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What if the biggest threat to your home isn’t what you see — but what’s happening underground?

On this episode of The Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with inventor and soil expert Bob Brown, founder of Transparent Engineered Solutions and creator of SpatialVision™ 3D Software.

Known as “The Dirt Whisperer,” Bob has spent decades diagnosing structural failures caused by soil movement, expansive clay, moisture imbalance, and corroding rebar. After building and selling a successful foundation repair company, he turned his attention to solving systemic problems in the construction industry through patented systems, non-corrosive materials, and powerful 3D visualization software.

From composite rebar systems to moisture mitigation technology and foundation lifting innovations, Bob shares how he moved from costly early invention mistakes to licensing real-world solutions contractors actually use.

This episode dives deep into:

• Why most foundation failures are misunderstood
• The science of soil expansion and structural lift
• How rusting rebar silently destroys stem walls
• Why better diagnostics unlock better inventions
• The real economics of licensing engineering innovations
• When a patent makes sense — and when it doesn’t

Bob also discusses SpatialVision™, his 3D floor elevation mapping software that helps engineers, inspectors, and contractors visualize slab movement in ways never before possible. Instead of guessing at settlement or heave, professionals can now see it — clearly, precisely, and visually.

🔎 Key Takeaways

• 🧱 Most foundation issues start with misunderstood soil mechanics
• 💧 Moisture migration can lift a home just as easily as it can sink it
• 🧪 Carbonic acid + steel rebar = long-term structural decay
• 🔬 Composite materials may replace steel in future construction
• 📊 Better data visualization leads to better engineering decisions
• 💡 Invent what people need, not just what sounds clever
• 💼 Licensing can be a powerful path after exiting an operating business

Bob’s journey is a masterclass in practical innovation — solving expensive real-world problems with smarter systems and better materials. Whether you’re in construction, engineering, real estate, or product development, this conversation reframes how we think about what’s beneath our feet.

🔥 Hashtags

#BoldInventors, #InventorStory, #SpatialVision, #TransparentEngineeredSolutions, #FoundationRepair, #ConstructionInnovation, #SoilEngineering, #StructuralEngineering, #PatentStrategy, #LicensingDeals, #3DSoftware, #EngineeringEntrepreneur, #BuildingScience, #CompositeMaterials, #StartupFounder, #IPStrategy, #InnovationLeadership, #RealEstateTechnology, #SmartConstruction, #GoBigGoBold

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Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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What starts as a cold morning in a Minnesota tree stand turns into a fully patented, premium outdoor product business. In this episode of The Bold Inventors Show, hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Todd Hanson, founder of Compass Carts, to unpack the real, unfiltered journey from idea to execution.

Todd didn’t start with a factory, investors, or a perfect plan. He started with a frustrating problem: hauling gear and game on public land where vehicles aren’t allowed. Instead of settling for rattly, flimsy carts, he asked a better question—why can’t a game cart and hitch rack be the same thing?

That question sparked 19 product iterations, countless field tests, and ultimately a granted U.S. utility patent protecting a clever wheel-rotation and hitch-mounted cart system that’s now used by hunters, anglers, outfitters, e-bike riders, and outdoor pros across the country.

In this episode, Todd breaks down:

• How to validate an idea before spending big money
• When it actually makes sense to file a patent (and when it doesn’t)
• Why premium materials can be a competitive advantage
• How patents increase company value—even before big sales
• The realities of trade shows, copy risks, and overseas manufacturers
• Why resilience matters more than perfection for inventors

Whether you’re a first-time inventor, a weekend tinkerer, or a founder thinking about patents, licensing, or acquisition, this episode delivers practical insight without the fluff.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• 🦌 Solve a real problem you personally experience
• 🔁 Expect many iterations—version 1 is never the final version
• 📄 Patents work best after market validation, not before
• 💰 IP can raise valuation even before major revenue
• 🛠️ Premium design + durability = long-term brand trust
• 🌎 Trade shows create exposure and copy risk—be prepared
• 🧠 Resilience beats perfection every time

🎧 Perfect for: inventors, product founders, outdoor entrepreneurs, hardware startups, and anyone curious about patents, trademarks, and real-world commercialization.

🔥 Hashtags

#BoldInventors, #InventorJourney, #ProductDevelopment, #StartupStory, #Patents, #EntrepreneurLife, #HardwareStartup, #OutdoorInnovation, #HuntingGear, #EbikeAccessories, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkStrategy, #InventorMindset, #FromIdeaToMarket, #FounderStories, #AmericanInnovation, #IPStrategy, #StartupLessons, #ProductDesign, #GoBigGoBold

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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This week on the Bold Inventors Show, hosts J.D. Houvener (patent attorney, Bold Patents) and Matt Kulseth (trademark attorney) sit down with Steve Waddell, the founder of Nasoni—the company reinventing the everyday faucet into a hands-free fountain + smart accessibility platform.

Steve’s journey is a masterclass in what it really takes to go from problem → prototype → pitch wins → product → pivots → clinical trials → grants. If you’ve ever wondered “Is my idea too small?” or “How do I fund this thing?”—this episode is for you.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

💡 The “rinse test”: why brushing your teeth inspired a whole product category
🏗️ How Steve built early proof-of-concept prototypes (and what he learned the hard way)
🏆 Startup competition strategy: how pitch wins helped fund real momentum
📺 Steve Harvey’s Thunderdome: what it’s like to pitch on a high-pressure stage
🧪 From consumer product to healthcare tech: how Nasoni evolved into assistive innovation
🧓♿ Accessibility & independence: adapting faucet control for users with mobility challenges
🔬 Clinical trials + NIH grants: what it takes to validate and scale a medical-adjacent product
⚖️ Patents, timing, and ROI: when filing too early can backfire—and how to think about IP strategy
🌀 Motion mark trademark: yes, that’s a thing—and Steve actually has one

🔥 Why this matters for inventors

Nesoni’s story shows how a product can start as a simple consumer “aha” moment… and become a mission-driven platform that helps real people live more independently—while still requiring smart decisions around funding, manufacturing, IP, and go-to-market timing.

📌 Watch live

We’re live every Wednesday at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern on LinkedIn + YouTube.
Bring your questions—patents, trademarks, product launches, licensing, and more (just keep it non-confidential since we’re live).

🔗 Want confidential guidance? Book a free discovery call at BoldPatents.com.

#BoldInventorsShow #Nesoni #SmartFaucet #Innovation #Patents #Trademarks #InventorJourney, #Nasoni, #SteveWaddell, #BoldInventorsShow, #BoldPatents, #PatentLaw, #TrademarkLaw, #Inventors, #Entrepreneurship, #StartupJourney, #ProductDevelopment, #HardwareStartup, #SmartHomeTech, #AssistiveTechnology, #AccessibilityInnovation, #NIHGrants, #ClinicalTrials, #PitchCompetition, #Manufacturing, #IPStrategy, #MedicalDevices

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Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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Welcome back to the Bold Inventor Show—the weekly live stream where inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners learn how to protect and scale what they’re building with patents, trademarks, and smart strategy. Hosted by J.D. Houvener, patent attorney & founder of Bold Patents, this episode is a powerful double-feature: a heart-driven invention story that became a patented product system, plus practical AI insights for professional services leaders who want to work faster without losing quality.

🎥 Episode Highlights (Fun + Fast Takeaways)

🧠 From personal pain point to patented innovation
Angela Fairhurst shares how caring for her mom with dementia led to a breakthrough moment—discovering how tactile, safe, sensory tools could create calm + connection when words no longer worked.

🧸 Jerry Gadgets®: “tools, not toys”
Angela explains why dementia-friendly products must be:
✅ dishwasher safe 🍽️
✅ mouth safe 👄
✅ non-toxic 🧪
✅ durable 💪
✅ engaging for two people (connection matters!) 🤝

✨ Inventing isn’t magic—it's follow-through
A recurring theme: ideas are everywhere, but execution is rare. Angela shares how she moved from “why doesn’t this exist?” to design, testing, market research, and IP protection.

📦 A patented “manipulation kit” system
Rather than patenting one object, Angela protected the system—a smart strategy for innovators building product families with future variations.

🤖 Second Feature: Corporate Patents + AI Consulting That Actually Works

📡 Frank Lazaro on innovating inside big telecom
Frank shares what it’s like to invent at a large corporation:
🏢 curated invention disclosure pipelines
⚖️ in-house patent counsel interviews
🏆 recognition + bonuses
📌 but the company owns the IP (a key lesson for employee-inventors)

🧩 AI as a tool, not a replacement
Frank breaks down how firms can use generative AI like ChatGPT/Copilot/Claude to find efficiency—especially in law, accounting, architecture, engineering, consulting, and other professional services.

⏱️ “Find 12 minutes” strategy
His approach is simple: reclaim small blocks of time daily and turn that into massive savings across weeks and months—without sacrificing quality.

📈 Strategic planning for innovation
Frank’s thesis: AI shouldn’t be bolted on as an afterthought. It should be integrated into business strategy, operations, and measurable KPIs so leaders can track real ROI.

📅 Watch Live Every Week

📍 Wednesdays at 12pm Pacific / 3pm Eastern
🎥 Streaming on LinkedIn + YouTube
💬 Bring your questions—live Q&A always welcome!

#BoldInventorsShow, #BoldPatents, #PatentAttorney, #PatentLaw, #Invention, #Inventor, #Entrepreneurship, #Startup, #ProductDevelopment, #IPStrategy, #Trademarks, #UtilityPatent, #Caregiving, #DementiaCare, #HealthcareInnovation, #ConsumerProducts, #GenerativeAI, #AIForBusiness, #ProfessionalServices, #InnovationStrategy

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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What happens when the internet goes down—but innovation can’t stop? 🚀
In this episode of the Bold Inventors Show, JD Houvener dives into the future of networking, resilience, and innovation with a deep discussion on private, decentralized networks, offline AI, and infrastructure independence.

This conversation with John Fawcett of FrogNet explores how inventors and entrepreneurs can rethink connectivity beyond the cloud—unlocking new opportunities in disaster response, remote research, secure communications, and edge-based AI systems. From real-world use cases to the IP strategy behind breakthrough infrastructure, this episode challenges long-held assumptions about how data moves, who controls it, and where innovation can thrive.

Key takeaways you’ll learn:
⚡ Why decentralized and private networks are becoming mission-critical
🧠 How offline AI and real-time sensors unlock new business models
🔐 The role of privacy, resilience, and control in next-gen tech
📡 Where innovation happens when traditional infrastructure fails
📜 How patents and IP strategy support deep-tech commercialization

If you’re an inventor, founder, engineer, or investor thinking about the next evolution of connectivity, this episode is a must-watch.

👉 Watch, listen, and rethink what’s possible when innovation isn’t tethered to the cloud.

#BoldInventors, #PodcastEpisode, #TechInnovation, #InventorMindset, #DecentralizedNetworks, #FutureOfTech, #EdgeAI, #OfflineAI, #PrivateNetworks, #DeepTech, #StartupPodcast, #EntrepreneurLife, #IntellectualProperty, #PatentStrategy, #InnovationLeadership, #ResilientSystems, #TechFounders, #EmergingTechnology, #HardTech, #Inventors

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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First, J.D. and Matt tackle timely IP questions from the community—covering what commercial success does (and doesn’t) do for patentability, how abandoned or long-unused marks can impact trademark strategy, and why contracts matter when outside engineers or partners help improve existing equipment. They also touch on key best practices: ensuring your agreements clearly assign invention rights, avoiding willful infringement, and using smart legal steps when modifying or upgrading third-party products.

Then the show goes live to CES in Las Vegas with developer and tech builder Joe Sumter (Tech Levitate). Joe shares what it’s like on the ground at CES, what trends are popping, and why founders should stop building in isolation. His advice: move fast with MVPs, collaborate early, validate with real users, and leverage modern “vibe code” tools to get something clickable in days—not months.

Next up is Trevor Greenberg, host of The Disgruntled PM, who breaks down why project managers often feel invisible—because when they’re doing their job well, everything looks effortless. Trevor shares lessons from his podcast, why a “70% plan today beats a perfect plan later,” and how meaningful relationships happen when you go beyond DMs and actually talk to people. He also shares creator advice: start messy, iterate publicly, and don’t wait for perfection—especially when no one’s watching yet.

If you’re building in 2026—whether it’s hardware, software, AI, consumer products, or a brand—this episode is a high-energy reset with practical guidance and motivation to go big.

#BoldPatents, #BoldInventorShow, #JDHouvener, #MattKulseth, #Patents, #Trademarks, #IntellectualProperty, #PatentAttorney, #TrademarkAttorney, #StartupLaw, #Innovation, #Entrepreneurship, #CES2026, #TechTrends, #ProductDevelopment, #VibeCoding, #NoCode, #MVP, #ProjectManagement, #Podcasting, #GoBigGoBold

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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Host J.D. Houvener runs solo on a special Christmas Eve episode, fielding community IP questions before welcoming Ram Bulusu, an AI innovator and healthcare technology leader with 36 years of experience across providers, payers, hospital systems, medical devices, pharma, and gene therapy. The conversation dives into what’s actually working with GenAI today—and where it still breaks down.

✨ Episode Highlights
🧠 Public funding + patents: J.D. tackles a policy question on whether patent transfers tied to publicly funded R&D should mandate profit-sharing or price-linking—flagging the antitrust and price-fixing risks that can arise in patent licensing structures.

🛋️ Trademark confusion in the marketplace: A furniture naming question leads to a clear takeaway: trademark rights generally favor first use in commerce, and using a similar name in the same category can create a likely confusion problem (even if you attempt registration).

📜 Inventor vs. owner: J.D. breaks down the difference between being named on a patent (inventorship) and owning a patent (assignment/transfer)—and how to verify ownership using USPTO assignment records.

🤖 Ram Bulusu on GenAI in healthcare:
✅ Where GenAI wins: Ram shares real examples of GenAI driving major gains in structured, repeatable workflows—especially in data-heavy environments like spreadsheets.
📉 Error reduction: One initiative reduced analysis errors by ~93% while automating complex shelf-life estimation workflows.
⏱️ Time savings: Financial and operational reporting workflows saw significant cycle-time reduction by automating repetitive analysis.

⚠️ Where GenAI struggles:
🗣️ Unstructured human conversations (like virtual nursing calls) remain risky—because patients often respond unpredictably and require judgment and escalation logic that current tools don’t handle reliably.

🔒 Security & governance are the real bottleneck:
Ram explains why enterprise adoption isn’t just about tools—it’s about containment, authorization, and training, especially in healthcare. Key risks include:
• Shadow AI usage (employees using unauthorized tools)
• Vendor data handling mistakes (including off-device/offshore exposure)
• “Deepfake-enabled” identity and fraud threats
• Cybersecurity frameworks that weren’t designed for GenAI

🚀 Inventing opportunities:
Ram’s big thesis: GenAI platforms are broad—innovation happens in the verticals. The biggest inventions will come from applying GenAI to specific industries and workflows, not merely building another general model.

⚡ Energy and scale:
Ram discusses the growing energy demands of AI compute, how hyperscalers are preparing, and why data center scaling may become a limiting factor as adoption accelerates.

🏁 Final takeaway:
GenAI is already delivering results in structured workflows, but the future belongs to the inventors who can apply it safely inside real-world constraints—security, governance, reliability, and economics.

#BoldInventorsShow, #JD_Houvener, #RamBulusu, #ArtificialIntelligence, #GenerativeAI, #HealthcareAI, #HealthTech, #MachineLearning, #Innovation, #Inventors, #Patents, #IntellectualProperty, #Trademark, #StartupLife, #AICompliance, #Cybersecurity

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.

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In this December episode of The Bold Inventor Show, hosts J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth break down the real IP questions inventors, founders, and product teams are asking right now—especially as AI accelerates innovation faster than the law can evolve.

The episode opens with live Q&A on patents and trademarks, then expands into insightful conversations with two expert guests exploring AI inventorship, patent strategy, and product commercialization.

🔑 Key Discussion Highlights

🧠 Patent Drafting: “can” vs. “may” vs. “is”

• 📝 In a patent specification, flexible language like “can” or “may” helps capture alternative embodiments.
• 🎯 In claims, precision is critical—every word affects enforceability and scope.
• ⚖️ Takeaway: Be broad where permitted, exact where required.

🪑 Trademark Strategy & Brand Risk

• 🚫 Adding extra words to an already registered mark (especially in Class 20 – Furniture) often fails due to likelihood of confusion.
• 🔍 Trademarks are evaluated as a whole, but dominant wording carries outsized weight.
• ✅ Best move: choose a distinctive brand early to avoid costly rebrands.

🤖 Using AI During Invention: Is It Public Disclosure?

• 💬 Discussing ideas with tools like ChatGPT or Gemini is generally not considered public disclosure under current U.S. patent standards.
• ⚠️ However, data retention, discoverability, and future legal shifts remain open questions.
• 🇺🇸 Reminder: the U.S. provides a one-year grace period after an inventor’s own disclosure.

👤 Who Is the Inventor When AI Helps?

• 🧠 Patent law still requires human conception of what is ultimately claimed.
• 🤯 As AI contributes more technically meaningful input, inventorship will become a major legal battleground.
• 🔍 Expect future litigation to define where assistance ends and inventorship begins.

🎙️ Guest Perspectives

Chris Clark (East Village AI) shares insight from a background in theoretical physics, defense analytics, and AI product development, emphasizing iteration, clarity, and human-in-the-loop innovation.

Doug Hunter (Alterium) brings decades of automotive engineering experience and ~30 issued patents, highlighting defensive patenting strategies and the underrated power of benchmarking to innovate faster and smarter.

💡 Why This Episode Matters

• ✅ Patent and trademark strategy is about foresight, not forms
• ✅ AI is a tool—but responsibility still rests with humans
• ✅ Innovation accelerates through iteration, benchmarking, and action

📅 Live every Wednesday at 12pm Pacific
💥 Go big. Go bold.

#BoldInventorShow,#BoldPatents,#PatentLaw,#PatentAttorney,#Trademarks,#IntellectualProperty,#Innovation,#Inventors,#Entrepreneurship,#Startups,#ProductDesign,#Engineering,#AI,#GenerativeAI,#AIEthics,#Inventorship,#PatentDrafting,#USPTO,#BrandProtection,#Benchmarking

Support the show

Have an invention or brand to protect? Or just curious about learning more? Download our FREE Inventor Kit here: https://keap.page/gw292/inventor-kit.html

DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.