Strengthening patents begins long before the application is filed—it starts with how inventors think about their own creations. Too often, inventors focus only on the version they’ve built, overlooking the alternatives that competitors could exploit. A strong patent strategy requires looking beyond the preferred embodiment to capture variations, modifications, and future iterations. By broadening your…
For many inventors, filing a provisional patent application seems like a simple and affordable first step toward securing their innovations. And when done correctly, it absolutely can be. But there’s another side to the story, one that too few innovators consider before hitting “submit.” A poorly prepared provisional application isn’t just a missed opportunity; it…
In the world of innovation, coming up with a cool invention is exciting. But if your end goal is to build a business or earn money from your ideas, then invention alone isn’t enough. A thoughtful, strategic patent planning approach is crucial for turning creativity into tangible value. Let’s explore what it really means to…
How to Plan Your Business IP Strategy In today’s competitive business environment, intellectual property (IP) is more valuable than ever. Whether you’re launching a startup or managing an established company, your IP assets—patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets—play a crucial role in securing your innovations, increasing revenue, and strengthening your market position. A well-defined business IP…
When applying for a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), one of the biggest frustrations applicants face is receiving an office action—an official letter from the USPTO that outlines problems with the application. Fortunately, there’s a proactive step you can take to significantly reduce this risk: conducting a trademark search. This…
In the world of innovation, protecting your intellectual property is crucial. A well-drafted patent can be the key to securing exclusive rights to your invention and ensuring its commercial success. However, writing a patent application requires careful attention to legal and technical details. In this blog, we break down how to draft a patent in…
Innovation starts with a spark—an idea that could change the game. But before you pitch it to investors or post about it online, you might ask: Can I protect this idea? Or even more directly, Can I patent it? That’s the core question we explore in this guide to Can you patent an idea? The…
Understanding the Fundamental Steps of Implementing Trade Secret Strategies In the realm of intellectual property protection, trade secrets play a pivotal role in safeguarding a company’s proprietary information. In the latest episode of Leveraging Inspiration: The Inspired Patent Podcast, host Wayne Carroll delved into the intricacies of protecting trade secrets with Scott Gibson, an esteemed…
How does copyright infringement occur when it comes to copying content? Understanding Copyright Law: Copyright law protects intellectual property, including words, images, video, music, and more. It is crucial to recognize that copying any part of a copyrighted work, even with modifications or additions, can put you at risk of copyright infringement. Many people mistakenly…
Which Type of Patent is Right for You? Design Patent or Utility Patent? In today’s episode, we explore the differences between design patents and utility patents, their unique benefits and limitations, and how they can be leveraged effectively to protect your intellectual property. Understanding Design Patents and Utility Patents: Design patents safeguard the visual appearance…