ComplaintsforInventHelp

• Initial Complaint

  03/26/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The agreement was signed on 9/23/2023. The amount paid was $5,583.00 dollars. They committed to presenting my idea to their database of companies. The issue is that I have yet to see any progress in presenting my idea to businesses. And, if you call their customer support number, the service is horrible.

  Business response

  04/12/2024

  We are in receipt of the above referenced complaint.
  
  In September 2023, this complainant contracted for a two-year service for the assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review.   Our records indicate that the services are being provided in accordance with the agreement. 
  
  To date we have prepared a New Product Submission Brochure which is designed to announce the availability of the complainant’s invention to industry.  A draft of this brochure was sent to the complainant for his input.  We also prepared an Invention Summary and Press Release, which announces the availability of the idea, but does not disclose the working details.  The Invention Summary will be sent to companies outside the InventHelp® Data Bank, and the Press Release will be utilized for an online publicity distribution service, where it will be distributed to search engines, journalists, and bloggers.  We are in the process of compiling the first group of companies which will be sent his invention information, which upon completion, he will be sent confirmation for his records.  This complainant also contracted for Patent Application Referral Services in which we refer our clients to an independent patent attorney for the preparation of a patent application on his behalf. 
  
  The complainant’s claim that he never received updates regarding his services is simply untrue.  In fact, our records show that the complainant was updated every step of the way as evidenced by the correspondence he received.  InventHelp also maintains a Client Services Department which is available to all its inventors during normal business hours, every day.
  
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp

• Initial Complaint

  03/07/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought 2 Basic Information Package(s) that was supposed to include ALL this information crucial to moving forward with my invention(s). I was told by, Tim B******, that I would receive free information concerning the packages and that I would be consulted throughout the process for my input and approval. Neither of which happened. “It was to be looked at like a resume.” That is what’s written in my book that I had to hound them to get along with the patent attorneys report and opinion that I have just recently found out is incomplete! I’m having to pay for a new patent search. I was not consulted with at all about MY BIP before they sent it out. The name of the invention was misspelled in one and wasn’t changed on the other. They did not include any of my sister’s information as a co-inventor. And I would have been embarrassed to claim that package as my “resume”. So many mistakes. And ALL of the information in the package I could have gotten myself from USPTO.***, Commerce and Censes Bureau. And that information is 2 years old. So what research was done that I payed for? The patent attorney’s research wasn’t complete either. My current attorney has already found other inventions that he missed. I myself tried to contact the attorney several times regarding my reports with no response whatsoever. I tried to talk to a manager about the issues I was having. She only argued with me about why I was wrong in her opinion. She also told me she would have the attorneys reports to me asap. It still took them a minute to send it out. I do not believe that invent help met any of the things advertised or promised. And yes a refund would be fantastic that is not my first priority here. People need to be warned about this company and it’s tactics. And at least the attorney, Tom F**** out of Florida, I was assigned should be looked at. Bar complaint? I would love to go into more detail if it means something can be done to the company.

  Business response

  03/13/2024

  We are in receipt of the above referenced complaint.
  
  This complainant recently contracted with our company for the preparation of a Basic Information Package Report (BIP) as well as a Preliminary Patentability Search & Opinion Report (PPSO) for two inventions.  The BIP report 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 inventions by an independent patent attorney with whom we refer our clients’ patent work. 
  
  We recently reached out to this complainant to reach an amicable resolution and offered to work with her to revise her reports to her satisfaction.  Unfortunately, she chose not to do so.
  
  At this time, we would be willing to continue our resolution discussions with her, should she wish to contact us.  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp 

  Customer response

  03/14/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  

  O understand that Invent Help basically complied with said contract. But that is just it. Basics. Not even close to throughly done. And for the price they are charging they are robbing people. The salesman went as far as to play on my religion! The attorney associated with the company I was assigned still has not contacted me about the report that was grossly incomplete. I think this company needs to be investigated. 
  
  Regards,
  
  ***** ***

  Business response

  03/22/2024

  We are in receipt of the above referenced response for this complainant.
  
  We stand by our original response to this complaint.   We contacted this complainant in an attempt to address her concerns, however she was not responsive to our efforts.
  
  If this complainant wishes to resolve this matter, we encourage her to contact us directly.
  
  Thank you,
  
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp

  Customer response

  03/22/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  

  I would like to see there be some kind of morale standards applied here I guess. I payed for a service that was not provided to me by any decent business person’s standards. The opinion from the attorney was no good. The salesman went as far as to play on my religion trying to get in my good graces I guess. I don’t appreciate being manipulated. 

  Regards,
  
  ***** ***

• Initial Complaint

  02/09/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Don’t give any money to this mechanically constructed systemized scam that tricks you into believing it’s a reputable company. The reality of Invent help simply is that they have carefully created the same Canva templates and newsletters. I am extremely disappointed in how Invent Help treats/communicates with its clients. I made the mistake of assuming that all Invent Help representatives would be as persistent, informative, and available as the sales representative I talked to for the first month of deciding to work with the business to begin with. When I first signed the contract I was excited for the opportunity to take my idea out of my head and create a physical product with it. Now five months later, my biggest regret isn’t even the money spent, it’s the HOURS of exhaustion just trying to communicate with the ghosts that work here. Almost immediately after I signed a contract in October, they went ghost… the first time… until DECEMBER 28!! Two years to CREATE and LAUNCH an effective product is not a long time and I felt my time being chipped away. Supposedly a welcome packet with IMPORTANT INFORMATION NECESSARY TO BEGIN was supposed to go out soon after. I never received this and began reaching out. I called and left many messages. Finally in order to speak with someone I reached out to the sales representative and explained the situation. Only then was I contacted back and steps proceeded to move forward. ONE OF THINGS THEY DON’T TELL YOU IS THAT THE MAIN WAY THEY COMMUNICATE IS VIA MAIL. Again, your X,000s won’t even buy you the decency, efficiency, digital footprint of modern technology such as electronic emails, etc. I believe they operate a system based on running down the clock of the time agreed for them to work for you using these glacial and outdated processes. After this massive delay being solved via the sales rep, and a third party person who wasn’t connected to invent help, I thought the ball would get rolling again. I was wrong. Again WEEKS passed by and then our Product Brochure Submission was received… My product idea is a complex version of a well known and everyday use product with advancements. They copy and pasted the every day product… I was shocked when I’d seen this. No consideration was taken, my ideas weren’t prevailed in any way.. it was just the same common item we see daily. This was the second time I began reaching out. Again a million phone calls and WEEKS LATER, I finally again called the sales rep, and then I was able to get in contact with a representative. ??At this point, they had lost me as a believer in the credibility and quality they as a company promised. This is when I was finally put in contact with Maura. As of 2024, we have had two phone calls, one of which she hung up on me. In the first call I explained my ultimate dissatisfaction with the company, the way they communicated, and the service I had received. At this point this company has been the biggest headache ever. I was told that I would always be in constant communication with someone about the product but this just wasn’t the case. I was told over the phone that she would get back to me after she talked to someone else about the possible terms of cancellation, but this normally wan’t an option. I was also told countless times that she could put me in touch with an artist, however the fact that this has been the first five months makes me shutter at the possibility of working with this excruciating company a moment longer. I finally called back a week later to get an update on the possibility of terminating the contract. Maura responded saying that I misunderstood and she had never said that she was going to check with someone. I know this was false because I spent the entire time waiting for a return call or update. I even asked if the calls were recorded and to get a version of the recorded copy. After this massive miscommunication, deflection, and then manipulation on Maura’s end saying she never said this, she then proceeded to hang up on me… some professional communication huh… ? This was my final let down that even the higher ups have no clue how to communicate properly. And again my clock with their “support” was still ticking down. The fact that I even had to speak with Maura only 5 months into our 2 year contract and the only thing I have to show for my $7000+ spent is a patent pending document and the brochure of a product that wasn’t even mine. At this point, I had even said that I would be happy to pay for the work that was done, I just wanted to be let out of this headache of a contract. Again, this isn’t even about the money, all I want is to be let out of the contract. Aa a small business owner myself, all I hope is that Invent help can come to some terms of agreement, including a partial refund, and being released from the contract due to the unprofessionalism, lack of communication, and false pretenses that they could create a product that defies physics.

  Business response

  02/15/2024

  We are in receipt of the above referenced complaint. 
  
  We’ve been in contact with this complainant and have had very productive conversations.
  
  We believe this matter has been resolved.
  
  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp

• Initial Complaint

  12/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I spent 1500 to Invent Help to put a recipe into production and patent. Then my contact person became unreachable. Now all calls skip the original greeting and goes to voicemail. Her name is Lisa P******* and her email is Lisa.p*******. LISA P******* Phone number is ###-###-#### I received 2 hard back books that are not right, 2 folders from an attorney, 1 said it's good for patent and to ask if we should be able to get the patent or should an attorney be contacted. I passed on the information to her and I have no patent, no refund and no response.

  Business response

  01/08/2024

  We are in receipt of the above referenced review.
  
  This complainant contracted with our company for the preparation of a Basic Information Package Report (BIP) as well as a Preliminary Patentability Search & Opinion (PPSO) report.  The BIP report 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 an independent patent attorney with whom we refer our clients’ patent work. 
  
  We have made several attempts to reach this complainant in an effort to resolve his concerns; however, however he has been unresponsive to our messages.   
  
  We encourage this complainant to contact us.
  
  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager

  Customer response

  01/08/2024

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  I was scammed.i want my money back.
  
  Regards,
  
  **** ****

• Initial Complaint

  07/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  In June of 2021 I went to Invent Help formsupport with an idea. I signed the initial contract (attached) and subsequently me and my partner signed a contract with Universal Payment Corporation under LAX 1516 for $16,000 that was supposed to potentially give us a more comprehensive package. My partner paid $8000 upfront and I financed $8,586.53. Thus far I've paid $4775.37 and have a remaining balance of $3,331.16, but I've noticed that most of the companies that they report as submitting my invention to are out of business. So after I started to further investigate after seeing that I was being taken advantage of I saw that there was a recent class action lawsuit and numerous complaints. I agree, this company is a scam and I'm literally heartbroken for putting my trust and hard earned money into them. I would like a refund. This is a predatory company. If my issue is not resolved via this complaint, it is my promise that I will lead the next wave of class action lawsuits against this company (universal payment) who says they are seperate from Invent Help but that is of course by design. I look forward to Universal Payment Corp making a right of this wrong and if not, I will pursue this to the fullest extent. They've already tried to threaten me when I called to make them aware that I was going to file a complaint by stating that this would also affect my partners credit who paid cash upfront.

  Business response

  07/19/2023

  We are in receipt of the above referenced complaint.  Nearly two years ago, this complainant contracted for the assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review. 
  
  We prepared a New Product Submission Brochure announcing the availability of his idea and submitted it to companies in the InventHelp® Data Bank who have agreed to review our clients’ inventions in confidence.  We followed up with certain of these companies in an additional attempt to obtain feedback on his invention. 
  
  We prepared both an Invention Summary and Press Release, which announced the availability of the idea.  The Invention Summary is sent to companies outside the InventHelp® Data Bank, and the Press Release was shared with an online publicity distribution service, where it was distributed to search engines, journalists, and bloggers; confirmation of this service was sent to the complainant on May 17, 2023.  We also included his invention information in our Virtual Tradeshow, which is a secure, electronic showcase of our clients’ ideas and is made available at a tradeshow on an iPad or similar device.  A confirmation of this service was sent to him on August 10, 2022 and his invention profile was made available for viewing at the Surf Expo, which was held in Orlando, FL. from January 4-6, 2022; the South By Southwest Trade Show, which was held in Austin, Texas from March 13-18, 2022; the Licensing Expo, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 13-15th, 2022; the NACDS Trade Show, which was held in San Diego, CA from August 12-14, 2022; and the MJBIX CON Show, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from November 29 – December 1, 2022.  We also created a Prototype Model of his invention and a Virtual Invention Presentation (VIP) for his idea, which contains 3-D renderings and computer-generated animation highlighting the main function or use of his invention.   
  Mr. ****’s complaint seems to be about the companies to which we submitted his invention information.  We reviewed the companies selected and do not at all agree with his claim that the companies are out of business.  This complainant should provide us with specific examples so that we can discuss and address each company individually with him.  Furthermore, it is unfair to make baseless statements against a company providing the services, for which he has not paid as his account is currently in arrears.   
  Thank you for bringing the matter to our attention.  Should this complainant wish to contact us in order to address his concerns, we can be reached at ###-###-####.
  
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp®

  Customer response

  07/24/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  

  1. Invent Help has provided no evidence that my Invention was actually promoted at any of the  virtual trade shows that they allege. One would think that of these Virtual Trade shows were in fact actually taking place in real life that yhe inventor would receive a virtual invite to actually see how their Invention appears to the virtual attendees instead of providing baseless claims that my Invention was included in these tradeshows that Invent Help alleges. In addition, I did not receive any Intel from Invent Help that my Invention was included for most of or only one the trade shows that Invent Help alleges. The additional trade shows that Invent Help alleges is news to me.

  2. As it relates to the company data bank that Invent Help alleges it submitted my Invention to, I noted that most of the companies listed on their submission report seem to be "questionable" for lack of a better word I'll share examples from the report dated 2.14.22 (and can provide additional examples from all reports but for the sake of not wasting everyone's time we'll start with: A) Mod At Home, Ontario, Canada; the reviews for this company are so poor I don't know why any legitimate business would want to conduct good faith business or reviews with them. B) Bath Solutions / Global Decor; phone number no longer in service. C) Kirch Industrial Company, IL; this company specializes in Jewelry and Curtains and seems to be unrelated to my Invention SIC. D) Royal Medical  Solutions, TX; appears to be a wholesale distributer of products already in the market in the medical industry. D) Hampton Products International Corp, CA; is a company known for making "padlocks" and unrelated to my Invention. E)PAMEX Inc, CA; makes door hardware and security and is unrelated to my field. F) VM International, CA; I find it odd that this company doesn't have one single review and is a gifting company. G) Better Sleep Inc, NJ; is a sleep apnea company and directly  unrelated to my product field. H) DC Mach Inc, TX makes cast iron products and unrelated to my product field. I) Toy Target, Montreal; I can't find a working website for this company. J) STA elements Inc, FL; is reported closed by Yelp. K) Helber industries Inc, is an unverified company and phone number is disconnected. L) same goes for Trade Pro Products LLC. M) Alan Pendergrass Robes sells robes and I can't find a secure legitimate website. N) Soapsox kids, is registered as a Toy & Gaming company unrelated to my product. P) Splash Guard , LLC is registered as a shampoo company and company registry cannot be identified.  I'll stop here for now before I run of letters in the alphabet to correspond to examples from one of Invent Helps alleged submission reports to companies in their "data bank".

  3. Additionally, I have never receieved any intel from Invent Help on which specific companies they were going to "follow-up with" and if so, its also questionable that communication was sent to any of these companies in the first place. There is no proof of mailing nor have I seen any proof of email communication digital receipts etc. 

  4. Furthermore, I informed Invent Helps lending firm that I was pausing my payments until a resolution was offered by them and accepted by me seeing that I just missed the deadline for the class action settlement that was awarded against Invent Help but instead to the Invent Help complaintents most recently which I discovered as I started to dig deeper into Invent Helps questionable  and unethical business  practices and where I found confirmation.of so many others who have been scammed just like me for my hard earned money. So Invent Help was put on notice that I was voluntarily halting payments and my account has only in arrears starting last month when all their deceptive practices started to reveal themselves to me. For the record I have made every payment virtually on time and was faithful and committed to seeing my vision through but this company is a sham and I will advocate for myself to not be deceived. 

  I look forward to Invent Help working amicably and fairly to return the money I have paid thus far and do the right thing. 

   

  
  Regards,
  
  **** ****

  Business response

  07/28/2023

  Two years ago, this complainant contracted with us for the assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review.
  
  We prepared a New Product Submission Brochure announcing the availability of his idea and submitted it to companies in the InventHelp® Data Bank who have agreed to review our clients’ inventions in confidence. We have reviewed the companies to which we selected to receive the information and would be happy to discuss each with the complainant. His assessment is different from ours; but, nonetheless, we want to address his concerns.
  
  We prepared both an Invention Summary and Press Release, which announced the availability of the idea. The Invention Summary is sent to companies outside the InventHelp® Data Bank, and the Press Release was shared with an online publicity distribution service, where it was distributed to search engines, journalists, and bloggers. We have included his invention information in our Virtual Tradeshow, which is a secure, electronic showcase of our clients’ ideas and is made available at a tradeshow on an iPad or similar device. We also created a Virtual Invention Presentation (VIP) for his idea, which contains 3-D renderings and computer-generated animation highlighting the main function or use of his invention. Additionally, his New Product Submission Brochure was included in an edition of our Invention Catalog which was submitted to companies who are registered in our Data Bank. A Prototype Model of his invention was produced and provided to him on July 1st, 2022, in accordance with his contract as well.  In short, InventHelp has fully, professionally performed under its contract with the complainant, and has treated complainant with care and respect.  We are disappointed that his concerns appear to be triggered by inaccurate information developed outside of his actual experience with InventHelp.
  Further, a review of the complainant’s records confirms that he never raised any concerns until now. Nevertheless, in a good faith attempt to resolve this matter, we will reach out to the complainant to see how we might address the concerns first raised to the BBB.
  Sincerely,
  

  Maura R******

  Compliance Manager InventHelp®

  Customer response

  07/31/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
  As I stated in my previous response Inventhelp has been sending my the brochure for my Invention to companies that are NO LONGER IN SERVICE! I listed several companies in my previous statement and that's not even an exhaustive llist. You'll notice that Inventhelp did not directly comment or respond to my allegations regarding the companies that are no longer in service. I also find it curious that they say that they've included my Invention in several "trade shows" but never have they once sent me "the inventor" the login credentials to verify or actually see how my brochure is being implemented. Yes, Inventhelp has created the materials to promote my Invention, but the database they are using as the potential clients that they have agreements with to potentially review clients pitched materials is OBSOLETE! 

  I'm standing by to hear from Inventhelp as they said they would contact me and looking forward to resolving this matter in a way that is fair and amicable for all parties. 

   

  
  Regards,
  
  **** ****

  Business response

  09/14/2023

  We stand by our original response to this complaint. We disagree with this complainant's claim that the majority of the companies which we submitted his invention information to for a good faith review are closed or out of business. However, the complainant should understand that during the normal course of any business, companies may close, change locations, modify their business model, etc. We would be happy to discuss each company with the complainant. 

  
  InventHelp has provided services in this industry for over 35 years. We do what we promise. We go above and beyond to make sure our clients understand the nature of the risks involved in this very difficult industry. 

  
  If the complainant truly wishes to resolve this matter, we encourage him to return our call. 

  
  Sincerely, 
  
  Maura R****** 
  Compliance Manager 
  

  
  

  Customer response

  09/19/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
   Invent Help agreed to submit my inventions / product ideas, in exchange for a fee, to obtain a review to see if those ideas or inventions can be commercialized.

  However, Invent Help fails to disclose they do not have any “reasonable and systematic” procedures in place to ensure their data bank does not include companies that are no longer in operation and do not actually match their clients to companies most likely to be interested in a given idea.
  
  In addition, Invent Help did not provide disclosures as mandated under the American Investors Protection Act of 1999.

  I do not find Invent Helps most recent  response satisfactory as per the above. In light of InventHelp misrepresenting their services Im seeking a full refund on the total amount paid thus far in addition to canceling any future or outstanding payments and for  Invent Help to provide the appropriate credit repair services to my account if needed.

  Regards,
  
  **** ****

• Initial Complaint

  04/16/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Around June or July I ended up putting down 3,000 as a down payment for "services" provided by inventhelp. I chose the $12,000 option they had but they put me down for the $16,000 option without my consent or knowledge. Well, once I put in the down payment, 3 months to by with No update and no service whatsoever. It wasn't until i stopped paying that they actually tried getting in contact. Well, turns out they have a ton of lawsuits against them which I shouldve researched before hand. Im not expecting a refund, but I want this "debt" cleared from my credit report for the 2 reasons of 1. Having a different pay rate chosen behind my back and without consent (the $16,000 instead of the $12,000 I chose) 2. For the lack of services I was promised but never received

  Business response

  04/18/2023

  We are in receipt of the above referenced complaint.
  
  In July 2022 this complainant contracted for the assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review. 
  
  This complainant’s claim that he received no services is simply untrue.  In fact, we prepared an Invention Summary, Press Release, and a New Product Submission Brochure which were sent to him for his review and input.  Shortly after sending these materials, the complainant sent us revisions, which were promptly revised and re-sent for his approval.  After approving his New Product Submission Brochure, we proceeded to submit his invention information to companies registered in our Data Bank with the hope of obtaining a good faith review of the idea.
  
  Furthermore, this complainant was fully aware of the cost of the services and signed a retail installment agreement agreeing to the monthly payments owed for the services.  We also provided him with copies of the contracts and retail installment agreement at the time they were signed.
  
  While we have provided services for this complainant, he stopped paying for the services and is currently over $2,000 in arrears on his account.  We encourage him to pay for the services he is receiving.
  
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp

• Initial Complaint

  02/24/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My complaint as follows My last phone call with a manager he said this is not getting anywhere, and there is no need to continue this conversation it's ending. I requested all further communication to be in writing. They submitted to 75 companies the majority did not pertain to my idea. Some of them are out of business. Exposing the idea unnecessary. If the brochure requires my input recommendations why didn't the first one?. Now they indicate that they do not give input information to the brochure. They had all vital information from the beginning. The brochure repeats itself over and over with one aspect of the idea, with their first for brochure design. I revised the brochure to the best of my abilities leaving me in the dark whether or not this would be effective. An average person like myself this is not possible I will need to hire an outside firm to design and format the brochure ranging from $900 to $2,000. And most will not signed an NDA. To protect nearly $20,000 investment I would have to hire an outside firm and jeopardize my invention without an NDA. As seen on TV they guide you step by step process. They say that they have 9,000 companies that they can submit to. They did not Target my invention to the appropriate companies using an inadequate brochure. Leaving me with 50 submissions. The above complaint is supported by original documents, that have additional complaints within.

  Business response

  02/27/2023

  This complainant contracted for our services last year for the assistance in submitting his invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review.  Our records indicate that the services are being provided in accordance with the contract.  Additionally, he contracted for our Patent Referral Services referring him to an independent patent attorney for the preparation and prosecution of a patent application.  It is our understanding, his patent application was filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office and his invention is patent pending.
  
  To date, we prepared a New Product Submission Brochure announcing the availability of the complainant’s invention, which the complainant approved on April 22, 2022.  We submitted the complainant’s New Product Submission Brochure to companies in the InventHelp Data Bank that have agreed to review our clients’ inventions in confidence.  We followed up with certain of these companies in an attempt to obtain feedback on the invention.  We also prepared an Invention Summary and Press Release, which announces the availability of the idea, but does not disclose the working details.  The Invention Summary is sent to companies outside the InventHelp® Data Bank, and the Press Release is utilized for an online publicity distribution service, where it will be distributed to search engines, journalists, and bloggers.   A Virtual Invention Presentation (VIP) was prepared which contains 3-D renderings and computer-generated animation highlighting the main function or use of his invention.
  
  The complainant’s claim that he was not given an opportunity to make revisions to his brochure is simply untrue.  In fact, after initially approving his brochure in April 2022, we allowed him to make late revisions in December 2022, at no additional cost.  We sent him a draft of his revised brochure in December 2022, which he confirmed receiving via email.  As a courtesy, we also agreed to include his invention information in the Virtual Invention Browsing Experience (VIBE) at the Licensing Show in Las Vegas, Nevada being held June 13-15, 2023, at no additional charge.
  
  The complainant also questions the companies to which we submitted his invention.  We reached out to the complainant to obtain specific information regarding his vague claim so that we could investigate the specific company or companies further.  However, he would not provide us with any details.  Nevertheless, we reviewed the companies we selected and remain confident that they are appropriate selections based on the companies’ areas of interest, product lines, and/or manufacturing capabilities. 
  
  If the complainant wishes to provide us with specific information regarding the companies he is questioning, we would be happy to respond in more detail. further.
  
  Thank you for bringing this complaint to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp

  Customer response

  02/27/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
   
  Regards,
  ***** **********

• Initial Complaint

  02/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I want to get out of the contract with Universal Payment Corporation as they are holding me responsible for paying for an invention promotion service scam. They gave me false hope of submitting my ideas to a data bank of businesses that were seeking new ideas, but failed to mention that a lot of the businesses they were going to be sending my ideas to were dissolved or had nothing to do with the industry my ideas were for. My ideas were also supposed to be featured in their trade shows, which never took place. I know it never took place because I had a representative there and did not see my product at InventHelp both when he went and checked, so Ron lied and sent me a letter from a company that had "interest" in my product. So once again they failed to honor the contract which is another breach. InventHelp lose in court for breach, fraud and scamming inventors, I want my money back and I'm not paying another penny for violations of the American Inventors Protection Act, 35 U.S.C. 297(b), and breach of contract against InventHelp. Your payment verification code is: 394286

  Business response

  02/27/2023

  Nearly four years ago, this complainant contracted for a two-year service for the assistance in submitting her invention to industry in an attempt to obtain a good faith review.  Our records indicate that the service was provided in accordance with the contract.  Additionally, she also contracted for our Patent Application Referral Services where we referred her to an independent patent attorney for the preparation and prosecution of a patent application.  It is our understanding, a patent was granted for her invention as a result of this service.
  
  During the course of her services, we prepared a New Product Submission Brochure announcing the availability of the complainant’s invention.  We submitted the complainant’s New Product Submission Brochure to companies in the InventHelp Data Bank that have agreed to review our clients’ inventions in confidence.  We prepared an Invention Summary and Press Release, which announces the availability of the idea, but does not disclose the working details.  The Invention Summary is sent to companies outside the InventHelp® Data Bank, and the Press Release is utilized for an online publicity distribution service, where it was distributed to search engines, journalists, and bloggers.  A Virtual Invention Presentation (VIP) was prepared which contains 3-D renderings and computer-generated animation highlighting the main function or use of her invention and is created based on the invention brochure information, which the complainant approved.   The complainant’s invention information was made available in the Virtual Invention Browsing Experience (VIBE) in May 2022 at the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as in an edition of our Invention Catalog, which circulated to companies registered in the InventHelp Data Bank.   Finally, her invention information was made available in our Virtual Tradeshow, which is a secure, electronic showcase of our clients’ ideas and is made available at a tradeshow on an iPad or similar device.  Confirmation of these services was sent to her upon completion for her records.
  
  The complainant’s claim that her services, specifically VIBE at the Licensing Expo, were not provided is simply untrue.  In fact, we received four responses from companies as a result of VIBE, one of which requested additional information about her invention.  
  
  Additionally, our records indicate the complainant stopped paying for the services over two years ago and is in arrears over $9,000.  At this time, we encourage the complainant to make arrangements to pay for the services which she received.
  
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp

  Customer response

  02/27/2023

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.
  
   
  Regards,
  ***** **********

• Initial Complaint

  10/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  As you will see detailed through this letter, and attached items, on August 6, 2022, I spoke with Micheal H******** seeking assistance to patent an idea. Through many conversations (verbal and written) Mr. H******** stated that Invent Help would be the ones patenting my idea, as they had a team of patent lawyers with experience doing the research and patenting. He even went as far as to explain that I would be working one-on-one with the lawyer assigned to me on a personal level. It was made concrete to me that the patent lawyer would assist me with patenting my product, and then I would have the separate option of producing my product with Invent Help if I chose to. Michael H******** then informed me to begin this process I needed to pay the sign up fee of $875.00 USD. I paid this amount on August 6, 2022. From there, I submitted detailed information to patent my idea. In return I was mailed information on other patents and a package stating the opposite from what I was told.I contacted Mr. H******** on October 13, 2022 and spoke with him about this package. Michael then gave me a different explanation of how Invent Help handled patent ideas: They were NOT patent lawyers, did not provide patent lawyers and Would NOT patent my idea nor connect me with a patent lawyer without me consenting to a $14,000.00 USD payment for soliciting services to even speak with a patent lawyer, via Invent Help. It was then that I told Mr. H******** I was no longer interested in Invent Helps services, now understanding that I was fed a bait and switch scam–as it was my firm understanding through our conversations that the $875.00 USD payment was to secure the start of a patent with their patent contracted lawyers before considering the $14,000.00 USD production plan; and, that I would like to be reimbursed my payment. To respect the space allowed here, the rest of this letter is attached to this complaint.

  Customer response

  10/26/2022

  
  Good Morning,
  
  Below is the forward of an email I received from Invent Help's Compliance Manager, Maura R******, detailing a solution to resolve my complaint. Invent Help has agreed to refund me the full amount of $875.00 USD if I I retract my complaint against them. 
  
  Trusting that this is a fair solution, I am requesting for my complaint #******** against Invent Help to be removed.
  
  Thank you for your outstanding work helping me to resolve this issue. 
  
  Sincerely,
  ****** ****** 
  
  
  
  ----- Forwarded Message -----
  From: InventHelp Client Services <**************@**********.com>
  To: ****** ****** <*******@*****.com>
  Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 03:24:09 PM EDT
  Subject: RE: _ File #****** Urgent
  
  Good Afternoon ******,
  
   
  
  Per our conversation today (and your voice mail message), I wanted to confirm that InventHelp will agree to cancel your Basic Information Package Services and issue you a refund for the money you paid for this service, after receiving confirmation from the Better Business Bureau that your complaint has been retracted against InventHelp.
  
   
  
  Thank you for your cooperation in resolving this matter.  If you should have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at 412-288-1300 ext. 2317.
  
   
  
  Sincerely,
  
   
  
  Maura R******
  
  Compliance Manager
  
  InventHelp®
  
  412-288-1300 ext. 2317
  
  1-800-591-1891 ext. 2317
  
  mr******@inventhelp.com
  
   
  
  cid:image001.jpg@01D15F30.D0DD0670

  Business response

  11/03/2022

  We are writing to update you on the status of the above referenced complaint.
  
  We reached out to this complainant and have reached an amicable resolution.  At this time we consider this complaint to be closed.
  
  Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  

  Customer response

  11/09/2022

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me. 

  Hello ********,
  
  I tried to respond to the BBB message but it’s not letting me. So I’m emailing you to let you know that Invent Help has returned the money I paid them. I expressed to them that I recommend they have a talk with their agent about his misrepresentation of the package they are offering people. 

  
  I thank you for all your help!! I know they would not have refunded me if it were not for the help of the BBB. 
  
  ****** ****** 
  

• Initial Complaint

  09/20/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was enticed by the idea of using Inventhelp to bring my invention idea to life. Fadi from inventhelp talked about the invention process and explained how I could work with them and pay around $1400 to get my invention idea going once I paid the initial fee of around $900 for them to check with a patent attorney and verify it was an original idea. Once I paid that initial investment the real pressure began. Fadi explained that the packages were not $1400 but started at $14000 and that was the basic package. He told me several times there were cheaper options but never gave specifics. Now he explains today that they all require a down payment and then could have payment plans. That was never explained from the beginning. I was told I could make payments, and was never told I had to pay a down payment. I would like a refund for my initial investment to the company since they lied to me from the beginning and made it seem like there would be options to pay in payments and much less than they now tell me I must pay.

  Business response

  09/28/2022

  
  This complainant contracted with our company in July, 2022 for the preparation of a Basic Information Package Report (BIP) as well as a Preliminary Patentability Search & Opinion (PPSO) report.  The BIP report 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 an independent patent attorney with whom we refer our clients’ patent work.   Upon completion, this complainant received copies of his BIP report and Preliminary Patentability Search and Opinion Report.
  
  We provide every prospective client with a copy of our service & fees brochure, which clearly outlines all of our services and the cost associated with our services.  Our contracts and disclosures, which this complainant signed, as well as our company literature make it very clear that we offer invention submission services in two stages.  We have no reason to believe that the complainant was not informed of this fact. 
  
  Additionally, we do not give patent advice and we rely on the opinion of the independent patent attorney’s with whom we refer our clients to give their professional opinion.  Any activity and/or questions surrounding the patent or the process should be directed to the patent attorney.     
  
  Our company upheld our contractual obligations and provided the service for which the complainant contracted.   We would encourage him to contact us if he would like to discuss his concerns further.
  
  Sincerely,
  Maura R******
  Compliance Manager
  InventHelp
  

  Customer response

  09/28/2022

  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have determined that this does not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below. 

  I was given the packet with the pricing but was additionally misinformed by Fadi verbally that there were less expensive options for me to proceed with step 2 of their process. When it came to actually being provided with this less expensive option I was then told I could pay in payments the least expensive package. That is not the same as a less expensive option. I feel I was lied to in order to get me to complete the first phase. 

   

  
  
  Regards,
  ******* *****

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩