Invention promotion firms entice patent holders with promises of instant success or wealth. Inventors should steer clear of high pressure tactics and instead review the Federal Trade Commission's need-to-know overview of invention promotion companies.

Bob Shaver, a patent attorney in Boise, ID provides useful insight on this subject:

"Almost every day I get a call from a client who has been contacted by an invention promotion company. I tell them that it's probably a scam. 'Oh no, these guys sound legit. They'll pay half of my airplane ticket to talk to them. They think my invention is great and will sell a lot.' Sure they'll pay half your airplane ticket, because they are going to take you for many thousands of dollars....Then I tell my client to ask them the 10 questions that they are required by law to answer, and get their answer in writing...."

Inventors beware! Entrepreneurship isn't easy and don't be fooled by those who claim it so.