Patently Strategic - Patent Strategy for Startups

Top 3 Inventor Mistakes: Disclosure, Search, and Ownership

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Dec 29, 2022

This podcast discusses the top three mistakes made by inventors: disclosing inventions too early, not conducting a proper search, and improper contracting for invention ownership. They also explore the components of a patent and available search tools. Additionally, they cover the importance of targeting patent applications accurately, common drafting mistakes, and the significance of clear ownership and assignment agreements.

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ADVICE

Disclose Fully to Attorneys

Disclose your invention fully to your patent attorney to capture the core inventive elements.
Don't hold back details fearing misuse; attorneys need the complete "guts" of your invention.

ANECDOTE

Rambus Connector Patent Value

Rambus' small patent on a standard connector became their most valuable IP.
This shows the importance of identifying crucial invention components beyond headline features.

ADVICE

Prioritize Patent Quality

Focus on patent quality over quantity to avoid costly prolonged prosecution.
File narrower initial claims, then broaden later to increase allowance chances.

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If there were a guidebook we could hand to inventors on the first day following the conception of their idea, this episode would be it.

When is it safe to talk about or sell your invention? How do you hedge against invalidation and rejection from competitor IP? How do you ensure you actually own your invention?

In this month’s episode, Dr. Ashley Sloat, President and Director of Patent Strategy at Aurora, leads a discussion along with our all star patent panel, exploring the most common patenting missteps taken by inventors and startups. The focus largely centers around three key areas:

1) Publicly disclosing your invention before you have filed a patent application.
2) Not searching to see if your invention or something similar already exists commercially or in publicly available resources.
3) Not carefully contracting with outside vendors and employees to make sure you own your invention.

The group highlights best practices for not making the mistakes in the first place and explores available remedial options should you already be in need of a rescue line.

Ashley is also joined today by our always exceptional group of IP experts including:
⦿ Kristen Hansen, Patent Strategist at Aurora
⦿ Ty Davis, Patent Strategy Associate at Aurora
⦿ David Jackrel, President of Jackrel Consulting

** Aurora is Hiring! **

Join us in the trenches and on this podcast! Aurora is looking for a part-time Biotech Patent Agent to help with patent portfolio management, application drafting, prosecution, and strategy. This is a salaried, fully remote position with a flexible work week and benefits. Work where you want, when you want, with a great team, on engaging subject matter, and even get the opportunity to be heard on this Podcast and featured on IPWatchdog! Learn more and apply at https://www.aurorapatents.com/careers.html.

** Resources **

⦿ Show Notes: https://www.aurorapatents.com/blog/top-3-inventor-mistakes
⦿ Slides: https://www.aurorapatents.com/uploads/9/8/1/1/98119826/topinventormistakes.pdf
⦿ Apply: https://www.aurorapatents.com/careers.html

** Follow Aurora Consulting **

⦿ Home: https://www.aurorapatents.com/
⦿ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuroraPatents
⦿ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurora-cg/
⦿ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aurorapatents/
⦿ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurorapatents/

And as always, thanks for listening!

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Note: The contents of this podcast do not constitute legal advice.

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