6 Modules. 30 Lessons.
Complete Patent Mastery.

A patent is a deal between you and the government: you disclose your invention publicly, and in return you get a limited monopoly. Understand the constitutional basis (Article I, Section 8), the social contract, and why patents have driven innovation for over 230 years.

Utility patents protect how something works. Design patents protect how it looks. Plant patents protect new plant varieties. Know which type fits your invention — because filing the wrong one wastes time, money, and potentially your rights.

Three gatekeepers stand between you and a patent: novelty (is it new?), non-obviousness (is it inventive enough?), and utility (does it work?). Learn what each means, how the USPTO evaluates them, and why §101 subject matter eligibility has become the most controversial requirement.

A patent is not a trademark. A trademark is not a copyright. And a trade secret is something else entirely. Understand the four pillars of intellectual property, when each applies, and why some inventions are better protected without a patent.

From your first disclosure to your patent's expiration 20 years later — every milestone, deadline, and decision point you'll encounter. A roadmap for the entire journey ahead, including the critical 12-month provisional window.

The foundation of every patent application starts with a clear, complete description of your invention. Learn the structured format used by professional patent departments to capture what your invention is, how it works, and why it matters.

Prior art is anything publicly available before your filing date that is relevant to your invention. Master the databases and search strategies that patent examiners themselves use — so you know what they'll find before they find it.

Patents are written in a unique language that takes practice to decode. Learn to read claims, specifications, and prosecution histories so you can understand exactly what a prior art reference covers — and what it doesn't.

After your search is complete, how do you decide if your invention is worth pursuing? A systematic framework for evaluating patentability, identifying your strongest claims, and making the go/no-go decision.

Proper documentation can make or break your patent case. Learn the legal requirements for inventor notebooks, corroborating evidence, and the documentation habits that protect your rights from day one.

Claims are the legal boundaries of your patent — the fence around your intellectual property. Learn the syntax, structure, and strategy of writing independent claims, dependent claims, and claim sets that give you maximum protection with minimum vulnerability.

The specification is your invention's story, told in the specific way the patent office requires. Title, abstract, background, summary, detailed description, and examples — each section has rules and strategic implications.

Most patents require drawings, and the USPTO has strict formatting requirements. Learn what must be illustrated, the formal requirements for utility and design patent drawings, and how to create professional-quality figures.

A provisional application buys you 12 months of "patent pending" for a fraction of the cost. But it's not a shortcut — a weak provisional can destroy your rights. Understand the strategic tradeoffs and when each makes sense.

When should you file yourself, and when should you hire a patent attorney or agent? A honest assessment of the risks, costs, and situations where professional help pays for itself many times over.

A step-by-step walkthrough of the USPTO's electronic filing system. Entity status (micro, small, large), required forms, fees, and the common mistakes that cause applications to be returned unfiled.

What happens after you file? Your application enters a queue, gets assigned to an examiner in a specific art unit, and undergoes substantive review. Understand the timeline, the examiner's perspective, and what drives their decisions.

Most applications receive at least one rejection. This is normal. Learn to decode each type of rejection (§101, §102, §103, §112), craft persuasive arguments, and amend claims strategically without giving up more scope than necessary.

The most underused tool in patent prosecution. A 20-minute phone call with an examiner can resolve issues that would take months of written arguments. Learn when to request an interview, how to prepare, and what to say.

One application can become many. Continuations, divisionals, and continuations-in-part let you build a portfolio from a single original filing. Understand when and how to use each — and the critical deadlines you cannot miss.

A US patent means nothing in China. If your competitors, manufacturers, or customers are overseas, you need international protection. Understand the business case for international patents and the real costs involved.

The Patent Cooperation Treaty lets you file one international application that preserves your rights in 150+ countries for up to 30 months. Learn the PCT timeline, the international search report, and how to use the system strategically.

The PCT buys you time, but eventually you must enter the national phase in each country where you want protection. Country-by-country requirements, costs, and the strategic decisions that determine where to spend your budget.

The PCT isn't always the best route. For some inventors, direct filing under the Paris Convention's 12-month priority window is faster and cheaper. Understand when to skip PCT and file directly.

International patents are expensive. Translation alone can cost thousands per country. Learn the real cost breakdown, budget planning tools, and strategies for maximizing protection while minimizing spend.

Licensing is the most common way patents generate revenue. Exclusive vs. non-exclusive, royalty structures, field-of-use restrictions, and the negotiation tactics that get inventors fair deals.

If someone infringes your patent, what are your options? Cease-and-desist letters, licensing negotiations, litigation, and the ITC — understand the enforcement landscape and the realistic costs involved.

What is your patent worth? The three approaches to patent valuation (cost, market, income), when each applies, and how to present your IP's value to investors, acquirers, or licensing partners.

Startups need IP strategy from day one. How to prioritize filings on a limited budget, build a portfolio that attracts investment, and avoid the common IP mistakes that sink early-stage companies.

Your patent requires maintenance fees at 3.5, 7.5, and 11.5 years after issuance. Miss one and you lose it. Beyond fees: when to abandon, when to continue, and how to keep your portfolio aligned with your evolving business.