Shortly after obtaining a patent on two of my inventions, I received correspondence from MMG. Since I had my own list of companies that I intended to approach, I trashed their letters. After 4 years and having already paid my first maintenance fees, I still have not been able to market my devices.in May I received identical letters for each of my two patents. This time I opened them up and sent an email query to Travis Niehues, VP-Product Development at MMG.
Immediately, this guy was all over me with multiple mile-long emails and hardcopy mail-outs including a DVD by Scott Norman, describing their business. I recognized from the DVD that I had not formulated a good business plan and agreed with Normans comments about being able to get your foot in the door to see the right person. I also discovered from those manufacturers with whom I had met, most were more interested in the potential bottom line than the actual merits of my invention.
I had struck out with the major manufacturers but knew there were probably a number of smaller firms that I hadnt yet identified. So, with interest, I filled out MMGs questionnaire and sent it in. Because they invited me to enclose any additional information of interest, I sent them my 67 page, color illustrated product syllabus that included my own market research, product description and applications.in addition, I provided them my product flyers, marketing PowerPoint presentation, and supporting published literature, some of which I had authored.
Coinciding with about the time that Niehues would have received my materials in the mail, I received a bizarre email from him inviting me to call him for a brief conversation to find out what I wanted MMG to do for me. I telephoned MMG 4 times and Niehues was either not in yet or in a meeting. I was forwarded to his answering machine. He had my office and home phone numbers but I never received a return call. I emailed him asking how I might be able contact him and he emailed back, Lets continue to play phone tag.
Admittedly, Im slow but I finally caught on. This was quite a contrast to the hot pursuit from MMG that I had witnessed the week before. I began to suspect that when Niehues saw the materials that I had sent him, he realized that they had nothing to sell me, such as a "media kit", that would exceed what I had already created. Of course, they could say that they looked closer at my invention and decided it was a loser but I dont think they would have had time to digest the information I gave them in the time period that it took Niehues to make his oddball email response.
And even if my invention is a loser, I dont think this is the way you close a contact with a potential customer. After all, there might be more inventions down the road! After researching the multiple complaints about MMG on the internet, I feel my suspicions were confirmed. Fortunately, and unlike so many other poor folks that were duped by this scam of a company, I am only out the cost of the package I mailed them. Too bad. There really is a place for a reputable company that can help inventors market and license their products.
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