Patent Attorney and Founder
On this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with seasoned inventor Trisha Garrett, a former IBM innovator turned entrepreneur. From securing multiple patents in enterprise software to launching a unique leadership coaching business centered around neuroplasticity and equine experiences, Trisha’s journey is a powerful reminder: inventors don’t always start as “inventors”, they grow into it.
This conversation is packed with insights for professionals inside large organizations, creatives who don’t see themselves as technical, and entrepreneurs exploring how innovation can evolve into something entirely new.
Blog-Style Transcript
J.D. Houvener:
Hey everybody, welcome to the Bold Inventor Show. I’m your host, J.D. Houvener, here with my co-host Matt Kulseth. Matt, good to have you.
Matt Kulseth:
Good day, J.D. How’s it going?
J.D. Houvener:
Going good, spring break for the kids. We’re out west, surrounded by pine trees. It’s been a mix of family time and moving my mother-in-law in… lots of dump runs and sorting.
Matt Kulseth:
Sounds like a full week. I’ve just been grinding, staying busy as usual.
J.D. Houvener:
That’s the rhythm, right? Interestingly, things slow down a bit around spring break, even in patent law. It tends to mirror what everyday people are doing.
Matt Kulseth:
Yeah, I’ve noticed that too. Fewer new clients this week. But that’s part of working in intellectual property, timelines can be flexible, and clients sometimes delay filings.
J.D. Houvener:
Exactly. And since we focus on federal patents and trademarks, we can offer flat fees and predictable pricing, no hourly surprises.
Trademark Q&A Segment
J.D. Houvener:
Let’s hit a quick question: Do you need a Class 35 trademark if you’re selling your own products online?
Matt Kulseth:
“Need” is a strong word, but if you’re running an online store, you qualify for Class 35. It’s one of my favorite classes because it can be strategic.
For example, if we’re unsure about registering a brand in a specific product category, we might first file under Class 35 for online retail services. Then later, we can build on that registration for product classes.
J.D. Houvener:
Quick primer, what are trademark classes?
Matt Kulseth:
There are 45 classes of goods and services. When you file a trademark, you have to specify where your brand operates, whether that’s apparel, legal services, cosmetics, or online retail. Choosing the right class is key, and working with an attorney helps you avoid gaps or unnecessary filings.
Guest Interview: Trisha Garrett
J.D. Houvener:
Let’s welcome our guest—Trisha Garrett. Thanks for joining us!
Trisha Garrett:
Thanks for having me, I really enjoy the show.
J.D. Houvener:
Tell us about your background. You started at IBM, right?
Trisha Garrett:
Yes, I came in as a technical writer. I saw myself as creative, but not an inventor. I assumed patents were for engineers.
That changed when a mentor encouraged me to try inventing, even in a non-technical role. That shift in mindset was huge.
Matt Kulseth:
So what sparked your first inventions?
Trisha Garrett:
As a technical writer, I was documenting systems and workflows. That gave me visibility into gaps, places where users struggled.
One invention came from seeing how customers had to piece together documentation from multiple products. I developed a system that could automatically gather and organize those materials based on system configuration.
J.D. Houvener:
That’s a great example of innovation coming from observation. What advice would you give someone in a similar role?
Trisha Garrett:
The biggest shift is identity. You have to believe you can be an inventor.
Also, collaboration helps. At IBM, we formed diverse invention teams, writers, designers, engineers, all bringing different perspectives. That made the process less intimidating and more creative.
J.D. Houvener:
You’ve co-invented patents as well. What was that like?
Trisha Garrett:
One example involved accessibility, helping visually impaired users navigate geographic maps.
We created a system that used spatial direction, like degrees and orientation, instead of just step-by-step instructions. It was about helping users understand where things are, not just how to get there.
Matt Kulseth:
That’s fascinating. Do you know if your inventions were used commercially?
Trisha Garrett:
Some were licensed, one to Motorola, which was exciting. It’s rewarding to see your work actually used in the real world.
From Patents to Entrepreneurship
J.D. Houvener:
Now you’re doing something completely different, tell us about your current business.
Trisha Garrett:
I run a coaching practice called The Happy Hippocampus. It combines leadership development and neuroplasticity coaching, often with horses as part of the experience.
Matt Kulseth:
So you’re rewiring how people think, literally?
Trisha Garrett:
Exactly. Neuroplasticity is about reshaping patterns in the brain and nervous system.
If someone feels stuck or hesitant pursuing a goal, we explore those internal signals, not suppress them, but understand and integrate them.
J.D. Houvener:
And the name?
Trisha Garrett:
It’s a play on both the hippocampus (part of the brain tied to memory and emotion) and a mythical seahorse. A little science, a little creativity.
J.D. Houvener:
Love it. And you’ve already secured trademarks for it, well done.
Closing Thoughts
J.D. Houvener:
Trisha, thanks for sharing your journey, from IBM patents to entrepreneurship. Really inspiring.
Matt Kulseth:
Great meeting you. Sounds like you’re doing meaningful work.
Trisha Garrett:
Thank you both, this was a pleasure.
J.D. Houvener:
Thanks everyone for tuning in. We’re live every Wednesday at noon Pacific. Until next time, go big.