Patent Questions
Most inventors and founders come to us with the same handful of questions. What does a patent actually protect? How much will this cost? Should I file before I talk to investors? We put straight answers in one place so you can get oriented before you ever pick up the phone.
Every answer here was written by Eric Karich, a registered patent attorney serving inventors, startups, and product companies. Learn more about Eric
Getting Started
Patent basics
What a patent is, what it protects, how long it lasts, and what can and cannot be patented.
Patent searches
Why a search matters and what you can and cannot do on your own.
Software, mechanical, and ecommerce products
Whether your specific kind of invention qualifies.
Provisional, utility, and design patents
The differences between each type and when to use which.
The patent process
Step-by-step from idea to issued patent, including timelines, examination, and what happens after a rejection.
Not sure where you fit?
A short conversation can save you months of guessing.
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Patent costs
What a patent is, what it protects, how long it lasts, and what can and cannot be patented.
Startups and investors
When to file, whether to file before pitching, and how investors view patents.