Last Updated: April 2026 Most advice about using AI to write an invention disclosure tells you to be careful about how much AI you use. That’s the wrong question. You can use AI from the very first minute. Ask it anything. Let it interview you. Let it reorganize what you’ve written. At the end, let it shorten the whole thing down to the most important points. There is … [Read more...]
Initial consultation
The initial consultation is where we learn about the invention, provide basic patent information, spot check common problem areas, and develop a next steps plan.
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Provisional Patent Application: Cheap Alternative?
A provisional utility patent application is one of the most misunderstood tools of the patent system—at least by non-patent practitioners. From the layperson’s perspective, the provisional patent application is usually viewed as a cheap patent application. However, as discussed below, the provisional patent application is not cheap compared to the cost to prepare a … [Read more...]
Check idea with a patent attorney before discarding it
In determining the patentability of a claim which defines the scope of your invention, two major hurdles must be overcome, specifically, the invention must be (1) novel (i.e., new) and (2) non-obviousness. Novelty is fairly easy to establish. Novelty exists if all of the elements of the claimed invention are not disclosed in a single reference. If so, then the claimed … [Read more...]
Can a confidentiality agreement protect me like a patent application?
Good question. The bottom line is that a contract (i.e., confidentiality agreement or non-disclosure agreement) and a patent application protect your interests in different ways. Hence, the recommended course of action is to do both (1) file a patent application, and (2) have the investors and licensees execute a confidentiality agreement to protect yourself. If you don't … [Read more...]
Initial consultation – 7 Core Concepts and 2 Goals
The patent process is extremely complex. I do not recommend taking on the project of preparing a patent application after reading a self-help book such as Patent It Yourself. Whether you prepare the patent application as a DIY project or retain a patent attorney, I recommend going through a formal initial consultation with me. The goals of the initial consultation are: … [Read more...]
Patent process, overall steps and procedures
What is the overall patent process?The patent process for obtaining patent protection involves 1) a patentability opinion, 2) preparation and filing of the patent application, 3) prosecution of the patent application, 4) issuance, abandonment, or appeal of the patent application, and 5) maintenance fees.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbawHgSFgo0Step 1: Patentability … [Read more...]
Entrepreneur | Getting Started with an Initial Consultation
Most inventions begin as a trade secret. A person encounters a problem. While trying to solve the problem, the person formulates a solution. Inventors intuitively understand that they should keep the solution a secret. Although this intuition is correct, other areas of the law are not as intuitive. Proceeding without legal advice from an experienced patent attorney could cost … [Read more...]