Patenting for Inventors

In this episode I go through some tips and tricks for writing the section of the patent application called the "Abstract." I go through a real Abstract example to show how the Abstract fulfills the requirements set forth by the Patent Office.

In this episode I go over how to write the section of the patent application called, "The Summary of the Invention." I go through two of the major approaches and some tips and tricks to get you started.

In this episode I go through the part of the patent application called "The Background of the Invention." Here you discuss what came before your invention and some of the shortcomings of the current devices. You do not discuss your invention at all in this section. Leave the discussion of your invention to other sections. You want to write this section in a way that makes the reader want to read the later sections that describe how you were able to overcome the problems in current devices.

In this episode I go over the section of the patent application called "The Brief Description of the Drawings." It's fairly simple to do, just write a short one sentence blurb and include the figure number, the direction of the view, and what it's a figure of.

In this episode I go through the part of the patent application called "The Detailed Description of the Embodiments." I go over how to write this section to satisfy the written description, enablement and best mode requirements. I go over how to relate you description to your claims section and and how to relate it to the drawings. I discuss numerous tips and tricks when writing this section.

In this episode I go through the requirements for utility patent application drawings.

In this episode I go through ten useful tips for drafting claims. There are lots of things to think about when drafting claims and here's just a taste of some aspects to think about.

In this episode I go through the differences between independent claims and dependent claims and why you should have a mix of broad independent claims and narrower dependent claims in your patent. Dependent claims serve as backups in case your broad independent claim is found invalid and I go through some examples of how these are drafted.

In this episode I go through the anatomy of a method claim. I go through the various types, such as claims for new and non-obvious steps to accomplish a goal, a method of making a product, and product by process claims. I use simple examples such as a hypothetical claim to patent frying an egg and an actual patented method of making guacamole and a product by process claim for guacamole.

In this episode I go through the parts of a device or apparatus claim, which are the preamble, the transition word, and the limitations. I cover some major things to think about when you draft claims, and some pitfalls to avoid.