The document discusses two main ways to protect ideas: trade secrets and patents. Trade secrets provide unlimited protection but can be lost more easily, while patents provide limited but more secure protection. Patents must be novel, useful, and non-obvious and last for 20 years from filing, and can provide exclusivity in the market as well as revenue from licensing. The document provides details on the patent application process and tips for good patent practices.

1. So you have an idea… Adam L.K. Philipp [email_address]

2. … and it might be worth something Adam L.K. Philipp [email_address]

3. How can you protect an idea? Trade Secret Unlimited time (in theory) Easy to lose Constant vigilance Patent Limited time Hard to challenge Easy to maintain

4. Trade Secrets Generally require a binding agreement… … with nondisclosure language (NDA)… … that nobody wants to sign… … and that nobody ever reads.

5. Losing a Trade Secret Try Googling “RC4 Source Code”

6. Trade Secret Summary Use in limited circumstances Use for manageable periods of time

7. Patents

8. What can be Patented “Anything under the sun made by man.” U.S. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Chakrabarty However, the invention must be: New Useful Not obvious

9. Patents are Exclusive Infringers cannot: Make Use Sell (or offer to sell) Import Last for 20 years from filing date

10. Base Patent (ABCD) Frisbee

11. Improved Patent (ABCD+E) Lighted Rotating Flying Body

12. Why Obtain Patents? A. Exclusivity in the marketplace B. Revenue from licensing C. Access to other IP/markets via cross-licensing D. All of the above

13. Parts of a Patent Application Written description Drawing(s) Claim(s)

14. Provisional Patent Applications No claims needed Not examined “ Option to buy“ a utility application in one year Useful for: Rush filings or when disclosure is imminent When the funds for a full utility application can be better used for something else

15. Patent Coverage Territorial Patents cover only the region/country they are issued in. First to invent in the U.S. Foreign countries: First to file “ Absolute novelty“ International/Regional filing: Less up front costs Potential cost savings with less prosecution in individual countries

16. Good Patent Practices Keep Records: Conception date and details Reduction to practice date and details Diligence until filing patent application Preserve U.S. and foreign filing rights by: Early filing of a U.S. application Maintaining work in confidence until U.S. application is filed Binding nondisclosure agreements

17. Questions? Adam L.K. Philipp [email_address]