Case Study #1
Sports and Leisure
Chin Skins™
Inventor has padded chin guard, sold to many college and professional football and hockey teams. Although a low-dollar specialty item, product is consumable, and allows sports equipment managers to keep chin straps in better condition longer (saving money on equipment repairs). SAI was contacted to do market study, design development, manufacturing sourcing, and supply negotiations. SAI obtained distribution arrangement as well as direct sales to local sports teams.
Result: Product is placed at Professional and College level with sales approximately $50K annually. Product is in need of regional distribution arrangements that would allow for widespread entry into high-school markets. Inventor's personal situation prevents such growth, but client is working with Capture Group to further develop regional distribution or, alternately, product divestiture.
Case Study #2
Home and Garden
Thermal Insulated Windows
Inventor has much experience in window extrusion industry, particularly, in the sales and marketing of equipment for the manufacture of Insulating Glass Units. Inventor drafted a hand-written provisional patent and filed it himself. Thereafter, inventor contacted Attorney Gugliotta to represent him in licensing negotiations with Fortune 50 company. Negotiations resulted in over $250,000 of licensing revenue for inventor. However, one year later, Licensee's in-house attorney was having difficulty obtaining required patent protection. Attorney Gugliotta was again retained to overcome the problems with obtaining strong, broad, and valid intellectual property protection. World-wide patents were thereafter filed, and a eventually a new company, Vertical Ventures V-5, LLC was formed as a joint venture that has generated additional licensing revenue in excess of $250,000. An exit strategy is being positioned for a company buy-out by one or several venture partners. Worldwide markets are available.
Result: On nominal investment (legal only), Inventor has received more than $600,000 to date.
Case Study #3
Health and Beauty Aids
Portable Paper Bibs on a Roll
Inventor is former Mrs. USA and model. After having first child, came up with idea when using paper towels as "bibs". After doing market study, design development, manufacturing sourcing, and supply negotiations, Client achieved an interim level of success with several regional distribution agreement. Finally, obtain placement with Wal-Mart, which volume allowed the manufactured cost to be reduced dramatically and generate $100,000 per month of revenue. Current interest surrounding this company as a Merger/Acquisition target.
Result: After 7 years of development and $50K investment, business has national distribution selling 100K units per month.
Case Study #4
Hardware
Spring-Loaded Paper Towel Holder
Inventor contacted SAI and Attorney Gugliotta to perform legal protection and industry submission search for potential manufacturer. SAI found specialty kitchen stores in California, New Zealand and Australia. Pending distribution with Bed, Bath, and Beyond. This is a premium priced product.
Result: Returned in excess of 10x investment and has generated market channels prepared to accept distribution of other, similarly targeted products.