Monthly Meeting

Shan Satoglu and Kyle Gruen, representatives of the Applied Research Liaison Office at BCIT, will introduce the Commercialization assistance programs and will address how it's unique structure and focus is designed to foster economic development in BC:

• Commercialization Assistance Program mandate and vision.

• What makes us different:

:: applied research resources can help solve your product development challenges;
:: connections to BCIT and industry expertise;

Brad Madu, Design Consultant will tackle the following questions and more:

• Is it risky to use Chinese (or other offshore) manufacturers?
• How do I get apples to apples quotes on custom work?
• What is the best way to prototype my idea?
• When do I patent?
• Why is there such a difference in tooling quotes?

Mr. Madu works with the Source Design Group Ltd.

Back by popular demand, Susan Ben-Oleil, Barrister & Solicitor; Patent & Trade-mark Agent will continue on the subject of protection for your invention.

Susan will talk about the basic terms used in agreements to license intellectual property and some of the pitfalls to avoid.

Andrew Orr from ActionCOACH Business Coaching will explain the steps to go through to turn your viable product into a successful business.

Andrew is a Licenced/Master Business Coach who has worked with entrepreneurs and owners who have businesses ranging from start-ups to $30M in revenue. The businesses have been in all major sectors, including wholesale, retail, manufacturing, I.T., engineering, construction, electronics, telecommunications, software development and many others.

Susan Ben-Oliel has 20 years of experience as a registered patent and trade-mark agent. Beyond her patent and trade-mark agent work, she focuses her practice on intellectual property and technology law. She has extensive experience assisting companies in all aspects of protecting intangible assets in Canada and internationally.

Andrew Dewberry, founder of Vancouver Tool Corp. in Vancouver, British Columbia, runs his business with his wife, Jayne Seagrave. Mr Dewberry's company specializes in home-renovation products such as the Caulk-Rite, a tool launched in 1996 that allows users to create a perfect bead of caulk.

Come and hear this successfull inventor/entrepreneur talk about marketing out of the country and the kind of opportunities that are available out there.

"In order for an individual to take his/her invention to market, he needs to be both an inventor and somewhat of an entrepreneur. Unfortunately, these are two different types and not all inventors have the attributes of entrepreneurs and vice versa.

Working with inventors lately, I have noticed that once they have invented a product, they seem to believe everybody will fall over themselves rushing to buy their invention. From my experience, I believe only 5% of all inventions actually get to market, unfortunately." Kelvin Chiddick

We cordially invite you, your inventing family and friends to our first meeting of the year on January 27. BCIS is bringing together past and future speakers, business specialists, and members for an evening of networking and around-the-table discussions.

The event is FREE for all attendees. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be available. Please note that this special event will be held from 7:00 to 10:00PM. Doors open at 6:45PM.