Is InventHelp Legit?
What InventHelp Does
InventHelp is a private company that provides support services to independent inventors and small businesses. Services typically offered include help with prototype development, patent-drawing referrals, marketing materials, educational information about the patenting process, and introductions or referrals to third-party patent professionals or licensing contacts. InventHelp is not a law firm and does not itself provide legal patent prosecution; it positions itself as a commercial invention-promotion and assistance organization.
Official website: https://www.inventhelp.com
Contact info: InventHelp historically lists corporate contact details on its website and maintains offices and representatives in multiple locations. The company is publicly described as headquartered in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. For up-to-date phone numbers, email addresses or office locations, use the “Contact” page on the official website above.
Reviews and Ratings
- Mixed online ratings: public review platforms (Google, Trustpilot, Yelp and similar) show a mixture of positive testimonials and negative reviews—many customers report dissatisfaction while others praise the convenience and production help.
- Consumer complaint sites and business review services have multiple complaints about cost, results and customer service; however the company also lists client success stories and testimonials.
- Independent verification of licensing or commercialization success is limited—promotional success stories are sometimes difficult for a third party to confirm.
- Because reviews are mixed and often anecdotal, prospective clients should weigh both the positive and negative experiences and seek independent references.
Transparency and Registration
- InventHelp is a commercial service provider, not a registered patent attorney or law firm. It generally refers clients to external patent attorneys or agents for legal work; confirm any referral’s credentials (USPTO registration number for patent attorneys/agents).
- The company provides fee-based services. It is important to request clear, written contracts that state deliverables, timelines, itemized costs, and refund or cancellation policies before paying.
- Verify business registration and standing with state business registries and third-party sources such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local consumer protection offices. These sources can show complaint history and company responses.
- Be aware of regulatory context: invention-promotion companies have been the subject of consumer-protection scrutiny historically. Check FTC and state attorney general resources for guidance and any past actions involving invention promoters.
Red Flags or Complaints
- High upfront fees for vague or unverified promises (e.g., guaranteed licensing or commercialization). No legitimate provider can guarantee a license or sales.
- Pressure sales tactics or requests for large payments before providing written scope of work and deliverables.
- Lack of verifiable, independent proof of successful licensing or returns to past clients—testimonials alone aren’t proof.
- Confusion about legal services: if asked for legal advice or filing patents, ensure the person is a registered patent attorney/agent; a company employee or salesperson is not a substitute for licensed counsel.
- Refund or cancellation policies that are unclear or overly restrictive—ask for these in writing.
Conclusion
Is InventHelp “legit”? The company is a real, long-established business that offers invention-promotion and support services. However, legitimacy does not guarantee value or success. Public reviews and consumer complaints are mixed, and the nature of invention promotion means outcomes are uncertain. If you’re considering using InventHelp (or any invention-promotion firm), protect yourself by:
- Requesting a clear written contract with itemized costs and deliverables.
- Verifying credentials of any referred patent attorney/agent through the USPTO and seeking an independent attorney opinion before spending large sums.
- Seeking independent estimates for prototyping and marketing work and asking for verifiable references from past clients.
- Checking current reviews, BBB records, and any consumer-protection actions or press reports.
Careful due diligence will help you decide whether a service like InventHelp fits your goals and budget. If in doubt, consult an independent, registered patent attorney to evaluate your invention and plan next steps.