United Inventors Association

What United Inventors Association does

The United Inventors Association of America (UIA) is a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization (federal tax ID 43-1582960) that operates as a membership-based support network for independent inventors, makers, and patent holders across the United States. It runs a Maker-tier membership priced at $5 per year (with free membership options also referenced), and its core products and services include an inventor resource library (podcasts, videos, seminars, webinars, documents, and articles covering development, protection, funding, prototyping, and commercialization), UIA TV video content, UIAHUBs industry-specific channels starting with a Toy Hub, a Community Forum, and a Product Evaluation service. The organization is supported by a federation of more than 65 local inventor associations across the U.S. and nearly 100 affiliate inventor associations.

UIA's go-to-market is community-led and event-driven: it partners with major trade shows to operate exclusive inventor exhibitor areas — Inventors Spotlight at the PGA Show (56 booths and 51 inventor pitchers in 2025) and the NEXT Inventors area at the National Hardware Show — and runs award competitions across categories including Pinnacle, Most Innovative, Best Marketing, and Best Pitch. Revenue comes from three streams: low-fee membership subscriptions, tax-deductible donations, and corporate sponsorships, with named partners including EarMark Sourcing, Patterson Thuente IP, Design Edge, IFIA, Florida Inventors Hall of Fame, SCORE, the USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program, and the PGA Show and National Hardware Show organizers. The organization is led by President Carmine Denisco (also Founder of EarMark Sourcing), with Jim Patterson (Patterson Thuente IP) and Matt Nuccio (Design Edge) on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors; it operates as an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff disclosed.

Underlying technology is minimal: UIA runs a WordPress-based website (uiausa.org) delivering content, video, and forum functionality, with social distribution across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and YouTube (UIA TV/UIAToyHub). There is no proprietary software platform, no API, no mobile app, and no disclosed AI/ML capability. The defensible asset is the federated community, the curated trade-show distribution, and the accumulated content library rather than any technology stack.

Name

United Inventors Association

Legal name

United Inventors Association of America

Website

https://uiausa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The United Inventors Association of America is a 501c3 nonprofit membership organization supporting independent U.S. inventors through $5/year memberships, free educational resources, a network of 65+ local inventor associations, and exclusive exhibitor areas at the PGA Show and National Hardware Show.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Inventor Education and Advocacy Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

akta.pro primary industry

Product & Innovation Summits (Roadmap, Launch Readiness, Innovation Days) (THAHAMAG)

Keywords

• Inventor education services
• Nonprofit membership organization
• Inventor networking platform
• Invention commercialization resources
• Trade show exhibitor services

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: UIA offers membership starting at $5 for 1 year (Maker tier). The organization states membership is free in some contexts, suggesting a freemium model where basic membership is free with premium paid tiers.
2. Donations: As a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization, UIA accepts tax-deductible donations from supporters. Their federal tax identification number is 43-1582960.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: UIA receives financial contributions and professional support from corporate sponsors. Sponsorship packages are available for companies looking to support the inventor community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The United Inventors Association is a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization that provides independent inventors with education, resources, and industry access through a $5/year Maker membership tier. Members gain access to a library of free inventor resources (podcasts, videos, seminars, webinars, documents, articles), UIA TV video content, the UIAHUBs industry channels (including Toy Hub), an online community forum, product evaluation services, and the Ambassador Program. The organization also operates trade show exhibitor areas and pitch competitions at the PGA Show and National Hardware Show, and connects members with a network of 65+ local inventor associations nationwide.

Product overview

The United Inventors Association (UIA) is a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization that serves as a membership-based platform providing education, resources, networking, and industry access to the inventing community. The core offering is the UIA Membership ($5/year) which grants access to a comprehensive suite of tools including the Inventor Resources library (podcasts, videos, seminars, webinars, documents, articles), UIA TV video content, UIAHUBs industry channels (including Toy Hub), Community Forum, and Product Evaluation services. The organization facilitates industry networking through trade shows and events (partnered with PGA Show and National Hardware Show), the Local Inventor Associations Network (65+ groups across the US), and the Ambassador Program connecting members with industry professionals. Additional programs include the Inspire Top 100 Awards and Inventors Spotlight Awards recognizing outstanding inventors and innovations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• UIA Membership Annual membership program for independent inventors, makers, patent holders, and entrepreneurs providing access to educational resources, networking opportunities, industry events, and community tools. Membership is offered at $5 per year for the Maker tier with free membership options also referenced.
• Inventor Resources Collection of free inventor resources including podcasts, videos, seminars, webinars, documents, and articles covering inventing and product commercialization processes including developing, protecting, funding, prototyping, and commercializing innovative ideas. Targeted at independent inventors at every stage of the inventing process.
• UIA TV Video platform featuring educational content, seminars, and presentations from industry leaders in innovation and invention for UIA members and the inventor community.
• UIAHUBs (Toy Hub) Industry-specific content channels featuring interviews, trivia, and industry insights, currently including the Toy Hub that focuses on the toy and game industry.
• Community Forum Online forum for UIA members to connect with other inventors, share experiences, and discuss inventing-related topics and the commercialization process.
• Product Evaluation Service providing product evaluation and assessment for UIA inventor members seeking feedback on their innovations.
• Trade Shows & Industry Events Trade shows and industry-specific events offering inventor exhibitor areas, pitch competitions including Pitch the Pros, and networking with industry professionals. Partners include the PGA Show (56 booths, 51 inventors in Pitch the Pros) and the National Hardware Show.
• Local Inventor Associations Network Network of over 65 independent inventor associations across the United States, providing local networking, education, and support for inventors at the regional level.
• Ambassador Program Exclusive program connecting UIA members directly with industry professionals and leaders in innovation who are ready to help inventors toward product success.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 65 local inventor associations nationwide connecting inventors with peer support and collective wisdom
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• EarMark SourcingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduct development and manufacturing company with one of the largest inventor networks. Led by UIA President Carmine Denisco, they support inventors in design, development, marketing, and manufacturing. Works with UIA to help inventors navigate the invention process.
• IFIA (International Federation of Inventors Associations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit global platform supporting inventors through innovation and technology events, knowledge, and international cooperation. Listed as a sponsor of UIA.
• Florida Inventors Hall of FamemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-wide program at University of South Florida dedicated to recognizing pioneering inventors with Florida connections. Supports culture of creativity that fuels innovation and drives economic growth.
• Patterson Thuente IPmajorTechnology or IntegrationIP attorneys helping creative and inventive clients protect and profit from their ideas. Founding partner Jim Patterson serves on UIA Executive Committee and has developed patent pro bono programs across the country.
• Design EdgemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerToy and game development, marketing, manufacturing, inventing and consulting agency. Owner Matt Nuccio serves on UIA Board of Directors and represents designers and inventors in the toy industry.
• SCOREcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNation's largest network of volunteer expert business mentors. SCORE offices are referenced alongside local inventor associations to provide mentoring to inventors through local chapters nationwide.
• USPTO Patent Pro Bono ProgramcoreOthersNationwide network of independently operated regional programs matching volunteer patent professionals with financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses for free patent assistance. Various state-specific programs linked through UIA resources.
• PGA ShowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor golf industry trade show where UIA hosts Inventors Spotlight area with 56 booths and 51 inventors participating in Pitch the Pros competition. Awards given in multiple categories to outstanding golf inventions.
• National Hardware ShowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUIA organizes the NEXT Inventors area at NHS, offering inventors chance to present products and compete for prestigious awards including Best Marketing, Most Innovative, Product Showdown Best Pitch, and Pinnacle.
• Local Inventor Associations (65+)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of independent inventor associations across America including groups in Albany, Phoenix, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Iowa, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New England, Manhattan, Orange County, San Diego, South Carolina, Tampa, and Del Ray Beach. These organizations provide local networking and support.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Kickstarter: Reward-based crowdfunding platform heavily used by independent inventors to launch physical products. Comparable to UIA as a key enabling channel in the independent inventor ecosystem, serving a partially overlapping audience of product creators.
• Indiegogo: Crowdfunding platform widely used by independent inventors to fund prototype and production runs. Comparable to UIA as part of the broader independent-inventor commercialization ecosystem, but focused on capital formation rather than education/community.

Broad incumbents

• The Grommet: Online product discovery platform that launches and promotes independent maker and inventor products. Comparable to UIA in supporting indie inventor exposure to retail audiences, though operating commercially across a wider product category.

Direct peers

• SCORE: Nation's largest network of volunteer expert business mentors offering free mentoring, workshops, and resources to small business owners. Directly comparable to UIA as a US nonprofit volunteer-driven mentorship/education network, and listed as a UIA implementation partner.
• National Inventors Hall of Fame: Nonprofit organization that recognizes pioneering inventors and runs K-12 STEM education programs. Directly comparable to UIA as a US-based nonprofit serving the inventor community through recognition, education, and advocacy.
• Maker Media (Maker Faire): Organization behind Maker Faire and Make: magazine that convenes the maker/inventor community through large-scale events and educational content. Directly comparable to UIA in serving independent makers and inventors with community events and learning resources.
• Inventors Digest: Long-running publication and resource hub covering invention, patenting, and product commercialization for independent inventors. Directly comparable to UIA's content library, educational mission, and inventor-focused audience.
• International Federation of Inventors Associations (IFIA): Global non-profit platform supporting inventors through innovation and technology events, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation. Directly comparable to UIA as a federation of inventor associations, and listed as a UIA sponsor/partner.
• Edison Nation (now Asterino / patent licensing platform): Platform connecting independent inventors with manufacturers and retailers for product licensing and commercialization. Directly comparable to UIA in serving independent inventors seeking pathways to bring products to market, though operating as a commercial rather than nonprofit entity.

Others

• USPTO Patent Pro Bono Program: Federal program matching volunteer patent professionals with under-resourced inventors and small businesses for free patent assistance. Comparable to UIA in providing free inventor services, and explicitly linked through UIA's resource directory.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/uiausa
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/UIATV
• Facebookfacebook.com/uiausa
• Instagraminstagram.com/uia.usa01
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-inventors-association-of-america

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Inventors Association