In this episode I go over what provisional patent applications are, the differences between provisional and non-provisional patent applications, the pros and cons of provisional patent applications, and the requirements for provisional patent applications.

What are Provisional Patent Applications and Should I File One? EP008

In this episode I go through the initial step of claim drafting, which is first to identify what your invention actually is.&nbsp; I go through an example of patented multi-bit screwdriver using the "prune and distill" and "problem and solution" methods of identifying the invention. Only after you have first identified the invention should you begin to draft claims and the rest of your invention.

Claim Drafting Part 1 - Identifying Your Invention. EP009

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

Claim Drafting Part 2 - Anatomy of a Device or Apparatus Claim. EP010

In this episode I go through the anatomy of a method claim.&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; 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.

Claim Drafting Part 3 - Anatomy of a Method Claim. EP011

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.&nbsp; 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.

Claim Drafting Part 4 - Independent and Dependent Claims. EP012

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.

Claim Drafting Part 5 - 10 Quick Tips for Claim Drafting

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

Patent Drawings. EP014

In this episode I go through the part of the patent application called "The Detailed Description of the Embodiments."&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; I discuss numerous tips and tricks when writing this section.

The Detailed Description of the Embodiments. EP015

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.

The Brief Description of the Drawings. EP016

In this episode I go through the part of the patent application called "The Background of the Invention."&nbsp; Here you discuss what came before your invention and some of the shortcomings of the current devices.&nbsp; You do not discuss your invention at all in this section. Leave the discussion of your invention to other sections.&nbsp; 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.

Background of the Invention. EP017

Registered patent attorney takes through the process of initial idea to issued patent.

Patenting for Inventors