The patent attorney's role is more complex than simply writing up an inventor's idea. The attorney must understand the client's business and technology, competitors, and how the invention fits and adds value. The attorney aims to obtain patents that will scare potential infringers and competitors by being both broad enough to be infringed yet narrow enough to be valid. However, patent applications involve uncertainty, and the attorney must generalize the invention while fully disclosing it to obtain protection, though excessive disclosure could harm the client. Money also constrains what can be protected. The attorney's multiple readers must be convinced while disclosure is minimized, requiring the attorney to balance objectives.