Filing a patent application may be one of the smartest decisions a startup can make, but for many founders patents are also a source of headache. The process of filing a patent application can seem technical, expensive, and hard to navigate. I share those concerns. As a patent attorney with a background in engineering and business, I help startups protect their ideas in a way that fits their technology and growth strategy. The clients I work with don’t consider patents as just legal documents, but also business assets.

This guide addresses the key questions startups typically ask me when approaching patents and other intellectual property rights, with a clear and practical perspective on how to do it correctly in today’s tech landscape.

I get asked about 10 times a week how to protect AI-based technologies and products. It’s a tricky question, because patenting software inventions can be very tough in the US (and Europe), as the patent office dislikes providing protection for abstract ideas.

But let’s simplify the question by just looking at what the much-discussed OpenAI has done in this space. To date, OpenAI has 12 granted US patents. We don’t know how many more are pending, likely because those applications are still unpublished. What we can say is that they don’t seem to be pursuing protection outside of the US for their technology.

Looking back, it's great to see the progress we have made. We started the year with just two product developers, and I'm happy to say we've grown into a team of six incredibly talented contributors. Each team member brings unique expertise and perspective to our mission of transforming patent protection through technology.

Happy New Year! As we move into 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the articles and content we published last year. From company updates to practical insights for innovators, here’s a recap of our most-read from the past year.

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), navigating the patent process can be complex and costly. However, avoiding certain common mistakes can significantly improve the chances of obtaining strong, valuable patents that align with business goals. Below, we outline the eight common pitfalls SMEs face patenting - and how you can avoid them.

One of the most powerful tools an innovator or company can have in their arsenal is a patent. As soon as you file your patent application, you are legally entitled to use the “Patent Pending” status, and it provides immediate benefits across various aspects of your business—from customer trust to investor confidence and even competitive positioning.

When you're conducting a patent search, it may be a daunting task, and you may worry about missing relevant earlier documents (“prior art”). The novelty search process involves searching for existing inventions, narrowing down results, and refining your shortlist.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help streamline your approach.

As an inventor or business owner, deciding where to seek patent protection around the world is a crucial step in your intellectual property strategy. Here are five key considerations to help guide your decision-making process.

This is a key question many company founders will consider before investing time and money in pursuing patent protection for their ideas. Here is a list of some considerations for your venture before starting your patenting journey.