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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

Cold brew coffee is everywhere these days, but making it at home? That can feel complicated—until now. Max, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, has created a simple system that works with something most of us already have: a mason jar.

Here’s how it works:
Fill your jar with coffee grounds, add water, and let it steep. That’s it. No gadgets, no tricky steps. The reusable filter takes care of everything, leaving you with smooth, delicious cold brew in 24 hours. Max even made a batch in his hotel room the night before. It’s that easy.

“I like mine on the mild side,” Max explains. But if you prefer stronger coffee, you can simply use more grounds. The system is completely customizable to your taste.

So, why is cold brew such a big deal? Coffee chains like Starbucks and Peet’s have moved to cold brew because people love it—and they’re willing to pay extra. A single cup often costs $2–$3 more than regular iced coffee. With Max’s setup, you can make it yourself for a fraction of the price.

Max’s design is also practical. While other cold brew makers cost $50–$250 and take up counter space, his filter is affordable and fits any wide-mouth mason jar. Plus, it’s easy to find mason jars at most stores if you don’t already have one at home.

Last year, Max’s company brought in $50,000 in sales. This year? They’re on track to hit $100,000. Not bad for a college freshman studying business at Babson. His long-term goal? Get his product into big-box stores like Target or Bed Bath & Beyond. Right now, the filter costs $4 to make, but with more production, that cost could drop to $1.50.

Max also holds a utility patent for his design, which protects its functionality. Competitors can’t just copy it with minor tweaks, giving his product a unique edge.

When asked about competition, Max acknowledges there are other cold brew makers out there. But most of them are bulky and expensive. His system stands out for its simplicity and price, making cold brew accessible to everyone.

Max’s journey is a reminder that great ideas often come from solving everyday problems. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just someone looking to save money, his product offers an easy way to enjoy high-quality cold brew at home.

About the Author
J.D. Houvener is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who has a strong interest in helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. J.D. leverages his technical background in engineering and experience in the aerospace industry to provide businesses with a unique perspective on their patent needs. He works with clients who are serious about investing in their intellectual assets and provides counsel on how to capitalize their patents in the market. If you have any questions regarding this article or patents in general, consider contacting J.D. Houvener at https://boldip.com/contact/