Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Frisbee Naming

On page 126 of The Independent Inventor's Handbook there is a "case study" discussing the naming of the Frisbee. Did you know that the inventor of the Frisbee, Fred Morrison, originally named the product the "Pluto Platter"? (And before that, "Rotary Fingernail Clipper" & "Flyin-Saucer")

Apparently, Morrison thought this would help capitalize on the UFO and flying saucer craze. Then in 1957 Wham-O acquired the marketing rights and changed the name to Frisbee. While the product languished under the name "Pluto Platter," it really took off when named Frisbee, going on to sell hundreds of millions of units. The inventor was skeptical of the name change, but the results are what they are.

Inventors are talented, creative people, but they simply cannot do everything, and this one tale explains the power of marketing and how obtaining assistance from qualified people can and does significantly help.

Paperback: 242 pages; Price: $9.24

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