Naming Your Invention

You must communicate your great idea for it to be successful. A good name helps people quickly understand what your invention does. A great name is memorable and not only helps people instantly understand what the invention does, but gives it an identity, a personality.

An easy way to start thinking about names is to use ai. Enter a description of your invention idea and ask for suggestions. Add directives that fit your invention such as “fun,” “reliable,” or “strong”. If you want a name that sounds techie or earthy, specify things like that too. Once you find a name you like, check for its availability as a trademark at USPTO. Note that you can often have the same trademark as someone else if it’s in a different class. If “BUBBLES” is taken by a soap product, it could still be available for a finance app. Also check for a corresponding domain name, ideally a “.com”.

Imagine earning royalties simply for a name. Sounds great. But how do you do that?

You use the name to create a brand that has value. Brand value is built with concepts like “innovation,” “identity,” “perception,” “trust,” “loyalty,” “vibe,” and “reputation.” It takes years of effort and a lot of public exposure (ie = expensive advertising). Can those concepts be applied to a new product idea that has yet to be fully designed, let alone manufactured and marketed? Can those concepts be applied to an invention you want to keep secret? No. Not immediately.

Even so, at the very beginning of your development process you can begin laying a foundation for a brand, a foundation that may enable you to collect royalties or continue selling your product at a premium price, far beyond the life of your patent.

Beyond the name, you can develop other aspects of brand identity: logo, tag line, fonts, colors, sounds, images, etc. The further you develop your invention idea, the easier it will be to license. The work you do helps others understand how they might sell your invention, even if they end up doing it differently.

If you plan to go to market on your own, the more you develop your invention idea - including the brand concept - the better feedback you’ll get and the better you can perfect both its function and marketing.

Listen to feedback along the way but don't let feedback alone dictate the decisions you make. And beware of diminishing returns. Other things matter far more than a decision to use Ariel vs Roboto font for your website.

The Power of Line Extensions

A recognizable brand name provides a springboard for launching new products. If your invention’s name becomes trusted and well-known, it creates a built-in audience for compatible products, upgrades, and complementary innovations. This can make your brand synonymous with a category, paving the way for seamless expansion into related markets.

Real-World Example: Gator-Grip® universal socket

In 1995, we filed the first of several patents for a universal socket that eventually hit the market under the name Gator-Grip®. The product became a hit on TV and found its way to mass retail distribution. The patents on the product expired years ago, but the trademarked name endures, and we still receive royalties from it. Unfortunately, because of a deal we made to secure the trademark, we were unable to build on the brand name. We can only use Gator-Grip® with universal sockets, a limitation that was necessary at the time.

Below are some examples of great brand names. Note that some designate products and product lines while others designate companies

Technology

1. Apple

   • Why It Works: Simple, approachable, and unexpected for a tech company, the name "Apple" symbolizes creativity, accessibility, and innovation. It contrasts sharply with the complex and technical names of its early competitors.

2. Google

   • Why It Works: Derived from "googol" (a massive number), the name reflects the company's mission to organize an immense amount of information. It’s playful, easy to remember, and unique.

3. GoPro

   • Why It Works: This name captures the adventurous spirit of its target audience—people who want to "go professional" in documenting their extreme sports and life moments.

Consumer Products

1. Nike

   • Why It Works: Named after the Greek goddess of victory, the name is sleek, short, and conveys strength, achievement, and speed.

2. Velcro

   • Why It Works: A combination of the French words "velours" (velvet) and "crochet" (hook), the name directly reflects the product’s functionality while being catchy and distinctive.

3. Post-it

   • Why It Works: Simple and descriptive, this name instantly communicates the product’s purpose: small notes that can be posted anywhere.

Food & Beverage

1. Starbucks

   • Why It Works: Inspired by the first mate in Moby Dick, the name evokes a sense of adventure, storytelling, and the coffeehouse experience.

2. Red Bull

   • Why It Works: The name conveys energy, strength, and vitality, aligning perfectly with its brand promise of "giving you wings."

3. Ben & Jerry’s

   • Why It Works: Using the founders’ names makes the brand feel personal, approachable, and authentic—qualities that align with its quirky flavors and socially conscious ethos.

Fashion

1. Patagonia

   • Why It Works: The name evokes rugged, remote landscapes, reflecting the outdoor brand’s adventurous and environmentally conscious values.

2. Lululemon

   • Why It Works: While not directly descriptive, the unique and playful name is memorable and perfectly suits its image as a premium, stylish activewear brand.

Services

1. LinkedIn

   • Why It Works: The name directly conveys the platform’s purpose: linking professionals and building networks.

2. Uber

   • Why It Works: Short, sleek, and international, "Uber" means "super" or "above" in German, reflecting its aim to elevate transportation.

3. Airbnb

   • Why It Works: A combination of “air mattress” and “bed and breakfast,” the name perfectly captures its origins and unique hospitality concept.

Lifestyle

1. SoulCycle

   • Why It Works: Combines "soul" and "cycle" to reflect its dual focus on physical fitness and emotional rejuvenation, appealing to a health-conscious and spiritually minded audience.

2. Fitbit

   • Why It Works: Compact and descriptive, this name reflects the product’s function (fitness tracking) and its lightweight, wearable design.

Miscellaneous

1. Ring

   • Why It Works: Short and memorable, the name reflects both the physical shape of the product (doorbell) and its purpose (alerting you with a ring).

2. Tinder

   • Why It Works: Associated with sparks and flames, the name metaphorically captures the idea of igniting connections and starting relationships.

3. Slack

   • Why It Works: Ironic and attention-grabbing, the name contrasts with the productivity-focused software, emphasizing its goal to make work communication less stressful and more efficient.

Bottom Line

Investing in a strong, memorable name for your invention is more than a marketing move—it’s a strategic asset. A great brand name not only sets the stage for market success but also opens doors for line extensions and compatible products, creating lasting value and potential for ongoing profitability.