Complaint Review: Inventor's Helpline - Patent And Trademark Institute

I was taken for about $11,000 USD by the Investor's Helpline for patenting an idea I had. I am now aware that their business has been shut down by the FTC in the following Court action: FTC v International Product Design Inc. No. 1:97-cv-01114-avb. I have been told by the receiver's office "Stenger Law" that there is no hope this Company will be re-instated.

I am now realizing that I am one of numerous victims in this fraudulant operation by the owners of this Company. I am very disappointed to find out that such a Company was able to operate for so long even though there had been legal problems associated with the Company since as far back as 1975.

I am a Canadian who, perhaps, was too naive and trusting for allowing this Company to make me believe they had my best interests in mind. I am not holding any hopes to recover any of the money I have lost but perhaps just writing this letter will make me feel better. I have given up on my idea as I can not afford to persue it anymore. I have 5 friends/relatives involved with me who also lost money in this venture who I feel terrible for. I would like to warn anyone who is contemplating approaching such an invention promoting company to be aware of the extreme dangers in doing so.

It would probably be better if you would contact a reputable Patent Lawyer in your area rather than taking a chance with a Company such as this. To the Owner of the Company Julian GUMPEL and all of the other associates, I only have one hope is that you go to Jail for a very long time to reflect on how you have affected all of these victims and I know one day you will have to answer for your actions.

Thank you to the FTC for stopping these crooks and thank you RIPOFF for allowing me to vent my frustration about this matter.

Sincerely

Jean
Castlegar, British Columbia
Canada