In the world of invention development and intellectual property protection, navigating the path from a concept to a marketable product can be challenging. Inventors are often faced with decisions about what kinds of professional support they need and which service providers are best suited to help them reach their goals. Two major options that frequently come up are invention assistance firms like InventHelp, and independent patent consultants. Understanding how these two differ is essential for inventors who want to make informed decisions about their invention journey.

At the intersection of these choices stands Robert Susa, the President and Owner of InventHelp. With decades of leadership experience, Susa has steered InventHelp into a role that blends practical inventions support with ethical business practices focused on helping everyday inventors bring their ideas forward responsibly and realistically.

Introduction To Robert Susa And Inventhelp
Robert Susa’s professional journey in the invention industry is rooted in a commitment to fairness, integrity, and empathy. As the leader of InventHelp—one of the longest-standing invention service companies in the United States—Susa has worked to shape a platform that provides structured, supportive services for inventors at early stages of development. His focus has been on creating transparent processes and useful resources that help innovators understand what steps they can take next, rather than making promises of guaranteed outcomes.

Under Susa’s guidance, InventHelp emphasizes helping inventors explore the practical steps in moving ideas toward potential commercialization. This includes connecting inventors with professional resources, providing marketing materials, and offering introductions to patent attorneys—all designed to help creators make educated decisions about their inventions.

What Inventhelp Offers
InventHelp is broadly classified as an invention service company. It is structured to support inventors in ways that go beyond specific patent drafting or legal work. The company provides a range of services that aim to assist with various aspects of the invention development process. Some of the key offerings include:

Idea Submission Services: InventHelp prepares presentations of an inventor’s concept and submits these to companies within its proprietary database of thousands of firms that have expressed interest in reviewing new product ideas.

Patent Referral Services: While not providing legal advice itself, InventHelp connects inventors with independent patent attorneys who can professionally guide them through the patent process, from patentability assessment to application filing.

Prototype and Technical Services: The company facilitates prototype model creation and technical drawings, helping inventors visualize and document their inventions in detailed forms that resonate with potential partners or licensees.

Invention Websites and Marketing Materials: InventHelp also offers services such as customized invention websites, virtual presentations, and marketing collateral to help inventors craft a professional presence for their ideas.

Importantly, InventHelp places an emphasis on educating inventors. Its approach includes informational resources, guidance on next steps, and open communication about what each service can and cannot achieve. The company underscores that helping inventors understand the realities of the invention process is as valuable as providing technical services.

Who Are Independent Patent Consultants?
In contrast to invention service companies like InventHelp, independent patent consultants focus specifically on patent-related expertise and intellectual property strategies. These professionals are often seasoned specialists with deep understanding of patent law, patent searches, and application procedures, though they are distinct from patent attorneys unless they also hold legal credentials.

Independent patent consultants typically provide services such as:

Patent Search and Analysis: Conducting thorough prior art searches to determine whether an invention is novel and patentable.

Patent Application Preparation and Drafting: Helping inventors draft patent applications that meet the technical and legal standards required by patent offices.

Patent Strategy and Portfolio Advice: Offering guidance on how to best protect, manage, and utilize patent rights based on an inventor’s goals and market landscape.

Support During Patent Prosecution: Assisting inventors or their attorneys during communications with patent offices to address questions or objections raised during examination.

Unlike invention service companies, independent patent consultants are concentrated on the legal and strategic dimensions of intellectual property. They help inventors understand the nuances of patent laws and assist in preparing substantive patent documentation that is essential for protecting the innovation at its core.

Core Differences Between Inventhelp And Independent Patent Consultants

When comparing the two options, several clear distinctions emerge:

Service Scope And Focus
InventHelp offers a broad suite of supportive services that touches on submission, presentation, marketing, and connections to legal professionals. Its model is designed for inventors who want structured, all-encompassing support in presenting their idea and exploring opportunities.

Independent patent consultants, by contrast, specialize narrowly in patent strategy and execution. Their focus is on the technical and legal dimensions of securing patents, rather than on the broader invention marketing or submission process.

Legal And Professional Expertise
While InventHelp refers inventors to patent attorneys, it does not itself provide patent drafting or legal services. This is a notable distinction—InventHelp facilitates access, but the detailed legal work must be done by qualified attorneys.

Independent patent consultants may work closely with patent law professionals or hold deep expertise in patent processes, and often assist directly in drafting or strategizing aspects of patent documentation, depending on their credentials.

Objective And Output
InventHelp’s model centers on helping inventors prepare and present their inventions and connect with potential companies that might be interested in licensing or developing the ideas. Its services are oriented toward the front end of invention development and exposure.

Independent patent consultants provide intellectual property protection expertise, with their output typically structured around patents, prosecution strategies, and legal positioning. They are best suited for inventors focused on ensuring robust patent protection from the outset.

Which Path Is Right For You?
Choosing between InventHelp and an independent patent consultant depends on an inventor’s immediate goals:

If you are seeking comprehensive support in showcasing your invention, preparing materials, and identifying avenues for potential partnerships, a service like InventHelp—under the leadership of professionals such as Robert Susa—may provide a structured, empathetic guide through those early steps.

If your priority is securing strong patent protection and strategic intellectual property guidance, engaging with an independent patent consultant or patent attorney is often essential due to their technical focus on legal documentation and patent prosecution.

Inventors should evaluate their specific needs, timeline, and resources when deciding which combination of services and professionals will best help them achieve their long-term goals.