We have come up with an invention and have taken the first steps in pursuing a patent on it. We have presented our idea to the company we were most interested in working with to develop our idea. They reviewed the idea but said they are not interested in it at this time. From the comments we received back from them, we don't think they totally understand our idea. Should we go back to the company and try to make ourselves clearer, or move on to other companies? Or should we count our losses and let it go?
We feel our invention is a good one but all of this is so overwhelming at times because of our inexperience with the patent process and what it takes to bring the product to the market. We appreciate any guidance that you see in our cards so we can map out the best course to take.
UNCHARTED WATERS
Dear Uncharted Waters,
This is an amazing invention. Do not give up on the development of your idea, but please consult a patent/trademark attorney. It is more impressive to state that you already hold a patent on something when you are presenting it. Large monetary rewards begin after you have pragmatically developed your patented idea and demonstrated it to several companies. You must first finish the work to completely own this invention, and then trust enough that a company will see (like you do) the value of it. I think the reason the other company didn't understand the invention was because you are looking to shortcut the process. Huge, sweeping, overnight success is not the lesson connected with this issue. The cards are telling me that you must be prepared for the hard work (joyfully engaged), and if you follow through, success is assured.
Make sure that you are dealing with legitimate people and document all meetings connected with this invention. Sending a registered follow-up letter to the company you met with detailing your meeting is a good idea. Include the date you met and what you presented. Once you own this patent, then contact the first company you visited and offer them right of first refusal. See what the response is then; most companies want to see that you are as committed as you are asking them to be. If you do this required work, you'll be in a much more affluent living situation within three years.
Music in the Air
I saw you a few times on Fox-5 and I liked what I saw. I'm almost 26 and I've lived in Vegas my whole life. I'm very passionate about music, and I've been playing guitar for 13 years. My question is, will my music career take off? Sometimes I feel like it never will. I know you probably get a ton of e-mails since you are so well- known, so I'll understand if you can't respond. Thank you so much for your time.
GUITAR GUY
Dear GG,
Yes, you have the opportunity to become successful with your music. Stop listening to the critics around you, especially if she's your mom. Also, you didn't say if you had a band, but the cards are saying that if you found two other musicians to perform with you, I see you getting some paying gigs.
I'd like you to make sure you are in places to be discovered. Talk with some of the talent agencies in town and find out if they can help you. Also, get some samples of your music on a CD so you can have it available for others to hear when they ask.
There's a lucky break for you by the end of October if you place yourself in more social situations and begin referring to yourself as a musician. Think about asking some of the local restaurants and bars if you can set up and play there on Saturday nights. It's important that other people hear your music.
Moving Along
My husband, 8-month-old daughter and I are going to move in September but we can't decide if we should move to our home state of Oklahoma or to the East Coast, where he can get a better job offer. Which looks like a better move?
SH
Dear SH,
This is going to be a strange answer. Choose the city that has the least amount of sorrow connected with it. I see that leaving Las Vegas will be a good career move for your husband, but I think you'll miss it here more than you expect. If you can wait until April to make your decision, it will be better all the way around. Make sure your husband asks for what he deserves and that relocation is covered as a benefit. Your husband is very good at what he does, and it's about time he's paid well for it.
Mona Van Joseph is a licensed professional in the psychic arts through the city of Las Vegas. Her live, local radio show, "Psychic View," airs 10 a.m. Saturdays on Hot Talk 1140-AM. You may e-mail questions to [email protected].