Robert Susa

Key Points

• Leadership Role: Robert Susa is the president of InventHelp, a Pittsburgh-based company that assists inventors in patenting and marketing their ideas.
• Allegations of Misconduct: Susa and InventHelp are under investigation for allegedly attempting to suppress critical reviews and adverse news through fraudulent copyright takedown notices, potentially involving impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
• Reputation Issues: InventHelp faces accusations of misleading marketing practices, high-pressure sales tactics, and unfulfilled promises, leading to significant reputational damage.
• Client Dissatisfaction: Numerous negative client testimonials describe experiences of financial loss and feeling misled, with some labeling the company’s services as a “scam.”
• Regulatory Scrutiny: The company has faced investigations by consumer protection agencies regarding its advertising and business practices, though no major legal violations have been confirmed.
• Reputational Management Concerns: Alleged use of unethical tactics to manipulate online search results highlights potential legal and ethical risks.

Overview

Robert Susa serves as the president of InventHelp, a company founded in 1984 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. InventHelp markets itself as a service provider for inventors, offering assistance with patent applications, product marketing, and connecting inventors with potential licensees or manufacturers. The company operates submission centers across the United States and Canada, claiming to help inventors bring their ideas to market. Susa, as a key figure in the organization, oversees its operations and strategic direction, positioning InventHelp as a resource for aspiring inventors seeking to navigate the complex process of product development and commercialization.

Allegations and Concerns

InventHelp and Robert Susa have faced several serious allegations that raise concerns about the company’s business practices:

1. Misleading Marketing Practices: InventHelp has been accused of using aggressive and misleading marketing tactics to attract inventors, promising high success rates that are often unattainable due to the competitive nature of the invention market.
2. Fraudulent DMCA Takedown Notices: is investigating Susa and InventHelp for allegedly submitting improper copyright takedown notices to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google search results. These actions may involve impersonation, fraud, and perjury, constituting potential cybercrimes.
3. High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Reports indicate that InventHelp employs high-pressure sales strategies, encouraging inventors to invest significant sums—often thousands of dollars—with little guarantee of success.
4. Regulatory Scrutiny: The company has been investigated by consumer protection agencies for compliance with advertising and consumer protection laws, though no major legal convictions have been reported.
5. Unfulfilled Promises: Clients have alleged that InventHelp fails to deliver on promises of securing patents or market success, leaving many inventors with substantial financial losses.

Customer Feedback

Customer reviews of InventHelp are polarized, with significant negative feedback overshadowing limited positive experiences:

• Negative Feedback:
  • Many former clients describe feeling misled or exploited. A common complaint is that InventHelp charges high fees (often $10,000–$20,000) for services that yield little to no results. One client stated, “I felt like I was scammed after spending thousands with no real progress on my invention”
  • Another review noted, “They promised to market my idea to big companies, but all I got was a glossy brochure and no real leads” (paraphrased from consumer complaints).
  • The negative sentiment has contributed to a public perception of InventHelp as a company that preys on hopeful inventors.
• Positive Feedback:
  • Some clients report satisfaction with InventHelp’s initial consultation and patent referral services, appreciating the professional presentation and guidance on the patent process. For example, a review mentioned, “The staff was helpful in explaining the patent process, and I felt supported in the early stages” (sourced from limited positive reviews).
  • Positive feedback is sparse and often overshadowed by complaints about high costs and lack of tangible outcomes.

Risk Considerations

• Financial Risks:
  • High Client Costs: InventHelp’s services require significant upfront fees, which may not result in successful commercialization, posing financial risks to clients.
  • Potential Fines or Legal Costs: If allegations of fraudulent DMCA notices are substantiated, InventHelp and Susa could face fines or legal penalties for violations such as perjury or fraud.
• Reputational Risks:
  • Damaged Public Perception: Negative client testimonials and media reports, such as those from WTAE Pittsburgh, associate InventHelp with exploitation, deterring potential clients and undermining trust.
  • Suppression Tactics: Alleged attempts to manipulate search results could further damage credibility if exposed widely, portraying the company as unethical.
• Legal Risks:
  • Ongoing Investigations: The investigation by into fraudulent DMCA notices could lead to legal action if evidence of impersonation or fraud is confirmed.
  • Regulatory Oversight: Continued scrutiny from consumer protection agencies may result in stricter regulations or sanctions if non-compliance is found.

Business Relations and Associations

• Key Partnerships: InventHelp collaborates with patent attorneys and licensing agents to facilitate its services, though specific partners are not publicly detailed in the provided sources.
• Leadership: Robert Susa is the most prominent figure associated with InventHelp, serving as its president and public face. His leadership is central to the company’s operations and its public image.
• Third-Party Involvement: The investigation suggests that InventHelp may work with “rogue, fly-by-night Online Reputation Management agencies” to suppress negative content, though specific agencies are not named
• Industry Connections: InventHelp operates within the invention and patent industry, interacting with manufacturers, trade shows, and licensing firms to promote client inventions, though the effectiveness of these connections is questioned by critics.

Legal and Financial Concerns

• Lawsuits and Regulatory Scrutiny:
  • InventHelp has faced investigations by consumer protection agencies regarding its marketing and business practices, but no major legal convictions have been reported.
  • A 2018 WTAE Pittsburgh report highlighted accusations of InventHelp “scamming thousands of inventors,” though specific lawsuits against Susa personally are not detailed.
• DMCA Allegations:
  • The ongoing investigation by alleges that Susa and InventHelp used fraudulent DMCA takedown notices to remove critical reviews, potentially violating intellectual property laws. These actions could lead to legal consequences if proven.
• Financial Concerns:
  • No public records of bankruptcy or unpaid debts for InventHelp or Susa are mentioned in the sources.
  • However, the high fees charged to clients and the lack of guaranteed outcomes raise concerns about the company’s financial model, which may exploit vulnerable inventors.

Risk Assessment Table

Expert Opinion

Analysis: Robert Susa’s leadership of InventHelp places him at the center of a controversial business model that has drawn significant criticism. While InventHelp offers legitimate services such as patent referrals and marketing assistance, the allegations of misleading marketing, high-pressure sales, and unethical online reputation management practices overshadow its value proposition. The investigation into fraudulent DMCA notices is particularly concerning, as it suggests a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception, potentially violating legal and ethical standards. The company’s reliance on high fees and lack of transparency about success rates further erodes trust, making it a risky choice for inventors.

Pros:

• InventHelp provides a structured process for inventors, including patent referrals and marketing support, which can be valuable for those new to the industry.
• The company has a long-standing presence (since 1984) and a network of submission centers, indicating operational stability.

Cons:

• High fees with low success rates make the service financially risky for clients.
• Negative client feedback and allegations of exploitation damage credibility.
• Alleged use of fraudulent DMCA notices raises serious ethical and legal concerns.

Cautionary Advice: Inventors considering InventHelp’s services should exercise caution. Thoroughly research the company’s track record, seek independent legal advice before signing contracts, and be wary of high-pressure sales tactics. Potential clients should also verify the legitimacy of any marketing promises and consider alternative services with stronger reputations. For those concerned about the DMCA allegations, monitor updates from and consult legal experts if affected by suppressed content.

Key Citations

• WTAE Pittsburgh: “Pittsburgh invention promotion company accused of scamming thousands of inventors.”
• Lumen Database and