Partnering
Sweat Equity: How to Value the Inventor’s Contribution in a Partnership Deal
Inventors often contribute years of unpaid work before a partner arrives. Learn the main methods for valuing that sweat equity, what to document, how…
Patent Policy
The Super Economy: How Patent Policy Shapes National Economic Growth
Innovation drives long-run prosperity, and patent policy decides who gets to innovate. Our perspective on the Super Economy concept, small inventors, concentration and a…
Commercialization
Why Most Patents Fail Commercially, and How Inventors Can Beat the Odds
Commonly cited estimates suggest only a small percentage of patents ever earn meaningful money. Here are the main reasons patents fail commercially and practical…
Commercialization
From Idea to Prototype: How Inventors Turn a Concept into Something Partners Can Believe In
Ideas are cheap until they are developed. This guide walks inventors through proof-of-concept, works-like and looks-like prototypes, testing, costs, documentation, and how a prototype…
IP Protection
IP Piracy and Infringement: How Small Companies Can Defend Their Innovations
Patents and trademarks are only as strong as your ability to defend them. A practical guide to monitoring, evidence, enforcement options and strategic partnering…
IP Protection
Protecting Your Idea Before the Patent: NDAs, Trade Secrets, Provisionals and Safe Disclosure
Before a patent issues, your invention is at its most vulnerable. Learn how NDAs, trade secrets, dated records, provisional applications and controlled disclosure work…
Patent Policy
PTAB and Independent Inventors: How the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Works and How to Defend Your Patent
A plain-English guide to the Patent Trial and Appeal Board: how IPR and PGR challenges work, why inventor advocates worry about them, and the…
Commercialization
Air Lubrication Under Ship Hulls: Lessons in Maritime Innovation and Partnering
Injecting air beneath a hull to reduce friction is one of the most intriguing ideas in ship efficiency. Here is how it works, why…
Partnering
Licensing vs. Joint Venture vs. Assignment: Choosing the Right Deal Structure for Your Invention
Exclusive or non-exclusive license, a joint venture, or an outright sale? A plain-English comparison of the three main deal structures and how each fits…
Patent Policy
The America Invents Act and Independent Inventors: What Changed and What It Means for You
The 2011 America Invents Act reshaped US patent law. Here is what changed, why many independent inventors objected, what supporters argue, and what it…