms or trade secrets.

• Don’t give away how it works under the hood.

• Don’t assume they “need to know everything.”

Instead, talk in terms of customer outcomes and user experience. That’s what resonates.

💬 Here's what a great quick pitch might sound like:

That’s it. That’s a solid, clear start.

📣 Want help preparing your pitch or tightening your message?
I work 1-on-1 with inventors to make sure their presentation resonates with the right audience and opens doors.

👉 brianfried.com/invention-help

Protecting Yourself in Early Conversations

When someone reaches out about your invention, it feels big… because it is.
But this is also the point where many inventors make mistakes.

They get excited. They overshare. They send over everything they’ve got.

And that’s when things start to fall apart.

This is why I always tell inventors:

You can spark interest without giving away the farm.
Here’s how to protect yourself while still moving things forward.

🔍 Share just enough to spark curiosity, not everything you’ve built

In the first conversation, your goal is not to close a deal.
Your goal is to get them interested enough to want more.

Stick to:

• Your 1-pager

• Your demo visuals or short video

That’s it.
Don’t send over your prototype specs. Don’t include your notebook.
And definitely don’t forward your full business plan.

🛡️ State your protection, clearly and confidently

If you’ve filed a provisional or utility patent, say so.

It doesn’t need to be a big dramatic statement.
Just a quick, professional heads-up that you’ve taken the right legal steps.

This makes people take you more seriously, and it sets a boundary without sounding defensive.

📧 Keep a simple paper trail

After any conversation or Zoom call, send a short follow-up email like:

This isn’t about being paranoid. It’s about documenting what was shared, when, and with whom.

In the rare case something goes sideways, you’ll be glad you did.

🤐 Don’t explain how it works, unless you’re protected

If you’re not under NDA, don’t start talking about unprotected technical details.

• Don’t walk them through your internal mechanisms.

• Don’t reveal your sourcing strategy or pricing model.

• Don’t start showing diagrams of how it functions under the hood.

Keep the conversation at the benefits and problem-solving level, not the blueprint level.

📍Recap: Here's how to stay protected in early talks

✅ Stick to the 1-pager and visuals
✅ State that your invention is protected (if it is)
✅ Follow up with a quick written recap
✅ Avoid unprotected technical explanations
✅ Always ask questions before signing anything

🔐 Want help protecting your invention, and making real progress with confidence?
I work with inventors every day to avoid costly mistakes and build real momentum.

👉 brianfried.com/invention-help

What Companies — and People — Are Really Looking For

When someone shows interest in your invention, whether it’s a company, a licensing rep, a retail buyer, or even an individual looking to invest or collaborate, they’re not just evaluating the idea.

That means you’re not just pitching a product, you’re showing what it’s like to work with you.

And the truth is, I’ve seen deals fall apart not because the invention wasn’t good, but because the inventor didn’t seem ready, responsive, or easy to work with.

Here’s what’s really going through their mind during that first conversation:

• 🧩 “Is this product actually ready, or are we years away from production?”

• 🛍️ “Can I picture our customers buying this?”

• 🔍 “Is it protected? Or will we be taking on risk?”

• 🤝 “Will working with this inventor be smooth, or a headache?”

Most people won’t say these things out loud.
But they’re thinking it.

That’s why it’s your job to present yourself as someone who’s:

• Prepared

• Professional

• Flexible

• And serious about making progress

So how do you show you’re the real deal, not just a dreamer?

Here’s what I coach inventors to do in these conversations:

✅ Present your invention clearly and visually
Don’t just talk, show. Use your 1-pager, demo video, or photos to help them see what you’re talking about.

✅ Make it easy for them to say yes
Keep your materials short, sharp, and focused on benefits. Don’t overwhelm them.

✅ Be clear on your protection status
Don’t make them wonder if you’ve done your homework. Say, “This invention is patent pending,” if you’ve filed.

✅ Stay professional and open-minded
If they ask a question you don’t know the answer to, it’s okay to say:

✅ Follow up promptly
Time kills deals. If they ask for something, be responsive and clear.

If you make it easy for them to picture your product in their catalog, store, or sales deck, and easy to imagine working with you - you’ve done your job.

💡 Not sure how to position your invention to the right people, or tailor your pitch for different conversations?
I help inventors build messaging that lands and opens doors.

👉 brianfried.com/invention-help

Brian’s Advice: What I Tell Inventors at This Stage

I’ve coached thousands of inventors over the years, from napkin sketches to licensing deals to retail shelves. And I’ve seen it all: the excitement, the panic, the mistakes, and the big wins.

So when an inventor tells me “someone’s interested in my invention!”, here’s exactly what I say:

1. Don’t lead with: “I want a licensing deal.”

That’s one of the biggest mistakes inventors make.

Instead, lead with the value of your invention.

Let them see the opportunity first. Let them bring up the deal structure.

Why? Because every company or buyer has a different goal, some want exclusivity, others want volume, others are scouting. If you walk in saying, “I want royalties and a licensing agreement,” you might miss an opportunity that could have gone another direction.

2. Don’t sign anything on the spot.

If they hand you a contract, an NDA, a term sheet — anything — don’t rush.

Even if it sounds like the perfect offer, it’s always smart to have someone experienced review it. Not because they’re out to get you, but because you don’t know what you don’t know.

I’ve had inventors call me after signing a deal, only to realize they gave away more than they thought. Don’t let excitement cloud your judgment.

3. Don’t get starstruck.

Just because someone’s “interested” doesn’t mean you’ve landed a deal.

I’ve seen inventors get swept up in the moment, talking like the deal is done, telling friends and family, even stopping development because they’re sure it’s sold.

Stay calm, stay grounded, and keep moving forward. Until something’s signed, you’re still in the early stages.

Here’s the mindset I coach inventors to adopt at this stage:

• Be confident — but humble.

• Be prepared — but flexible.

• Be cautious — but not fearful.

You’re not chasing a dream. You’re building a business. Treat it that way, and others will too.

🧠 Need help navigating this exact moment?
You don’t have to figure it out alone. I work 1-on-1 with inventors to help them handle interest professionally, protect themselves smartly, and move forward with real momentum.

👉 Schedule a private call and get clarity on your next move.
Because how you handle this moment… shapes what happens next.

Wrapping Up: Be Professional, Be Ready, Be Smart

If someone is showing real interest in your invention, whether it’s a company, a rep, a buyer, or a potential licensing partner, that means something powerful: you’ve created something worth looking at.

That alone is an achievement.
But here’s the truth I always share with inventors:

This is where deals can be made… or lost.

When I work with inventors at this stage, I don’t just look at their product. I look at how prepared they are to turn attention into opportunity.

Here’s what that looks like:

✅ Be Professional

You don’t have to be a polished speaker or have a background in sales. But you do need to present yourself like someone who’s serious about their invention.

That means:

• Having your 1-pager and demo video ready.

• Speaking with clarity and purpose.

• Treating every interaction like it matters, because it does.

You’re not “just an inventor.” You’re a potential partner. A problem-solver. A creator of value.

✅ Be Ready

Know where you are in the process.
Have you filed a provisional? Do you understand your protection status? Have you practiced your pitch?

This is not the time to wing it. This is the time to:

• Be clear on what you’ve done

• Be honest about what you haven’t

• Be confident in what’s next

Even if you don’t have everything in place, just being organized and aware makes a huge difference in how others perceive you.

✅ Be Smart

The inventors who succeed aren’t the ones who know everything.
They’re the ones who ask the right questions, take things step-by-step, and don’t get ahead of themselves.

That means:

• Don’t overshare.

• Don’t assume.

• Don’t rush to say yes.

Here’s My Final Reminder:

You’ve put time, energy, and passion into your invention.
Now someone else sees that too. That’s a big deal, and a huge opportunity.

But you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Let it be one that shows you’re prepared, coachable, and ready to collaborate.

And if you’re not sure what to do?

Ask. Get help. Don’t guess.

🛠️ Need support getting ready for your big moment?
Whether you're prepping a pitch, building your one-pager, or reviewing what to say on a call, I can help you put your best foot forward.

👉 Work with me one-on-one and let’s make sure your next move is your smartest one yet.

Final Thought

This is the moment that separates inventors who hope from inventors who act.

When someone expresses interest in your invention, whether it’s a company, a licensing rep, a buyer, or even just someone curious, how you respond sets the tone for everything that follows.

And here’s what I’ve seen, over and over again:

You don’t need to have all the answers.
But you do need to:

• Be professional in how you present yourself

• Be organized in what you share

• Be intentional about who you’re dealing with and what you want

Whether you’re just starting out, already filed a provisional, or have a working prototype and some buzz, you’re closer than you think.

This isn’t about luck.
It’s about moving forward with clarity, confidence, and a little guidance from someone who’s been there.

What’s Coming Next: License or Launch?

So you’ve made it through the conversation. You handled the interest professionally, protected your invention, and presented it clearly. Maybe the company wants to continue the discussion, or maybe you’re still exploring your options.

Either way, a big question is coming next:

This is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an inventor. And there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

• Licensing means someone else brings your invention to market, and you earn royalties.

• Manufacturing means building a business around your invention, and taking on more risk, but also more control.

In our next Invention Playbook post, I’ll walk you through both paths, including:

• What licensing really involves (and how to know if your invention is license-ready)

• What it takes to manufacture and sell your invention on your own

• The questions I ask every inventor before they decide

• Real examples from inventors I’ve coached — and what worked for them

This is where the invention journey starts to feel like a real business — and where making the right call can save you time, money, and stress.

Keep going.
You’re doing great, and I’ll be right here with you for the next step.

Inventively yours,
Brian Fried
Inventor Coach | Product Licensing Expert | Founder, Inventor Smart

P.S. If you missed our last issue, it’s one you’ll want to read:
👉 The Patent Myth That’s Costing Inventors Thousands
Why “Get a Patent First” Is Backwards — and What Smart Inventors Do Instead
I break down the most common (and expensive) mistake new inventors make — and what to do instead to actually move your idea forward.

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