Cool Tools, a TV show which airs on the DIY Network is preparing a one hour Inventor's Special, in which three inventors will compete for a $10,000 prize.  Their ideal invention is a tool that has applications for the average home do-it-yourselfer and has just been invented or is fairly new to the market or not yet available to the general public yet.  If you know of any inventors who might want to compete, they would love to hear about it.  Potential inventors can go to the show website at http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dctl/. Scroll down to "Cool Tools Inventors Challenge".

Here is the invention submission page.  You don't have to submit a video at this time.  You may submit a written description and picture or illustration of your invention.  http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,DIY_26336_66141,00.html

Note from Ted at Invention Showcase.  According to contest rules, you are not required to give up any rights to your invention to participate.  The way I read it, you can participate in the show and still own 100% of your invention.  And there isn't a "participation fee" so if they like your invention, it's free to be on the show.   Please make sure to read through the contest rules completely before you decide to participate.  You may read the contest rules here.  http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/press/article/0,2019,DIY_22476_5939265,00.html

There is a section of the rules that states DIY retains ownership of “the Submission”. I was told this refers to the videos or photos submitted to the website with your entry.  It does not refer to the invention itself.

They are ideally looking for inventions in the prototype stage, although they would like to hear from anyone with a great idea.

PS, Invention Showcase is not involved in the show.  If you have any question, pls do not sent them to us, instead contact the show's producers via their web site, listed above.

USA Patent & Trademark Office Independent Inventors Resources

USA Patent & Trademark Office, Patent Information Page

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Inventors Digest Magazine - The best magazine for inventors in the world.   Inventors Digest.

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Novice Inventor Information - If you are just starting out, here's a great site with lots of info and resources, from InventorEd.org.