Complaint Review: Patent & Trademark Institute Of America Inventors Helpline Inventors Helpline.comUnited Licensing - Roslyn Heights New York

Feds Say Scam Took More Than $60 Million from 17,000 Consumers March 19, 2007 The Federal Trade Commission has filed a civil contempt action against four individuals and eight business entities for allegedly operating a fraudulent invention promotion business in violation of a court order. The individuals were employed by International Product Design Inc., which the FTC charged with fraudulent business practices in 1997. A court order issued in 1998 prohibited Julian Gumpel, Darrell Mormando, and Greg Wilson from deceptively marketing invention promotion services, but Gumpel later revived the same scam under the name, "Patent and Trademark Institute of America" (PTI), the FTC charged. For a fee of $895 to $1,295, PTI promised to evaluate the marketability and patentability of inventors' ideas, but its evaluations were almost always positive and were not meaningful, according to the FTC. For a fee of $5,000 to $45,000, PTI's clients were offered legal protection and assistance to obtain commercial licenses for their inventions. They also were told that PTI would help them earn substantial royalties from their inventions, but PTI did not help consumers license their inventions, and clients did not earn royalties. The FTC alleges that PTI's business practices violated the court order, which prohibited the defendants from falsely promising to evaluate invention ideas and falsely claiming that consumers would profit financially if they bought PTI's invention promotion services. The FTC also alleges that PTI never sent consumers the "Affirmative Disclosure" form required by the order; the form should have disclosed PTI's non-existent track record in bringing inventions to market. On January 8, 2007, the Commission initiated contempt proceedings against Gumpel and eight corporate entities under his control: Technical Lithographers Inc., d/b/a Patent and Trademark Institute of America (PTI), United Licensing Corporation, International Patent Advisors Inc., Datatech Consulting Inc., International Product Marketing Inc., Unicorp Consulting Inc., d/b/a/ UNI Corp. Inc, Azure Communications Inc., and London Communications Inc. On January 10, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued an order placing PTI in court receivership pending the outcome of the contempt litigation. According to a report prepared by the receiver, PTI has taken approximately $60 million from more than 17,000 consumers since 2000 but could not identify a single successful consumer. On March 9, the court issued an order to show cause why Michael Fleisher, Wilson, and Mormando, a/k/a Darrell Johnson, should not also be held in contempt for violating the court order issued in 1998. The FTC alleges that they knew about and were subject to the court order, but repeatedly violated it in their roles as managers and salesman for PTI. A hearing on the FTC's charges against all of the defendants is scheduled for April 30, 2007. The FTC has established a phone line for consumers who may have been harmed by PTI's conduct. Consumers may call 202-326-2926 for more information.

PTI consists of salespeople and an owner who have been in the invention business for over a dozen years. Some have been in the invention promotion business for over 20 years. The message from regulators and government officials to the invention business has been extremely weak. Only once has there been criminal charges brought against an invention promoter. However that was for tax matters and not for fraud related to deceptive sales practices. The owners and sales people in the invention business know this. They fully expect civil penalties and are willing to take them. They know that they can make HUGE sums of money before a civil action results. If their company is forced to shut down they often open a new one (or the sales people go work for another invention firm). This has been the cycle in the invention business since the early 1970's. Raymond Lee - Invention Marketing (now Invention Submission Corp.)- American Inventors Corp.- The Patent and Trademark Institute, etc., etc. This invention promotion scam is nothing new. In fact, The Invention Promotion Act of 1999? just further insulated and protected these firms. Most try to wrap themselves around this law in their written materials. However that's not where the bulk of the fraud takes place. The fraud occurs on the phone when the sales people lie and misrepresent, telling people what ever is necessary in order to get their money. Invention promoters have historically delivered nothing and left people with nothing more than broken dreams and empty bank accounts. As long as civil action is the only deterent, invention promotion fraud will continue to be perpetrated on the American public. Tens of thousands of unsuspecting individuals will be forever scammed out of millions of dollars every year. Contact the FTC and the media, the NY Attorney General, join the class action suit, ETC. Get involved. It's time to hold the owner and sales people of PTI accountable.

PTI consists of salespeople and an owner who have been in the invention business for over a dozen years. Some have been in the invention promotion business for over 20 years. The message from regulators and government officials to the invention business has been extremely weak. Only once has there been criminal charges brought against an invention promoter. However that was for tax matters and not for fraud related to deceptive sales practices. The owners and sales people in the invention business know this. They fully expect civil penalties and are willing to take them. They know that they can make HUGE sums of money before a civil action results. If their company is forced to shut down they often open a new one (or the sales people go work for another invention firm). This has been the cycle in the invention business since the early 1970's. Raymond Lee - Invention Marketing (now Invention Submission Corp.)- American Inventors Corp.- The Patent and Trademark Institute, etc., etc. This invention promotion scam is nothing new. In fact, The Invention Promotion Act of 1999? just further insulated and protected these firms. Most try to wrap themselves around this law in their written materials. However that's not where the bulk of the fraud takes place. The fraud occurs on the phone when the sales people lie and misrepresent, telling people what ever is necessary in order to get their money. Invention promoters have historically delivered nothing and left people with nothing more than broken dreams and empty bank accounts. As long as civil action is the only deterent, invention promotion fraud will continue to be perpetrated on the American public. Tens of thousands of unsuspecting individuals will be forever scammed out of millions of dollars every year. Contact the FTC and the media, the NY Attorney General, join the class action suit, ETC. Get involved. It's time to hold the owner and sales people of PTI accountable.

PTI consists of salespeople and an owner who have been in the invention business for over a dozen years. Some have been in the invention promotion business for over 20 years. The message from regulators and government officials to the invention business has been extremely weak. Only once has there been criminal charges brought against an invention promoter. However that was for tax matters and not for fraud related to deceptive sales practices. The owners and sales people in the invention business know this. They fully expect civil penalties and are willing to take them. They know that they can make HUGE sums of money before a civil action results. If their company is forced to shut down they often open a new one (or the sales people go work for another invention firm). This has been the cycle in the invention business since the early 1970's. Raymond Lee - Invention Marketing (now Invention Submission Corp.)- American Inventors Corp.- The Patent and Trademark Institute, etc., etc. This invention promotion scam is nothing new. In fact, The Invention Promotion Act of 1999? just further insulated and protected these firms. Most try to wrap themselves around this law in their written materials. However that's not where the bulk of the fraud takes place. The fraud occurs on the phone when the sales people lie and misrepresent, telling people what ever is necessary in order to get their money. Invention promoters have historically delivered nothing and left people with nothing more than broken dreams and empty bank accounts. As long as civil action is the only deterent, invention promotion fraud will continue to be perpetrated on the American public. Tens of thousands of unsuspecting individuals will be forever scammed out of millions of dollars every year. Contact the FTC and the media, the NY Attorney General, join the class action suit, ETC. Get involved. It's time to hold the owner and sales people of PTI accountable.

PTI consists of salespeople and an owner who have been in the invention business for over a dozen years. Some have been in the invention promotion business for over 20 years. The message from regulators and government officials to the invention business has been extremely weak. Only once has there been criminal charges brought against an invention promoter. However that was for tax matters and not for fraud related to deceptive sales practices. The owners and sales people in the invention business know this. They fully expect civil penalties and are willing to take them. They know that they can make HUGE sums of money before a civil action results. If their company is forced to shut down they often open a new one (or the sales people go work for another invention firm). This has been the cycle in the invention business since the early 1970's. Raymond Lee - Invention Marketing (now Invention Submission Corp.)- American Inventors Corp.- The Patent and Trademark Institute, etc., etc. This invention promotion scam is nothing new. In fact, The Invention Promotion Act of 1999? just further insulated and protected these firms. Most try to wrap themselves around this law in their written materials. However that's not where the bulk of the fraud takes place. The fraud occurs on the phone when the sales people lie and misrepresent, telling people what ever is necessary in order to get their money. Invention promoters have historically delivered nothing and left people with nothing more than broken dreams and empty bank accounts. As long as civil action is the only deterent, invention promotion fraud will continue to be perpetrated on the American public. Tens of thousands of unsuspecting individuals will be forever scammed out of millions of dollars every year. Contact the FTC and the media, the NY Attorney General, join the class action suit, ETC. Get involved. It's time to hold the owner and sales people of PTI accountable.

The ftc filed a Preliminary Injunction against them. They have frozen all assets. The business(scam) is shut down. On March 13,2007 the ftc is going for a Permanent Injunction. The court felt that the ftc would be successful in this case and froze the assets. So there is a slight chance these thieves can get back to stealing again, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Hopefully this will put and end to it.

Regarding the Las Vegas office. I personally visit the Las Vegas office many many times and met pretty much the whole team that was working over there. So the Las Vegas office really excited. And yes the office is closed right now. An Yes I paid them $15 000. And yes I want to know how to get my money back Does anyone find a way to get our money back. I will really appreciate any info. Martin Las Vegas

Sorry Ken, There is no office in Vegas, they worked out of their homes and have hopefully been rounded up like the ones in NY.

I found this info on a patent blog. Looks like they were raided and shut down on 1/15/07 or 1/16/07 This is the exact info dated 1/23/07: PTI has been shut down by government officials. Their offices in VA, NY and NV were raided last week. All PTI business assets as well as the personal assets of Julian Gumpel (owner) have been frozen.

Has there been any additional information offered regarding the closing of the Las Vegas office. I am sending a friend by there tomorrow to see it there or if it is even an office. All info is appreciated.

I found this address: 7955 W Sahara Ave, Las Vegas They have it under inventors helpline instead of pti. I have heard of these scammers using UPS mailboxes that just have an address instead of a po.box or suite. This way their victims believe they own an entire complex in las vegas when it is only a mailbox for their victims to send the money to. You may want to investigate and see if it is a mailbox first.

does anyone know the address of the Las Vegas office that was closed?

Thanks steve, I have an appointment with a patent lawyer tommorrow to get the ball rolling again, then next weekend I am going to take a roadtrip to Garden City NY and get my money back. I hate a thief.

Take a look at the complaints at the ftc site. Some people have been taken for $30,000 and up. The book that they sent is scripted with your invention name thrown in some places. They were selling them to everybody. They are just stealing money. If you read through the replies you will see how the president of pti explains in his own words how he gets around the law. They do send $10.00 of your money to uspto for a filing and that is it. They pocket the rest of your money and and do nothing but lie to you so you will send them more money until you are broke. When you stop sending them money they don't want to know you. These people are salepeople aka con artists who don't care about you, all they care about is lining their pockets with their victims money. Their hole gig is a scam. Please check out the ftc site and file a complaint. Your money is gone but hopefully the ftc can recover something. You may someday get back a small portion of what you sent.

I would love to hear from anyone that actually had a good experience with this company. I sent them $1,200 to provide me with my product analysis and I received a very nice and informative binder with the following: Concept Introduction Product Summary Marketability Assesment Preliminary Patent Search Invention Industry Preliminary Patent Art Invention Development Process The book is very professionally done and looks to be correct in all aspects. I then sent them $9,900 to begin the process to apply for the patent. I heard from Nancy Hope and a young lady named Sybill up until approximately 1 week ago. Now all calls go unanswered, we are talking 15 messages. I read in another report that the Las Vegas in closed and the FTC has possibly shut them down. Does anyone have any additional information? Did anyone else receive the lovely binder or have contact with Nancy Hope or Sybill? While I am concerned about the money and the sick feeling in my stomach that I have been a victim here, I am more concerned about the possible, very possible waste of time that should have been put towards trying to get my invention on the market. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.

For the person that has Interested Companies If PTI sent you the names of the companies that is just to keep you hooked so you will keep sending them money, you will never hear from those companies they will throw your contract in the garbage. I have already done that part. To the person who has spent $9900, you should file a complaint with the ftc. I had another company that the ftc fined and was sent about 1/3 of my money back on an ftc check. It wasn't an invention company but it was a company that was doing wrong. Some other invention scammers are doing something like 11 years in jail so hopefully they will get this guy. Maybe we will get some money back, the ftc does take action but it has been a longtime.

that these scumbag invention submissions get to be in business-much less stay in business. Google "invention submission" and see if you can contact others in the same position as you. Maybe one started a lawsuit or something.

I too have been using PTI for the past year. Im into the process over $9900 dollars and know that the FTC has given them an order to stop business. On the 29th of January the FTC may or may not allow them to resume business. Hopefully someone will be getting in touch with us in the future and letting us know what is up. I also have no idea at what stage my paperwork is at or what to do next. Very depressing. Lost of work possibly down the drain

PTI is not responding to any of my e-mails phone calls. I just found out that their office here in Las Vegas is closed. Does anyone know if they have the office in NY still operating. What I should do? I have potential companies interested in my invention and PTI is nowhere to be found to help me. I hope they file for my patent. Does anyone can tell me how I can find out if I have the patent application filed or they still the money from me too Martin- Las Vegas. Nevada

Julian Gumpel said that he or his associates were never fined in past cases brought against Invention Promotions company of which he was affiliated. CLEARLY NOT TRUE... please see the attached link from the official website of the FTC. According to the FTC, He was also prohibited from engaging in the practices of which he is currently accused of on this site. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/11/aia.htm

Julian Gumpel said that he or his associates were never fined in past cases brought against Invention Promotions company of which he was affiliated. CLEARLY NOT TRUE... please see the attached link from the official website of the FTC. According to the FTC, He was also prohibited from engaging in the practices of which he is currently accused of on this site. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/11/aia.htm

Julian Gumpel said that he or his associates were never fined in past cases brought against Invention Promotions company of which he was affiliated. CLEARLY NOT TRUE... please see the attached link from the official website of the FTC. According to the FTC, He was also prohibited from engaging in the practices of which he is currently accused of on this site. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/11/aia.htm

Julian Gumpel said that he or his associates were never fined in past cases brought against Invention Promotions company of which he was affiliated. CLEARLY NOT TRUE... please see the attached link from the official website of the FTC. According to the FTC, He was also prohibited from engaging in the practices of which he is currently accused of on this site. http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1998/11/aia.htm

Spelling is the last thing I am worried about. You haven't read the every post here, otherwise you would have seen that I tried to work with them. WHEN I WOULD NOT SEND THEM MORE MONEY THEY WOULD NOT SPEAK TO ME OR RESPOND TO ANY QUESTIONS.GOT IT. I SENT CERTIFIED LETTERS, EMAILS, PHONE CALLS AND GOT NO ANSWERS. AFTER DOING ALL OF THAT ONE OF THE COHORTS STILL CALLED ME LOOKING FOR $6,000.00!!!! DO YOU GET IT YET. IF I COULD HAVE WORKED WITH THEM AND EVERYTHING WAS HUNKY-DORY THEN I WOULDN'T HAVE POSTED HERE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND YET. Please be prepared before you post a comment. Spell checking is wonderful, but if youhaven't a clue as to what you are writing about then it makes no difference does it?

I should like to belive that if I were to type a letter for the whole world to see that I would check the letter over for misspellings. Since you can not even do that, I shall presume you do not even read the papers on which you sign. If I were to give a company a large sum of money I would make sure I were to look into them, but you I feel like most, fall under the "hope" factor. No matter what happens to us in life we always have it. Sometimes to a fault. Misanthropes like to take advantage of that. I am not saying you were, but responding with comments of a derogatory nature is not very mature when one is trying to convey a point. I hope things work out for you. If I were you and feeling very despondent over the matter I should think the best solution would be for you to work with them. Then you will understand everything they do and make some money in the process. Cheers.

So your saying he took your money along time ago and you got nothing. One of his cohorts should be on the phone in no time looking for money from you. The con artist that calls you will probably be looking for atleast $6,000 or more. Although reading this might sway him away,nah scam artists like this have a disease that won't let them get that monkey off their back. Greed will outweigh anything else. They will be very nice to you before stealing your cash and then laughing at you. Didn't you read the BOTTOM LINE in my last post. Your saying it has been over 10 Years and you still haven't gotten anywhere and your going back for more. He obviously told us how he set up a BOGUS company so he skirt the AIPA of 1999. You are going to TRUST this piece of garbage. Please write back and let us all know how much more of your money he wants and if you sent it. Good Luck.

I have been working with IPD since about 1993. I was reading the complaints from Dirk in Wisconsin and Steve in Milan, and I admit, they do appear to be the same person. I too, back in the early 90's began and paid $4850.00 for a Inventor package. I have done hours and hours of research on Mr Gumpel as well as IPD and have become skeptical of the whole thing, however, I have read Julians rebuttals and he admitted to me that IPD and subsequent companies prior to his taking over, indeed have dropped the ball. He is offering to completely review my file/case along with the prototype sent to him just recently. I feel that Julian is stepping up to the plate and finishing the task that was set into play quite some time ago. I too am from Wisconsin, currently living in Texas. I have a very marketable invention and truly believe that with Julians help, it will come to be a reality in the very near future. I hope to become a "success story" and report back on this website to inform its readers as such. Julian does appear to be trying to make things right and "redress" things he had no control over. It can only go one way or the other. As a fellow inventor I feel obligated to report the truth and facts. Lets give Julian a chance. Check back for updates. Thank you

Well folks it was so "Quick" to answer the other posts but when presented with the "Challange" it is "Hiding" This person is referred to as "IT" because comparing this person to "Human Excrement" would be "INSULTING" Human Excrement. These people are like "Maggots" (Which again is Insulting to Maggots)They feed themselves off of the unknowing and the unfortunate. The Head Maggot has stolen money from many, many Good, Honest, Hard Working People and has been getting away with it. Hopefully this can be put to an end soon. This Maggot has already told everyone how "IT Gets Away With Breaking The Law" Just look at the earlier rebuttals the words are there. These type of Thieves have been getting away with this for far too long. All of the Attorney Generals of each and every state will be contacted, as will the Attorney General of the United States.They probably have been already. These thieves need to be in Jail! All of you out there to need to speak up. Don't be embarrassed "You" are a "CRIME VICTIM" that is nothing to be ashamed of. This is not only "Grand Theft" on a large scale it is many counts of "Fraud" and "Wire Fraud" among other charges, maybe the theives themselves can tell everyone. Here is a "Poem To Maggot" You Pig You Thief You Piece Of DOODOO You Yea You Grow eyes in the back of your head you Maggot you For you never no when one of your "Gracious Hosts" that "You" have "Stolen" from will be "Behind You" You Maggot YOU. Here is also the BOTTOM LINE If You Ever Even THINK about Dealing With Any Of these "submission" companies AKA "Scam Operations" Read below First This is the bottom line. 1) Inventor see commercial get exited and make call. 2) Salesman tell lie and take Inventors money and put in pocket. 3) Inventor get USELESS PAPER 4) Salesman send more Useless Paper 5) Inventor send more money 6) Salesman take Inventors Money and put in pocket 7) Inventor get more USELESS PAPER 8) Inventor send more money 9) Salesman take Inventors Money and put in pocket 10) Salesman send more USELESS PAPER 11) Inventor BROKE HAVE NO MORE MONEY!!!!!!!! 12) Salesman GO AWAY NOT CALL ANYMORE 13) INVENTOR LEFT BROKE SITTING NEXT TO SMALL STACK OF USELESS PAPER!!!!!!! 14) SALESMAN LIVE GOOD!!!!! NICE HOUSE!!!! NICE CAR!!!! 15) SALESMAN MOVE ONTO NEXT VICTIM!!!! 16) INVENTOR POOR HAVE TO TAKE THE BUS!!!! If you WANT to STICK with THEM . Remember the bottom line!!!!!!!!! Folks do whatever you can to avoid being a "Crime Victim" DO NOT SEND YOUR MONEY TO THE MAGGOT. The "BOTTOM LINE" is what will happen to you don't let them fool you, It will happen. Tell anyone one you know about this crime, and if you know any "Victim" have them band together here and go to the link in the "Nail PTI" post above. Action needs to be taken now.

We've been here before. Check the following ripoff report: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff42388.htm This report is about another invention submission scam company, Invent Tech, but it applies to all of the "invention submission" companies. A quick excerpt: "The client thinks that if Invent-tech was a scam; the scam would be to steal their idea and market it themselves. That is not the scam at all. The scam is to sell them a completely worthless 'marketing' campaign."

We've been here before. Check the following ripoff report: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff42388.htm This report is about another invention submission scam company, Invent Tech, but it applies to all of the "invention submission" companies. A quick excerpt: "The client thinks that if Invent-tech was a scam; the scam would be to steal their idea and market it themselves. That is not the scam at all. The scam is to sell them a completely worthless 'marketing' campaign."

If you are honest and you run an honest outstanding company and stand by your clients. I issue you this challange. Calling you would not change anything I have called your company. Go ahead and look into it personally by all means and then Do The Right Thing. You know exactly who I am. I have Phoned, E-Mailed and Sent VIA Certified Mail a Letter asking for a Full Refund of all money that was paid to you. I asked for a Full Refund of $5,670.00, and I was actually wrong on the amount it is actually, $5,770.00. You can find out very easily who I am via your database. I believe you are very aware of that and you already know who I am. Now if you are an honest and truthful man you will send me back my money. Please send the money by 4/22/2005 and I will let everyone know that you did step up to the plate show that you are honest and truthful and stand by your clients.

Re: the preceeding dialogue: Score as graded on a ten scale for sincerity, ethics and believability: Dirk: 10 The shill...errrr, sorry, I mean "Julian": .0005 . As Jack Webb used to say, "just the facts, ma'am, nothing but the facts".

Thank you again for the opportunity to respond. I wish to address my response to Steve from Milford. First and foremost, I wish to answer Steve's 5 questions, then I will respond to his statements. Question #1: As I mentioned in my previous response, many inventors are emotionally involved with their project. This question seems to follow that pattern. However, I will respond. Contrary to what some people believe, I was not arrested, jailed or even cuffed. Neither I or the company paid ANY fines. My involvement in Operation Mousetrap was as follows. (This is going to be a lenghty answer due to the facts). At the beginning of the FTC investigation PTI was not in business. I was a Consultant (and figure head) for one of the companies that was investigated. At that time this organization had 3 owners who did not get along. Two of the three actually stole money from the company and bailed out. (One such owner took that money and opened his own business in Florida and is still operating). Leaving one owner, the company appeared to be going out of business. During that time I had no say in any of the daily operations or decisions. I called the remaining owner and negotiated with him to purchase the company. After we completed the transaction, I assumed full control and all decision making processes. I was fully aware of the FTC investigation and I completely cooperated with the FTC. Subsequently, the FTC and I agreed to what is called a Stipulated Order concerning the comapny and its operation. The company WAS NOT FINED as others were. There are no (were no) criminal actions stipulated. In the Stipulated Order, we agreed to place $250,000 of company money (which we controlled) into an escrow account that was specifically earmarked for any client refunds. The escrow account was to be held for 3 years. If additional monies were needed we were to add those funds to the escrow account. Any client of the company who believed they were due a refund were given the opportunity to request it by following the Stipulated Order. At the end of the 3 year escrow period all funds remaining went back to the company. We did not have to add extra funds. During that 3 year time period I took the initiative to completely change the way the company did business. First I terminated several Consultants who I believed were not working properly. (All of them have gone to work for competitors). Second, I updated and modified our programs to meet and beat the FTC order. It was not until the 3 year FTC order was completed that I developed PTI. PTI was an outgrowth of the FTC investigation as well as the AIPA. PTO goes well beyond both decrees. No legal mumbo jumbo (as you put it), just the facts. Question #2: PTI does not do any marketing to industry. We are not an invention development, marketing company who charges thousands of dollars in fees to provide marketing services as the other companies do. We do charge fees for patent, trademark and copyright work. We also charge a fee to evaluate an invention. We are NOT doing anything illegal or wrong as stated in the AIPA. Please read all the 118 pages of the AIPA and will see that is the case. Our Licensing Agreement program works only on a contingency basis of 10 to 25% if we negotiate a licensing agreement for the inventor. It is not an exclusive agreement with the inventor (as all other are). Therefore, PTI does not have any clients who have net profits to declare. Question #3: Yes, we have sent to you and others the names of companies from trade show results 2 to 3 months after the show. That is correct. It is also very poor work on our part. I can only say that it has been addressed and corrected. We now have a 2 to 3 week turnaround time period in effect. Regarding why He and Him, there are many instances as to why that is the case, however, many clients do get specific names. If you have ever attended a trade show you would understand. Probably you have not, therefore it can appear to be misunderstood. Very briefly, the actual people to contact were not at the show, or our licensing division was instucted to have our clients send their documents to departments rather than certain people. It may not sound plausable to you, but it is the fact. Please attend one or more trade shows to experience it before you condemn that fact. Question #4: Regarding your requested refund. I am not aware of your situation. I would like to look into it personally. However, I need to know who you are specifically. Therefore, please call me in the NewYork so I can follow up. Question #5: The $6,200 you refer to is the cost to upgrade to a full patent (only if you wish to) You have the right to say no. You also have the option to go to a patent attorney of your choice (as you always had the right to do). Any communications with you after that are not cut off. I am unsure what you specifically are referring to. I believe I have addressed your all questions truthfully. You state in your posting that I have danced around the most damaging parts of the complaint, I have not. You are correct, there is no defense to the truth. That is why I am responding, I am and have always been truthful, honest and direct. I do not hide as others in this industry do. I have no reason too because I tell the truth and address the issues. One thing does puzzle me me however, your appear to talk in the first person. You state in your first paragraph " Of course he will say that I am misleading and inaccurate,...", I am confused as to whether you are Dirk (the originall complaint I responded to) Steve, or one and the same. Please clarify. Thank you for the time to respond.

Well there you have it folks. He danced around the most damaging parts of the complaint. Of course he will say that I am misleading and inaccurate, he has no way of defending himself because their is no defense to the truth.After reading my rebuttal,everybody go over to the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov click on Site Index and scroll down to Complaints-Invention Promotion Firms,there you will see alot of complaints and some with responses that also say the victims are WRONG! That's all they can say. Take a particular look at the complaint made by Burns December2004 he took that guy for $31,120.00 as of 3/12/2005 there is no response to that complaint. Look at all the complaints if you have time to read them all. You will find a trend when reading them,they sound the same. There are many people out there that are just too embarrassed that they lost a substantial amount of money that they are afraid to complain. Also check www.ftc.gov type Invention in the search box and find the complaints there also. Ok he answered the weakest part first The Letter,this will mean nothing if your invention is stolen. Next he says the salesman doesn't tell you have a great idea and that the salesman doesn't tell you that PTI pays for the patent attorney because they know they will get their money back when your product goes to market, Well that is what their salesperson told me! I also have statements in writing from his patent attorney that states the PTI pays all their fees! Also READ the complaints and you will see the that other people were told the same thing. He then addresses the the Preliminary Patent Search and the Marketability Rating, this is where he tries to be slick, he put these next words in for a very specific reason(It is an actual evaluation of his product)He puts these words in because he will not admit that he is an INVENTION PROMOTER therefore he has found a LOOPHOLE in the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 so that he doesn't have to state the NET PROFITS of his inventor clients. He will only say that he does Evaluations and Assessments, he states this for that very reason The Loophole, if he is so honest and truthful why does he do it. Let's let him answer that. He won't say that if anybody knew of any profits that were acctually made they would not use his company. He needs to hide that fact from his clients. Nobody would need him if he only provided evaluations and assessments, If he says that he takes your idea to tradeshows and talks to companies about your idea he is PROMOTING YOU INVENTION. Notice that he didn't address the issue of the AIPA OF 1999. He next talks about the 7,10,or 15 year agreement.Notice how he says "in writing" and doesn't mention what his salesman says, the salesman did say that I could "Retire on that money" again look at the Complaints, the answer is there. Next he will admit that he does sell you a Prescripted Document for $795.00 but will only say that some parts are "generic", It is an admission none the less. Finally a near bit of TRUTH but only a near bit. He sends you this book with a copy of an some other inventors drawing that does not look as good as your's and they get this off the computer in a matter of minutes. You do not spend 4 to 6 weeks on an evaluation, you just wait that long to make it look like you do. You stop MISLEADING THE PUBLIC. He says that stealing money is an INVESMENT, all the thieves out there will have to remember that when their court case comes up. Next notice what he says(Yes, the fee to the USPTO is only $10, however, that is not the only legal action the inventor contracts for)Notice the word Contracts for, yes he wants you to sign the contract to bind you and to shield him, his salespeople will constintly remind you of the "Contract" when you call and when they call you for more money. He admits the $10 fee but doesn't explain where the thousands of other dollars went too. Obviously he doesn't want everybody to know. Next when he says in writing(Dirk continues by discussing Trade Show representation. Once again he missrepresents and misleads the public on his inaccurate statements. He syas "They also tell you they will promote your invention at trade shows all over the world when you will get only interested companies from a Las Vegas, Nevada show. They may just get these names from the trade show website. These companies will think you got their name from the website. They will toss the letter you sent in the trash. You pay the postage and have to write the letters yourself. PTI does nothing!!!".)His answer does not dispute the fact that he says he will PROMOTE YOUR INVENTION ALL OVER THE WORLD, another admission in writing. I AM NOT MISLEADING THE PUBLIC YOU ARE AND YOU ARE INACCURATE. Being that you are so willing to answer the whole complaint(Which you didn't)and are so willing to answer any questions. Answer all of these Questions. 1)Tell us your involvement in Operation Mousetrap,tell use if you were arrested and cuffed and what you admitted to and what fines you paid and any jail time? Don't use the legal mumbo jumbo that you can't discuss the case, YOU CAN. 2)Tell us why you DO NOT publish the NET PROFITS of your inventors in your CONTRACT? By law you a obligated too but you don't therefore violating the AIPA of 1999, Tell everybody why 3)Tell us why your send the names of interested companies 3 months after you say you attend a tradeshow and whey you refer to the companies representative only as "HE" or "HIM"? And remember I have these documents in writing. 4)When I Phoned, E-Mailed ,and via Certified Letter requested a full refund of all my money,and requested that you respond in writing, you have not done so? It has beeen many months since the requests so don't use the time excuse. 5)When I REFUSED to send you $6,200.00 more of my money, you cut off all communication, why? Do Tell. That is enough for now, Answer All The Questions Truthfully Please.

Well there you have it folks. He danced around the most damaging parts of the complaint. Of course he will say that I am misleading and inaccurate, he has no way of defending himself because their is no defense to the truth.After reading my rebuttal,everybody go over to the USPTO website at www.uspto.gov click on Site Index and scroll down to Complaints-Invention Promotion Firms,there you will see alot of complaints and some with responses that also say the victims are WRONG! That's all they can say. Take a particular look at the complaint made by Burns December2004 he took that guy for $31,120.00 as of 3/12/2005 there is no response to that complaint. Look at all the complaints if you have time to read them all. You will find a trend when reading them,they sound the same. There are many people out there that are just too embarrassed that they lost a substantial amount of money that they are afraid to complain. Also check www.ftc.gov type Invention in the search box and find the complaints there also. Ok he answered the weakest part first The Letter,this will mean nothing if your invention is stolen. Next he says the salesman doesn't tell you have a great idea and that the salesman doesn't tell you that PTI pays for the patent attorney because they know they will get their money back when your product goes to market, Well that is what their salesperson told me! I also have statements in writing from his patent attorney that states the PTI pays all their fees! Also READ the complaints and you will see the that other people were told the same thing. He then addresses the the Preliminary Patent Search and the Marketability Rating, this is where he tries to be slick, he put these next words in for a very specific reason(It is an actual evaluation of his product)He puts these words in because he will not admit that he is an INVENTION PROMOTER therefore he has found a LOOPHOLE in the American Inventors Protection Act of 1999 so that he doesn't have to state the NET PROFITS of his inventor clients. He will only say that he does Evaluations and Assessments, he states this for that very reason The Loophole, if he is so honest and truthful why does he do it. Let's let him answer that. He won't say that if anybody knew of any profits that were acctually made they would not use his company. He needs to hide that fact from his clients. Nobody would need him if he only provided evaluations and assessments, If he says that he takes your idea to tradeshows and talks to companies about your idea he is PROMOTING YOU INVENTION. Notice that he didn't address the issue of the AIPA OF 1999. He next talks about the 7,10,or 15 year agreement.Notice how he says "in writing" and doesn't mention what his salesman says, the salesman did say that I could "Retire on that money" again look at the Complaints, the answer is there. Next he will admit that he does sell you a Prescripted Document for $795.00 but will only say that some parts are "generic", It is an admission none the less. Finally a near bit of TRUTH but only a near bit. He sends you this book with a copy of an some other inventors drawing that does not look as good as your's and they get this off the computer in a matter of minutes. You do not spend 4 to 6 weeks on an evaluation, you just wait that long to make it look like you do. You stop MISLEADING THE PUBLIC. He says that stealing money is an INVESMENT, all the thieves out there will have to remember that when their court case comes up. Next notice what he says(Yes, the fee to the USPTO is only $10, however, that is not the only legal action the inventor contracts for)Notice the word Contracts for, yes he wants you to sign the contract to bind you and to shield him, his salespeople will constintly remind you of the "Contract" when you call and when they call you for more money. He admits the $10 fee but doesn't explain where the thousands of other dollars went too. Obviously he doesn't want everybody to know. Next when he says in writing(Dirk continues by discussing Trade Show representation. Once again he missrepresents and misleads the public on his inaccurate statements. He syas "They also tell you they will promote your invention at trade shows all over the world when you will get only interested companies from a Las Vegas, Nevada show. They may just get these names from the trade show website. These companies will think you got their name from the website. They will toss the letter you sent in the trash. You pay the postage and have to write the letters yourself. PTI does nothing!!!".)His answer does not dispute the fact that he says he will PROMOTE YOUR INVENTION ALL OVER THE WORLD, another admission in writing. I AM NOT MISLEADING THE PUBLIC YOU ARE AND YOU ARE INACCURATE. Being that you are so willing to answer the whole complaint(Which you didn't)and are so willing to answer any questions. Answer all of these Questions. 1)Tell us your involvement in Operation Mousetrap,tell use if you were arrested and cuffed and what you admitted to and what fines you paid and any jail time? Don't use the legal mumbo jumbo that you can't discuss the case, YOU CAN. 2)Tell us why you publish the NET PROFITS of your inventors in your CONTRACT? By law you a obligated to but you don't therfore violating the AIPA of 1999, Tell everybody why 3)Tell us why your send the names of interested companies 3 months after you say you attend a tradeshow and whey you refer to the companies representative only as "HE" or "HIM"? And remember I have these documents in writing. 4)When I Phoned, E-Mailed ,and via Certified Letter requested a full refund of all my money,and requested that you respond in writing, you have not done so? It has beeen many months since the requests so don't use the time excuse. 5)When I REFUSED to send you $6,200.00 more of my money, you cut off all communication, why? Do Tell. That is enough for now, Answer All The Questions Truthfully Please.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to this complaint. I am the president of the Patent & Trademark Institute and I am responding to the statements made by Dirk of Wisconsin. First let me say that the statements posted by Dirk are both correct and inaccurate. In addition, he writes certain comments that appear misleading, however he is wrong. For example. He said "What he does is send you a kit and you fill out a form and send the form in with a drawing of your invention. And he tells you to send a letter to yourself so nobody will steal your idea". That is a correct statement. However, he makes it sound negative. It is a smart idea to send back to yourself a copy of the Disclosure and keep it sealed. It establishes a record of dates of priorities. Next he states "The salesperson tells you that you have a great idea and that they pay for the patent attorney and will represent you at tradeshows and they do this because they are sure that they will get their money back when your invention goes to market". Nothing is farther from the truth on that statement. We DO NOT say you have a great idea. We DO NOT say that we pay for the patent attorney. We DO NOT say that we are sure you will get your money back when your product goes to market. We DO SAY, "this is a risk and there are no guarantees of success". We say it verbally AND in writing. His next paragraph is incorrect and misleading as well. He calls it a Patent Search, we call it a Preliminary Patent Search. We define what it is in writing. It is NOT what he and/or others may think it is. He calls it a Marketability rating. He is close. It is an actual evaluation of his product. The evaluation is an honest and professional assessment of his invention. Many such evaluations come back with negative results and we tell the inventor NOT TO PURSUE their invention. He goes on to talk about a 7 or 10 or 15 year agreement with a company. Yes, we do educate the inventor about royalties. However, we stress in writing that the example given is just that, an example of how it might (not will) work. It is strictly an education. Most inventors ask us how that works. The evaluation does cost $795.00 That is the fee to complete the evaluation. We have technical writers, engineers, patent attorny's, patent draftsmen and a full support staff working on every project. It takes us about 4 to 6 weeks to complete the evaluation. Dirk calls it a prescripted document. Yes, there are sections that are generic, however those sections are information regarding the invention process and options that every inventor has so they can make intelligent decisions. It is inaccurate and misleading for Dirk to say "you also get a high rating". As stated above, many an invention receives a negative response. Each invention is evaluated on its own merits. Dirk then says " The salesperson will then call you and begin the next phase of stealing your money". He is completely inaccurate in his description of the next investment made. Yes, we do send the inventor documents to register their invention with the USPTO under what is called the Disclosre Document Program. That program is just another level of establishing a date of priority. Yes, the fee to the USPTO is only $10, however, that is not the only legal action the inventor contracts for. What Dirk neglects to state is that his payment is for a "Provsional Application for Patent". That entitles him to a "Patent Pending" staus whereas the Disclosure Document Program does not. The Provisional Application is prepared and submitted by a registered patent attorney. The attorney gets paid for his/her services. By omitting the Provisional Application for Patent in his complaint, Dirk has mislead the public. The Disclosure Document is not sent by the patent attorney as Dirk states, the Provisional Application is. Dirk continues by discussing Trade Show representation. Once again he missrepresents and misleads the public on his inaccurate statements. He syas "They also tell you they will promote your invention at trade shows all over the world when you will get only interested companies from a Las Vegas, Nevada show. They may just get these names from the trade show website. These companies will think you got their name from the website. They will toss the letter you sent in the trash. You pay the postage and have to write the letters yourself. PTI does nothing!!!". The fact is, we do attend International Trade Shows. We will be happy to provide proof to anyone who requests it. We also attend national Trade Shows (Many of which are held in the Trade Show capital of the U.S in Las Vegas). Dirk continues with many inaccurate statements. I can address them all if needed. The reality of a new or first time inventor is that they are emotionally involved with their project. They believe they have that next great money making product. In many cases, they only hear what they want to hear and if they do not become successful, they complain. We tell every new client (in writing) the risks associated with pursuing their invention. I am not, and my company is not stealing money, or not providing services that our clients contract for. I am willing to discuss this or any situation with anybody who wishes to contact me. Thank you for time and opportunity to respond.