How Cell Phone Seat Survived Counterfeits

What does it take to turn a simple car cupholder idea into a multi-million dollar invention—while fending off a tidal wave of copycats? In this high-energy episode of the Bold Inventor Show, JD Houvener and co-host Matt Kulseth sit down with the tenacious and innovative Scott McIntosh, founder of the Cell Phone Seat, to dive into his wild entrepreneurial journey.

Scott shares how a messy car moment sparked the idea for a sleek phone holder that fits snugly into a cupholder—without sacrificing beverage space. But the story only starts there. 🚗📱

🛑 He faced a failed Kickstarter
 🎯 Turned a caffeine-fueled brainstorm into real traction
 🧠 Bootstrapped 3D prototyping with a college student
 💡 Discovered TikTok virality (50M+ views!)
 🛍️ Sold over $2M in product
 ⚖️ Battled waves of counterfeits across Amazon, eBay & AliExpress
 🧱 Built IP defenses with utility & design patents

From tooling in China to getting shut out of his own listings, Scott gives a masterclass in what real IP enforcement looks like on the modern battlefield. He also opens up about the emotional toll, the wins, and why he’s still pushing forward.

You’ll also learn key takeaways on:

✅ Design vs. Utility Patents (and which saved his business)
 ✅ How to use Amazon Brand Registry to fight knockoffs
 ✅ Tips for handling takedowns on TikTok, eBay, and Alibaba
 ✅ The truth about counterfeits and global IP law
 ✅ Why building a brand still matters—especially when tech is copied

Whether you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, Amazon seller, or just fascinated by how products are built and protected, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in and get inspired by Scott’s resilience, bold thinking, and practical advice on how to fight back and win in the real world.

#GoBigGoBold

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DISCLAIMER
Everything discussed on this podcast is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice.