InventHelp

This complainant contracted with our company for assistance in submitting her invention to industry in the attempt to obtain a good faith review.  Our records indicate that her services are being performed in accordance with her contract.   The complainant’s concerns stem from her belief...

that her services were not progressing as quickly as she expected.  In our conversations with the client we discussed the services at length and explained that we have procedures and systems in place for the services to be performed for all of our inventors in an efficient and timely manner.    We are pleased that we were able to resolve the complainant’s concerns.  At this time, we respectfully request that your file on this matter be closed.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

We are responding to the above referenced consumer complaint.   Nearly seven (5) years ago the complainant contracted with our company for assistance in submitting her invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review.  Our records indicate that her services were performed...

in a timely manner until such time that the complainant stopped paying for the services in 2013.  In fact, the complainant still owes nearly $6500.   Upon receipt of this complaint, we reached out to the complainant in an effort to resolve this matter.  In our conversation with the complainant, we discussed the services she received and reminded her that she stopped paying for the services in 2013.  Furthermore, nowhere in our company literature do we imply that we submit our client’s inventions to overseas companies.  We disagree with her claim that she received nothing for the money she paid.  Nevertheless, we worked with the complainant in good faith and reached an amicable resolution.    At this time we respectfully request that your file on this complaint be closed.  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.   Sincerely,   LARK B[redacted] Compliance Manager

From: [redacted]Date: Wed, Jun 15, 2016 at 12:06 AMSubject: [redacted]To: "[redacted]
This here shows when I can cancel before my 24 month are up before it automatically renews for additional 3 years. In which I sent a certified letter to Inventhelp before there the 24 month were up. So, I don't understand why they are lying stating I'm giving false information when it states on the contract. As well as no where does it say under the western inventhelp contract agreement that a loan would be part of the agreement.I hope the Texas attorney General would rush into this investigation with ya'll to actually see through this scam and how they are deceiving their clients by taking out these loans.Thank you m[redacted] in helping me with this. God bless you [redacted]

June 12,...

2015                                      ...⇄ Via Fax and Regular MailRevdex.comDispute Resolution Consultant[redacted]

[redacted]  [redacted]Re:      Complaint ID # [redacted]To whom it may concern:We are writing to update you on our efforts regarding the above referencedcomplaint.  The complainant contracted with InventHelp® for the preparation of a Basic Information Package (BIP) report on his invention.  The BIP assembles basic information about an invention, idea, concept or new product and the history of its development in areport format.  In addition, a Preliminary Patentability Search and Opinion was conducted for the idea by apatent law firm to which InventHelp refers its clients’ patent work.   This client’s services were completed in their entirety and in a timely manner. However,the complainant claims otherwise.  This is simply not true.  Further, the complainant claims he became aware of “…other fraudulent allegations.”   We believe this also is a ploy to justify not paying for the services. Furthermore, upon receipt of this complaint, we reached out to the client in numerous ways inan effort to resolve this matter.  We have not heard back from him.  InventHelp provided the services in accordance with our contractual obligations and would assume that this particular complainant should uphold his contractual obligations as well and pay for the services he received.  To date, he has not done so.  At this time, we are requesting that your file on this complaint be closed.  Thank you for bringing this matter to our                     attention.Sincerely, [redacted]Compliance Manager   Tell us why here...

They will SELL you their services. Beware that they have a way of making things should like you are right on track to be a millionaire. And that if you pay them $12,000 they will surely work really hard for you. (Yeah right) They will spend a couple hours making you a book and for more $$ a DVD. Then you sign the contract and kiss your [redacted] good bye. They barely put in any effort to sell your product. Then after you have been paying them for a couple years you get your patent app back and turns out someone already filed. But you signed the contract so you better pay up even though you don't even own the patent, someone else does. What a crock of [redacted] this company is. They have good intentions all the way until you pay them or sign a contract. Then they just sit back and hope your idea takes off so they can keep 20% of your profit.

Review: I went into contract and made payment 08/05/2013 and 11/04/2013- with Inventhelp an invention company to help me produce a product and find a manufacture to take it on. agreeing to pay $299.00 per month for the first 2yrs then renew for another 2yrs.

Before I signed they assured me I could stop payment anytime If I was not satisfied. As well, in the contract states if I was not satisfied I could stop payment with no obligations. Two years came around I was not satisfied with there results, even when I was pleased with the outcome of the product on brochure it took many conflicts of interest to get it right. Still after 2 years no effort was made to push my product. So, I gave Inventhelp notice by certified letter of cancelation on 10/2015 before the 2 years of contract was up. In which the contract states if I was to cancel at anytime to send a certified letter to cancel with no obligation. I as well request them to return my money. I then was given a phone call by mrs. Lark B[redacted] of Inventhelp in 11/2015 to negotiate. Contract also states no verbal agreement can be made other than what's in the contract unless by additional restructuring of the contract. So, I told mrs. B[redacted] verbally I was not satisfied with the company and that they were in breach of contract of deceiving me into signing a loan agreement in which I was not aware of. 12/2015 I got my first threatening letter from Universal Loan corp to continue payment or they would report me to the credit bureau. Mrs. B[redacted] claimed they did nothing wrong in an email sent to me by explanation of how they were in compliance to the contract sending me copies of the agreement I signed. I sent an email back telling her they were in breach of contract by deceiving me into a loan agreement in which the contract doesn't say anything about it being a loan other than one part of the contract under the Universal document with my signature in which I question was this a loan? Inventhelp stated that Universal loans are merely an observer to the agreement and that I was under no obligation to the agreement under Universal loans. In question; why didn't Universal loans call me to verify approval, or asked for proper identification to give inventhelp the $12,000. (In small print it says) "I being the buyer will be responsible to the loan if seller doesn't sign the agreement". I have a copy of my signature only, with no signature of seller. when Universal started harassing me with letters a second email went out to Inventhelp attn. mrs. B[redacted] accusing Inventhelp of fraud and deceiving a disabled vet. Again she claim no wrong doing and sent a copy of our agreement this time with the seller signature signed by them. After 2 yrs. now they signed over a copied document their signature. it's falsifying documentation.

This is all to unreal. I just wanted to get a start over in life and I get this.

I asked nicely to get my money back regardless of there wrong doing, and they still stand claiming no wrong doing. I even told them if I don't get my money back I would report them to the attorney general of Texas in which I did, to investigate under the consumer deceptive act, as well as to contact the Revdex.com to as well investigate. I would then get a right to sue letter and go to court. Once the judge finds out of this scam, then if he wants to add punitive damage, then so be it. I had simply been asking for the return in full of what I paid Inventhelp from 08/05/2015 -10/2015. Again I will give inventhelp a chance to return my money and I will not file. This will allow the Revdex.com and the attorney general of texas to see that I am reseanable and fair citizen. Unlike how Inventhelp and Universal loans treated me by deception. Shame on ya'll.Desired Settlement: Simple!

Return my money to me from 08 / 05 / 2013 - 10/2015.

and no action will be taken.

Business

Response:

We are responding to the above referenced consumer complaint. In November, 2013 the complainant contracted with our company for assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review. Our records indicate that his services were performed in their entirety and completed in their entirety in 2015. Further, the complainant was pleased with the services and complimented our company on several occasions; such as, “I will check off excellent and a job well done.” “Thank you InventHelp.” “The DVD is amazing.” “Thank you for your hard work in this and appreciate your help.” We are well aware of this complainant’s concerns as we have attempted to resolve this matter over the last several months. The complainant’s claims in his complaint are simply not true. No one at InventHelp told him nor do our contracts state that a client can stop payment at any time with no obligations. His claims regarding Universal Payment Corporation are also not true. In fact, he did sign a Retail Installment Contract agreeing to make monthly payments for the services for which he contracted. However, he has not upheld his contractual obligations and did not pay for the services he has received. In fact, he still owes nearly $5400, most of which is past due. We believe this complaint is merely an attempt by the complainant to not pay for the services which he has already received. Nevertheless, the complainant has refused any offers we have made in an effort to resolve this matter.

Consumer

Response:

From: [redacted]Date: Wed, Jun 15, 2016 at 12:06 AMSubject: [redacted]To: "[redacted]

This here shows when I can cancel before my 24 month are up before it automatically renews for additional 3 years. In which I sent a certified letter to Inventhelp before there the 24 month were up. So, I don't understand why they are lying stating I'm giving false information when it states on the contract. As well as no where does it say under the western inventhelp contract agreement that a loan would be part of the agreement.

Review: It is about my invention that they refuse to deliver as promise They delivered the wrong design and when I told them that it is the wrong one they said they did not have the have the one that am talking about.I email them the right one that I have they told me that they were unable to open the attachment.I fax them the right one which they agreed that they received.As of today I am feeling that they have stolen my invention since they keep giving me the run are round because I have been dealing with them for over two years now.Desired Settlement: My money back and why they decide to treat me and my invention like that

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on our efforts regarding this consumer complaint. In October, 2014, the complainant contracted with InventHelp for our Inventor Mailing Program. This service is a personalized do-it-yourself mailing program which enables inventors to promote their inventions on their own in the hope of locating a company that may have an interest in reviewing their inventions. We assisted the complainant by creating an Invention Brochure about his invention as well as personalized stationery, business envelopes, introductory letters, confidentiality agreements and the names of companies to which to mail his invention materials. The complainant’s concerns stem from a miscommunication and misunderstanding regarding an additional Inventor Mailing Packet which we provided as a courtesy and at no additional charge to our client. We have confirmation that this additional service was delivered to the complainant via FedEX Overnight on August 31, 2016. Therefore, at this time we respectfully request that your file on this complaint be closed. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Sincerely, LARK B[redacted] Compliance Manager

Review: I met with [redacted] in 2011 in regards to my invention for the sole purpose of marketing and later submission to companies. He convinced me he had faith in my product and that I should proceed with submission to companies. He assured me I could stop services if not satisfied and the quoted price was for work in its entirety. I received nothing near what was indicated, he also left out that their company only submits to company's that manufacture within the U.S. this would have greatly deterred me from enlisting them for my marketing . Every few months I would recieve a cheap piece of paper that had a list of companies with no contact info and could not be found in Web searches. I then determined this was a scam and told them I no longer wanted their services. Although I realized I was cheated, I just wanted to be done with the experience. He assured me this was okay. I have been prevented from getting a mortgage because they are on my credit report claiming I owe them 6,000 dollars. I did not recieve ANYONE services as promised. I paid them thousands of dollars for two sheets of paper.Desired Settlement: I would like this company to not continue to make me suffer for having trusted them to do a job they had no intentions of doing. I would like them to consider the money paid to them as sufficient and to remove their collection off my credit report so that I can provide a stable home for my family. I have endured enough hardship for this experience and it needs to end.

Business

Response:

We are responding to the above referenced consumer complaint. Nearly seven (5) years ago the complainant contracted with our company for assistance in submitting her invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review. Our records indicate that her services were performed in a timely manner until such time that the complainant stopped paying for the services in 2013. In fact, the complainant still owes nearly $6500. Upon receipt of this complaint, we reached out to the complainant in an effort to resolve this matter. In our conversation with the complainant, we discussed the services she received and reminded her that she stopped paying for the services in 2013. Furthermore, nowhere in our company literature do we imply that we submit our client’s inventions to overseas companies. We disagree with her claim that she received nothing for the money she paid. Nevertheless, we worked with the complainant in good faith and reached an amicable resolution. At this time we respectfully request that your file on this complaint be closed. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Sincerely, LARK B[redacted] Compliance Manager

Review: Invent help told me that I'd be notified every two weeks about how my invention was coming along. After I paid out of pocket about $15,000, they forgot about me. I get something in writing about every couple of months it seems. I finally called them and they told be that the two week notification is not written in their contract and that they have other clients. They told me in that conversation, that they have not submitted my invention to any companies in their database and my file have not even been assigned to a staff member to do so. I feel that i'm out of about $15,000 because my file is just sitting and collecting dust.Desired Settlement: I feel that they can either send my paper work to the companies in their database and let me know how the process is coming or pay me my money back

Business

Response:

We are responding to the above referenced consumer complaint. Upon receipt of this complaint we reached out to our client in an effort to resolve her concerns. During our discussions, we agreed to provide a contact person with whom the complainant can speak at any time. We also expedited our first submission, which should be completed and confirmation will be sent to our client within the week. It is also our understanding that our client’s independent patent attorney should be proceeding with the preparation of the client’s patent application. We will make every effort to keep our client informed every step of the way. We respectfully request that your file on this matter be closed. Thank you for bringing this complaint to our attention. Sincerely, LARK B[redacted]Compliance Manager

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: Well I had a portfolio book completed by invent help. when I purchase this book back in June 2016 the sales representive Dave H[redacted] in [redacted] stated that the book would have my drawing of my invention there was one picture he took is the size of small cell phone picture and a whole lot of writing about my inventions the attorney had my drawing to do the search but I needed my drawing in my Portfolio Book when I pick this book up on Sept 6 2016 I was not happy due to all the writing about my invention but only one picture to show. and I had a lot of drawings so I quess my 700.00 was for writing the book....that's ok but I need my pictures he also stated they probably couldn't copy it .......that's ok to! but I need some of my money back.Desired Settlement: Invent help can resolve the problem by funding some of my money back due to no other picture are seen in this book. and the picture that is in this book are very very small.

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on our efforts regarding this consumer complaint. Upon receipt of this compliant, we reached out to our client. During our conversation, we discussed her concerns regarding her Basic Information Package report. We agreed to revised her report and include her four (4) photographs, enlarged to her specifications. The report has been completed and sent FedEx Overnight directly to the client and we have confirmation that the package was delivered. We are pleased that we were able to resolve this matter quickly and to our client’s satisfaction. Thank you for bringing this complaint to our attention. Sincerely,LARK B[redacted]Compliance Manager

Review: Invent Help did not deliver services I paid about $2000; they are holding Basic Info package until I purchase additional $10,000 to $20,000 for what they call promotional phase of the invention after I repeatedly told them I do not want to buy any more non producing services. Once the customer service [redacted] understood I was not interested in buying $20,000.00 of event promotions he said he understood then ignored my calls and emails and told me he could not mail what I had already paid for because it was to much stuff.

I told family and friend how Invent help won't send me what I paid for and they suggest get my money back and I agree.Desired Settlement: Refund my monies.

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on our efforts regarding the above referenced complaintwhich we received on July 22,2015 in our Pittsburgh headquarters.The complainant contracted with InventHelp® for the preparation of two BasicInformation Package (BIP) reports on his inventions. The BIP assembles basicinformation about an invention, idea, concept or new product and the history of itsdevelopment in a report format. In addition, Preliminary Patentability Searches andOpinions were conducted for the ideas by a patent law firm to which InventHelp refersits clients' patent work.Upon receipt of this complaint, we reached out to the client, addressed and resolved hisconcerns. Accordingly, we respectfully request that your file on this matter be closed.Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.Compliance Manager

Consumer

Response:

[A default letter is provided here which indicates your acceptance of the business's response. If you wish, you may update it before sending it.]

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted],the product was finally received weeks after complaint because they sent it slowest method of US mail (media). mail (acknowledged) .

Review: Yes, Oct. 10, 2014 I had a idea to patent and for Invent Help to help me with the invention. I call a number of time to complaint to invent help that after I contract them to invent my invention, that the company was not truthful with me about the patent search. Invent Help stated that my invention has not invented. That it was not anything like it on the market. I discover later that it was already invention like this. I invested over $5000.00 in the company. I was fraud for not giving me the proper search for this invention from a company who needs to be investigated for there action. Invent help is stating that I owe them over $7000.00 for not completed the payment. In the agreement it state that the client should not be obligated to pay when the contract is terminated.Desired Settlement: I would like for Invent Help to terminate the contract and refund 50% of my fund return to me which is $2500.00

Business

Response:

We

are responding to this complaint.A

year ago, the complainant contracted with our company for assistance in

submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith

review. We prepared descriptive

materials about the invention such as brochures, press releases, brief

descriptions for catalogs, a Virtual Invention Presentation (VIP) which is a

DVD video of the idea, as well as an invention display in a secured area of the

2015 INPEX Trade Show. Furthermore, the

complainant’s invention is currently patent pending with the United States

Patent and Trademark Office as a result of our patent referral.The

complainant’s concerns stems from his discovery of a similar product. We inform our clients before, during and even

after they contract with us that we are not responsible for the existence of

similar concepts or products which may already be on the market or which may be

introduced at a later time. In our

previous discussions with the complainant we have repeatedly explained the above

to him. The

complainant now claims that he recently cancelled his agreement with us. This is simply untrue. Our cancellation policy is very clear and

this particular complainant had until November

14, 2014 to cancel his agreement. He

chose not to do so. InventHelp

is providing the services in accordance with our agreement with the complainant

and he should uphold his contractual obligations as well and pay for the

services he is receiving.Upon receipt of this complaint we

reached out to the client by telephone and email, but to date we have not heard

back from him. Should the complainant

wish to discuss this matter further he should contact us.Thank

you for bringing this complaint to our attention.Sincerely,[redacted]Compliance

ManagerTell us why here...

Consumer

Response:

Review: Hello whome this may concern:

My name is [redacted] and I have invested 5,100 Dollars with my invention idea at Client services Invent Help. I currently myself and not Invent Help had filed for a provisional patent with the United States patent office for invention, which it was approved until January 29th 2016. The Client services department at Invent Help has sent me a total of 2 lists with 25 companies of each paper that they supposedly had submitted or contacted to these 50 companies about my idea. I have only received only 1 comment from a company that has provided some type of input. I understand that it is up to the companies to provide a response if they chose to do so, but I do not think that they are activley pursuing companies effectively. I have called numerous times about concerns and have asked to speak about the comments from this 1 company and how can I incorporate changes iknto my invention by talking to someone in the marketing team about my invention and what was the way that Client services were using to present my idea to companies about the comments.

I am told by Client services that if I want to make changes to my invention that it is my responmsiablity to do so. I have tried to speak to the marketing team, as I thought I would be working with Client services and the different departments with in Invent help, by working toghether to pursue a postive interaction of myself and Cleint Services working relationship. I can honestly say that this is far from the service that I have recieved. I as a client am to also receive mail or emails from Client services sent to my address from time to time with updates, comments, or anything pertaining to our business interaction, but again this has had a less than desirable out come, as I have many times contacted Client Services about different concerns or for the reasons unknown that I may or may not get the information. I have contiued to call them and ask them if anything new has occurred with my comments or responses from companies. I have found out that on many occations that they supposely sent me information that I did not recieve. I was told by Client services to contact my local Post Office to determine if there was problem with me recieving mailings from this company. I did and there was no problem and the reason I say this is that within a few days I will recieve the information that me and the customer services had discussed. The contiued poor services of the customer service department of Client services personal has contiued to be the same with myself not receive most mailing, until I re-request them in this way.

I have asked for information to also be emailed to me, as this has also been a constant problem. The customer service representatives are supposed to also call me from time to time. I have been told that they have called me, or that they had a certain date that they were going to contact me and again this does not occure. I have been called twice by Client services that I remeber about contact issues, but when I have asked why they are not in contact , or why cant we work toghther, or even contacting the Marketing team. I have been told many different reasons, such as the reason that they do not call me is that there is nothing new to discuss about my idea, or that they do not do thier services in this way, and that I cannot be directed to the Marketing team, because that is not thier policy. I seem to never be able to get passed the customer service representative, although I ask to speak to management, the representatives continue to speak and discuss all the process that they use and the ways that they contact companies, as this sounds like they are submitting information to these companies effectively, I do not feel like I am being treated like a client or being represented correctly; in the way that I and my idea deserve. I was informed last week from a representative that there may be a weeks, months, or even several months that may go by until a follow up or mailing may be conducted when they may reach out to companies. I again pay 277 dollars each month for a substandard service, that may or may not have anything occuring with my account. I have went as far as requesting the phone numbers, contact numbers, and even emails to try and reach out to these companies on my own with no success, as the client services represerntives tell me that a discloser has been signed by these different companies with Invent Help and I cannot recieve this additional information. I have asked and demanded Client services to please allow me to speak to management, as I have asked and left numberouse messages for the management to contact me that go unheard, as I am not contacted.

I have faithfully and continued to pay my $ 277.00 dollars each month on time every month as I have had universal payments to automatically take the money out of my account each month. I also expressed my concerns with the payment company of [redacted]. The company only take my payments. I believe that the conversations are being recorded when I the client and the the customer service representives at Cleint Services speak. I must also mention that I have spoken to the representatives so many times that they seem to know my voice from the many times that I have called, complained and have become frustrated, but not seeming to get nowhere or anywhere with any one. I really do not feel like I am getting my moneies worth from this poor intentaction. I recently started sending you emails to the management, so that the management deparatment could be advised of my situation. I have only received one voice message from the Supervisior on Friday 08 January 2016 of last week. I hope to speak to to them next week about the poor experiences that I have been having with Invent Help and the customer service personal. I have gone as far as even calling and contacting the person that I started withDesired Settlement: I would like my money to be refunded and my account with this company be closed and resolved, so that I no further contact with this company. I also do not want a negative impact on my credit report. I have tried everyway possible to resolve this matter, so that I and this company could work together, but it appears to me that they are not interested in my views as a client. I do not feel that this company has honored the terms, and I feel this is a breach of contract.

Business

Response:

We are responding to the above referenced consumer complaint. The complainant contracted with our company in January, 2015 for assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review. Our records indicate that his services are being performed in accordance with his contract with us. Upon receipt of this complaint, we reached out to the client in an attempt to resolve this matter. We spoke numerous times with the complainant and worked together to resolve this matter. We explained our process of submitting our clients’ inventions to industry and clarified any confusion which existed. His concerns regarding our Client Services Department and the timing of our services were also addressed, clarified and resolved as well. It is also our understanding, that the complainant’s utility patent application will be filed this week with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In working with the complainant to address his concerns, we also agreed to provide additional services to him at no charge. We believe we have successfully resolved the complainant’s concerns. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. Sincerely, LARK B[redacted]Compliance Manager

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. I must say that the reason that my situation with this company was ever addressed was because the Revdex.com contacted this company, so a satisfactory solution was found.

Regards,

Review: I had an idea and inventhelp help told me it looks like a very good idea and I should pay $680 for them to do a basic information package to do research on it and I paid. After the research they told me this is a great idea and there is nothing out there in the market like my idea and if I want to proceed with it they can find me a company who will work with me and produce my idea and I have to pay $10000 for the work involve. I paid one-third of it right away and started doing monthly payment for the balance, inventhelp told me this should not take more than a year and its been two years and I have not seen anything productive coming out of the money I am spending. Every couple of months they send me with list of companies they have send my idea to but most of them do not exist when I check and few of them I talk to do not know what I am talking about. I started paying less than I am suppose to pay monthly for about four month now because I have other responsibilities and I let them know my situation. I have four children who depend on me and they are my priority so I stopped payment this month because I feel they are scamming me and I already received a letter from them that they are reporting me to the credit reporting agency.Desired Settlement: They should refund my money back to me or at least leave me alone and stop harassing me, I have payed almost two-thirds of the $10,000 they charged me including the $680.00 for the basic information package with nothing to show for the money I have spent.

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on our efforts regarding the above referencedconsumer complaint.In June, 2013, the complainant contracted with InventHelp for assistance insubmitting her invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faithreview. A review of our records indicates that our services have been provided in accordance with our contract. Furthermore, we make it very clear in all ofour literature and contracts that we do not evaluate, make promises of successor profit, that the purchase of these services is high risk, etc. The complainant signed her understanding of this many times. Coincidentally, the complainant is making these claims within a month of her services being completed.We also addressed her concerns regarding the companies to which we submitted heridea. We explained our process of using the companies’ areas of interest to match our clients’ inventions. Since the client could not be specific as to which companies she believed to be non-existent, we are unable to investigate this claim further.InventHelp has upheld its contractual obligations and provided its services. On the other hand, the complainant has not fulfilled her obligations and has not paid for her services as she still owesover $3800. Nevertheless, we reached out to the complainant and resolved her concerns. At this time we respectfully request that your file on this complaint be closed.Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.Sincerely,[redacted]Compliance Manager

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I went to invent help to patent and try to market and sell my idea. I used their recommended attorney to do a patent search. The search was done in order to determine if my idea had already been invented or had a patent on it. The attorney that they recommended I use for the patent search came back and stated that there was no evidence of anything patented regarding my idea. Based on that information, I proceeded and signed the contract to have Invent help market and patent my idea. Two and a half years later, I get an a response back from the attorney that the US patent Office has determined this idea already has a patent on it. I called and Invent help, and spoke with Paul. I advised him of this information. I asked to speak with a supervisor he said one was not available and they would "try" and have a supervisor contact me within two days I have yet to hear from anyone. I explained to Paul had I known this information, I never would've gone under contract with invent help to market and Patent my idea. As a result of this I wasted 2 1/2 years of my time and close to $15,000.

Business

Response:

We are writing in response to the complaint filed by the above referenced consumer.In December, 2012, the complainant contracted with InventHelp for assistance insubmitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faithreview. We prepared descriptive materials about the complainant’s invention such as brochures, press releases, brief descriptions for catalogs, creation of a Virtual Invention Presentation (a DVD video containing 3D renderings and computer generated animation of the invention with a voice over narration), the preparation of a visual representation of the invention for inclusion in the [redacted] in both the 2013 and 2014 [redacted] Trade Shows as well as inclusion to an online publicity distributionservices. In addition, the complainant’s invention is currently part of the InventHelp Virtual Trade Show, which is a secure, year round online showcase of our clients’ ideas. We submitted the complainant’s invention to companies and followed up with these companies in a further effort to obtain feedback on the invention. Furthermore, we also submitted the complainant’s invention information to even more companies beyond the standard InventHelp services in an additional effort to stimulate interest in the invention. Simultaneously, the complainant pursued a patent application on his invention which wasultimately denied by the US Patent & Trademark Office. The complainant understood that there is no guarantee that a patent will issue. That decision is up to the US Patent & Trademark Office and he acknowledged his understanding in writing that a patent can be denied at any time for any reason. Unfortunately, there are simply no guarantees. It would be unfair to refund the fee for InventHelp’s service, a service which we provided in full simply because the complainant did not get a patent. He needs to discuss these patent matters with the patent attorneys with whom he worked.Sincerely,LARK B[redacted]Compliance Manager

Review: On February 25, 2014 I contracted to have InventHelp help me get my invention to market for $10,519.57, and I gave them $3000. They agreed to finance the remaining fee of $7519.57 over 36 months.I received a TIMETABLE OF SUBMISSION SERVICES which states that a Virtual Invention Presentation would be sent to me within 6 to 20 weeks. It has now been more than 32 weeks and I still have not seen it. I received a hard-cover book which contained a Description: Product Concept Review, which was completely incorrect, and quite a bit of information on marketing and packaging - much of it redundant and duplicitous. I pointed out all of the corrections to be made, and I received a correct new book.A New Product Submission Brochure was to be completed at the first stage. I received a draft of the brochure which did not accurately describe my invention with an image depicting their interpretation of my invention. After many conversations via email, they got the image mostly correct.I am now in the process of canceling the contract, and requesting a refund of the initial $3000. They can keep the more than $1600 they have taken from my [redacted] account. That should cover the cost of what they have done so far.Desired Settlement: I desire that the account be canceled, and I desire that $3000 be refunded to me, and no further moneys be taken from my [redacted] account.

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on the above referenced consumer complaint. In March, 2014, our client contracted with InventHelp for assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review.

We spoke at length with our client in an effort to resolve this matter. We addressed his claim that “...I received a TIMETABLE OF SUBMISSION SERVICES which states that a Virtual Invention Prototype (VIP) would be sent to me within 6 to 20 weeks." We referred our client to the timetable which clearly states that we can only begin work on his VIP once he had approved his New Product Submission Brochure. He approved his brochure in September and work on his VIP commenced at that time.

With regard to the complainant's comments about his Basic Information Package (BIP), we reminded the client that the BIP assembles basic information about an invention ’ along with standardized marketing information. However, according to our records, we revised his BIP and mailed him a new one. Our client also mentions revisions to his New Product Submission Brochure in his complaint. However, in a recent email to us, he stated “...You will be happy to know that I am pleased with the final revision of the ’ Product Submission Brochure.”

InventHelp is providing the services for which the complainant contracted.

Nevertheless, upon receipt of the complaint, we reached out to him to discuss the matter and resolved his concerns.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I attended a meeting with Mr [redacted] to find out more about the services his company provides for inventors with ideas today Wednesday December 17 2014At first he was very friendly, cordial, and wanted to know all about me and my idea.We went through all the required introductions, we both signed an agreement of confidentiality and I went ahead and explained my invention to Mr [redacted].At the end when he explained what his company could offer me, and the cost associated with the services, I proceeded to declined the offer, I stated that I needed to think about it and that would consider it in the future.At this point Mr [redacted] turned very rude, almost humiliating my efforts that I was going to stay on my own and try to push my idea forward on my own merits. he had an attitude of almost laughing at me for what I was going to attempt.At the end he pushed some forms that he wanted me to sign, they stated some sort of agreement contract. when I declined to sign them it turned really ugly, I asked for a copy of the confidentiality agreement and he said he would not give it to me due to the fact that I did not sign the rest of the forms.Desired Settlement: I would like a copy of the confidentiality agreement. it is the protection that I have that they would not divulge any details of my idea.I wish that Mr [redacted] would be required to go to some sort of customer care classes. It might be helpful for future client relations.But for now I need a copy of that agreement.

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on our efforts regarding the above referencedconsumer complaint. The complainant met with one of our sales representatives to discuss InventHelpservices. The complainant is not an InventHelp client; he did not sign any contracts or pay our company any money. Apparently there was a misunderstanding which was resolved prior to our receipt of thecomplaint. We spoke with the complainant and he acknowledged that he did receive his signed copies of our Statement of Confidentiality and Non-Use as well as our company disclosures. We regret any difficulties he experienced and offered to refer him to someone else.Accordingly, we respectfully request that your file on this complaint be closed. Thank you for bringing this matter to ourattention.Sincerely,[redacted]Compliance Manager /lb

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.

Review: I will try to summarize my issue as brief as possible. My claim is that Inventhelp took me for a fool, instead of helping me out as they claim in their business value, they tried to take the most money out of my pocket as possible with a 4 step process that is in no way effective. I took a 4 step process with a sales consultant in Houston Texas back in January 2009. This process was supposed to take a few years for it to be complete and finally I can apply for a patent of my idea. During this 4 step process I spent around $15,640 just for a 1 page brochure, a CD video that does not work, a mediocre 49 page poorly made marketing research book, and a lawyer that told me there is no way I can get a patent and some marketing advertising that I have never heard of or in which Invethelp gave me a follow-through. I gave them so much money and got nothing in return, it as hard to reach them and today they won't return my call nor there is a customer service line, only sales department. I paid them for my marketing untill 2014 and I have not heard from them since 2010. This company is a scam and I have proof that they fooled me. I have a document that says they were suppose to make a background check on my invention on step one. They told me there was nothing similar and to move forward. I did. At the last phase of step 4, 2 years later, I get a letter saying that I cannot have a patent because there is something similar already out there. This is my first and probably last claim that I will make because I do not want to see other go through this misleading nightmare. I will fight against Inventhelp until I get a refund from them. There are so many out there like me, this needs to stop.Desired Settlement: I would like for Inventhelp to refund me all $15,643.41 I gave to them. It is not that my idea was not successful, It is the fact that they were supposed to make a background check at the beginning in order to move forward. They told me to move forward with the idea, that there is nothing similar and all the way at the end they say that there is nothing we can do, there is something similar already out there. Something similar dated back in 1980 that could have ben prevented in the first step.

Business

Response:

We are writing to update you on the above referenced consumer complaint In March 2009, our client contracted with InventHelp for assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review. Our records indicate that his services were performed in their entirety and completed nearly 3 years ago. Our client makes several references to a “..,4 step process” which is not an accurate description of our service& InventHelp works in two distinct stages in the process of submitting an invention to industry In the first stage, relevant information about our client’s invention was gathered together in one place, organized and presented in a report format. In our second stage, we prepared several different descriptive materials about our client’s invention and submitted those materials to approximately 200 companies as well as trade magazines and journals. In addition, his information was displayed at the 2010 INPEX invention trade show, published in one of our company’s invention catalogs, 1000 copies of which were printed, and listed on one of our websites which is reserved for companies. InventHelp also prepared a Virtual Invention Prototype, which was submitted to an additional group of companies on our client’s behalf All of these services were provided over a 2 year period. Finally, we also referred our client to an independent patent attorney for patent application services. With regard to the client’s patent application being denied by the USPTO, we make it very clear to every client that “... neither InventHelp nor the patent attorney can promise or guarantee that the Patent and Trademark Office will grant the patent. Our client made several unsubstantiated claims, the most unfair and untruthful being “... it as (sic) hard to reach them and today they won’t return my call nor there (sic) is a customer service line, only sales department.’ This is simply false We have a Customer Service Department staffed with well trained representatives who handle all incoming calls. In fact, the average wait time for our clients to speak with a representative is less than a minute; hardly the record of a company that has “... no customer service line...” We spoke to this client and we have pages of our documented conversations. Furthermore, our client never mentioned in any of our conversations any difficulty in reaching us. Our client stated in his complaint ~, .1 have a document that says they were suppose (sic) to make a background check on my invention on step one. They told me there was nothing similar and to move forward.” We believe our client is referring to the Basic Information Package Agreement which did not tell him “...there was nothing similar and to move forward”. Rather, the agreement does state “...lt is not possible to adequately check the marketplace for similar products. InventHelp performs a very limited competitive check usually through catalogs. The Basic Information Package Report is not an evaluation of the idea.” etc. Our client stated his dissatisfaction regarding his submission materials in his complaint, such as, “...a I page brochure, a CD video that does not work However, ? Our client rated the brochure and all of his invention materials as “Excellent. His issue with his CD video was not the quality of the CD but rather that it did not work in his MAC computer. We emailed him the directions on how to install the CD on his Mac computer and asked him to call us if he continued to have problems with his CD. This client made several unfair and unsubstantiated claims regarding the integrity of our company. We believe we have a superior record of performance and integrity. InventHelp has been in business for nearly 30 years assisting inventors submit their ideas to industry. We do what we promise. InventHelp has never been proven to have committed any wrongdoing in its history. To our knowledge; our success rate makes us one of the leading invention promotion firms in a very difficult industry. In fact, a couple of lnventHelp inventions are currently in major retail stores across the country; the [redacted] . Another?????? client’s invention has secured an infomercial test run on “As Seen on TV”. So while these results are not typical, we do have good news stories to share. We did a great deal of work on our clients behalf over the course of the services. We make it abundantly clear from our first meeting with each client about the difficulty and risks of the invention services industry and that there are no guarantees of success or profit. Our client acknowledged, in writing, his understanding of this fact numerous times, before, during and even after contracting with our company. Nevertheless, we are pleased that we had the opportunity to speak with our client, address and resolve his complaint. Therefore, we are requesting your file on this complaint be closed. Thank you for bringing this matter to out attention.

Review: Invent Help representative made a promise regarding services and did not deliver.

To begin my initial meeting with the representative was a huge sales pitch. I bought it because I believed in what the representative promised to deliver.

1. A book that would be used to market my idea to manufactures.

What was promised regarding the book was as follows.

1. The people at corporate would help me figure out the "formula" for my ideas.

2. If it was something deemed impossible by the law of physics then we would terminate the agreement and my money would be refunded.

3. The book would contain info about the execution of the product.

What did I receive?

1. A book of things I could have googled and packaged myself.

2. No help from corporate on the formula for my idea.

3. No communication from the local office or corporate with regards to follow up.

They took my money and I am still in the same position that I was before approaching the company...just an idea.

The representative said for me to "tweek" my idea and for me to "figure out" what I wanted to do next since it was "my invention". How can it me "my invention" when I was told that invent help will own 20% of your royalties! That's right! I can't even go anywhere to start over and move forward and seek help because I fear that when I do get the right service Invent Help is going to come along and say "we gave you a book of googled information so we own 20% of the deal"

I need to hear from someone. I probably won't because every number that I call, including the number that shows up on my bank statement for payment, DOESNT CONNECT ME TO INVENTHELP!

Disappointed because of great expectations

[redacted]Desired Settlement: I would like to speak with someone at the corporate office who handles customer service and misrepresentation of services offered.

Business

Response:

The

complainant contracted with our company in August, 2015 for the first stage of

our services which is the preparation of a Basic Information Package (BIP)

report on his invention. The BIP

assembles basic information about an invention and the history of its

development in a report format. In

addition, a Preliminary Patentability Search & Opinion was conducted for

the idea by a patent law firm to which InventHelp refers its clients’ patent

work. This work was completed and

delivered to the client.The

complainant’s concerns are based on his belief that the BIP would provide him

with a formula and information on the “…execution of his idea”. We make it very clear in our contracts and

company literature that we accept most ideas and we do not determine the feasibility,

make judgments about or evaluate the possible merits or drawbacks of our

clients’ ideas. Rather we assemble basic

information about the invention and attempt to emphasize the most positive features

of the idea. However,

upon receipt of this complaint we reached out to the complainant in a timely

manner and resolved his concerns. He assured

us that he would contact your bureau to withdraw his complaint.Thank

you for bringing this matter to our attention.Sincerely,LARK

B[redacted]Compliance

Manager

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. They were prompt in their communication, flexible in their solution and thorough in their investigation regarding my complaint.