Patent Attorney and Founder
Innovation often comes from unexpected places. In this episode of the Bold Inventor Show, J.D. Houvener and Matt Kulseth sit down with Alex Neeb, a materials scientist, inventor, and innovation consultant whose 33-year career has been spent developing products in the absorbent hygiene industry.
From working on diaper technology at Kimberly-Clark to collaborating on patent strategies, trade secrets, and product development across the globe, Alex shares a rare behind-the-scenes look at how innovation happens inside major manufacturing companies. He also discusses patent litigation, the rise of AI-assisted invention, and why protecting intellectual property remains essential for inventors and businesses alike.
Blog-Style Transcript
J.D. Houvener:
Hey everybody, welcome to the Bold Inventor Show. I’m your host, J.D. Houvener, and I’m joined by my co-host, Matt Kulseth.
Matt Kulseth:
Good afternoon, J.D. Great to see you.
J.D. Houvener:
Good to see you too. The Bold Inventor Show is dedicated to inventors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. We discuss patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and all things intellectual property.
Today we’re joined by a special guest, Alex Neeb. Alex likes to joke that he’s spent his entire career in diapers, which, as you’ll soon learn, is actually quite an impressive story.
Before we dive in, Matt, what’s new with you?
Matt Kulseth:
Not too much. Spring is finally here, so I’ve been spending a lot of time outside with my wife, kids, and dog. It’s nice to get outdoors again.
J.D. Houvener:
I know the feeling. I got to play tennis for the first time this year. It was a lot of fun, although my forearm was definitely feeling it afterward.
As always, if you’re joining us live, feel free to submit questions. Remember, we won’t discuss confidential matters in a public forum. For legal advice specific to your situation, schedule a confidential discovery call through our website.
Quick Q&A: Patents, Trademarks, and the USPTO
Matt Kulseth:
We had an interesting question from Reddit about the trademark application process at the USPTO. Specifically, whether professional assistance is worth the cost.
J.D. Houvener:
I’m admittedly biased, but it really comes down to your risk tolerance and business goals.
If you’re investing significant time, money, and energy into building a brand, it makes sense to consult with a trademark attorney. That doesn’t necessarily mean hiring one for everything, but at least getting professional guidance can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Some applicants successfully file trademarks themselves. However, many people benefit from having a professional review the application before submission.
Matt Kulseth:
And I want to give some credit to the USPTO. It remains one of the strongest institutions supporting innovation in the United States.
I recently spoke with an examining attorney who was excited about new technology and productivity improvements being implemented at the agency. It seems like positive changes are happening.
J.D. Houvener:
Absolutely. The USPTO continues to evolve and embrace technology, including AI-assisted tools that help improve efficiency.
Can a Patent Actually Make You Money?
Matt Kulseth:
Another listener asked an important question: How do you actually capitalize on an invention?
J.D. Houvener:
That’s the question every inventor should ask.
Many people assume they need a revolutionary, world-changing invention to obtain a patent. That’s not true. Most patents are improvements on existing technologies.
The key distinction is this:
- Is the invention patentable?
- Is the invention marketable?
Those are completely different questions.
You can obtain a patent and still make zero dollars if there’s no market demand. That’s why inventors should validate the business opportunity early, before investing heavily in intellectual property protection.
Matt Kulseth:
Exactly. A patent protects an invention, but it doesn’t guarantee commercial success.
J.D. Houvener:
The best way to validate an idea is to put it in front of potential customers and see if people are willing to buy it.
Meet Alex Neeb
J.D. Houvener:
Alex, welcome to the Bold Inventor Show. Tell us about your background and how you got into inventing.
Alex:
Thank you for having me.
My career spans about 33 years. I started at Kimberly-Clark after earning a degree in physics. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with that degree, but it turns out physics can be applied to diaper machines and diaper materials.
Later, I earned a degree in materials science and continued working in product development. Over the years, I’ve worked for major manufacturers, smaller converters, and even on medical devices like surgical gowns and drapes.
Essentially, I’ve spent my career working with nonwoven materials, the types of materials found in many disposable products.
J.D. Houvener:
How did patents become part of your journey?
Alex:
At Kimberly-Clark, I joined a collaborative innovation team involving both product scientists and component suppliers.
The goal was to develop new technologies and jointly file patents that could help maintain competitive advantages in the market.
That experience introduced me to the patent process, and I loved it.
I worked with brilliant patent examiners, attorneys, and fellow scientists. At one point, I even considered becoming a patent attorney myself.
The strategic side fascinated me, deciding whether to patent something, keep it as a trade secret, or determine how best to protect innovation.
Trade Secrets vs. Patents
J.D. Houvener:
You mentioned trade secrets. Can you explain how companies decide between pursuing patents and keeping innovations secret?
Alex:
Absolutely.
Take diapers as an example. Much of the technology is hidden inside the product. Consumers never see it.
If a competitor can’t easily discover how you’ve achieved a particular result, keeping it as a trade secret can sometimes be more valuable than obtaining a patent.
A patent requires disclosure. You’re teaching the world how your invention works.
If competitors can design around your claims or if it’s difficult to detect infringement, a patent may have limited value.
Sometimes the smarter strategy is to maintain secrecy and protect the information internally.
J.D. Houvener:
That’s a critical point. If you can’t realistically identify or prove infringement, the patent may provide less practical value.
Alex:
Exactly. Every patent has a cost. Not every patent has value.
Patent Litigation in the Real World
J.D. Houvener:
Have you ever been involved in patent disputes or litigation?
Alex:
Yes.
Early in my career, I participated in testing products from a major competitor after a cease-and-desist situation arose.
My job was to disassemble and analyze products to determine whether they infringed on a patented manufacturing method.
The data ultimately showed infringement.
I’ve also seen companies lose patent disputes and effectively disappear from the market afterward.
The absorbent hygiene products industry is surprisingly litigious because the market is highly competitive and patents can be extremely valuable.
J.D. Houvener:
Did you ever have to testify?
Alex:
Thankfully, no.
I’ve been prepared and coached for potential testimony, but circumstances changed and I never had to take the stand.
Advice for Young Engineers and Inventors
J.D. Houvener:
Many engineers view patent work as an annoying administrative task. What advice would you give them?
Alex:
I understand that perspective.
But here’s the reality: ideas can become property.
That’s a powerful concept.
Companies invest in intellectual property because it protects innovation and creates long-term competitive advantages.
Personally, I enjoyed the teamwork involved in developing patents. I always believed the more inventors who could contribute meaningfully, the better.
Patents document innovation, preserve knowledge, and can create substantial value for a company.
AI and the Future of Innovation
Matt Kulseth:
What advice would you give engineers using AI as part of their invention process?
Alex:
Trust, but verify.
AI can be incredibly useful, but it isn’t perfect.
I’ve reviewed AI-generated analyses and found mistakes. Engineers still need to apply expertise and judgment.
That said, AI is becoming a powerful tool for exploring solutions, analyzing data, and accelerating development.
In many ways, it’s simply extending the scientific method.
J.D. Houvener:
We’re seeing the same thing in the legal industry.
AI tools are helping patent attorneys become more efficient, but professional judgment remains essential. The technology helps us provide better value to clients while allowing attorneys to focus more on strategy and counseling.
Are Compostable Diapers Possible?
Matt Kulseth:
One listener asked whether compostable diapers are possible.
Alex:
The short answer is yes.
The challenge isn’t feasibility, it’s scale.
Creating a compostable diaper that performs well, remains affordable, and can be manufactured efficiently is difficult.
The industry has made progress, especially in Europe, and there are some exciting innovations involving enzymes and sustainable materials.
Honestly, after 33 years, I wish we’d solved this challenge completely by now.
But we’re getting closer.
Matt Kulseth:
So it’s not a technology problem as much as an economics and scalability problem?
Alex:
Exactly.
The materials continue improving, and some perform remarkably well. It just takes time for large-scale adoption.
Final Thoughts
J.D. Houvener:
Alex, thank you for sharing your experience, insights, and stories with us today.
Your perspective as both a scientist and inventor brings a unique understanding of how innovation actually happens inside major organizations.
Alex:
Thank you. I appreciate the opportunity.
Matt Kulseth:
Thanks again, Alex.
J.D. Houvener:
And thank you to everyone who joined us for this episode of the Bold Inventor Show. Until next time, keep innovating and stay bold.