What Every Founder Must Know about Patents

For startups, even software startups, figuring out what is worth patenting is one of the most important moves a founder needs to make. That’s where our guest today comes in. Jeff Schox, Founding Partner and Patent Attorney at Schox Patent Group, is a patent expert who’s helped hundreds of very successful startups navigate this rocky terrain. Jeff joins us to give startup founders a basic primer on everything they need to know about patents – an often misunderstood and overlooked area. Right off the bat, Jeff dispels the three biggest myths about startup patents (1. Software isn't patentable / 2. If we can't enforce the patent, it doesn't have value / 3. The biggest costs of a patent portfolio are the legal fees). And he explains how startups can take a strategic approach to patent filing that safeguards future innovation and fuels future growth. We also discuss: All the key components around patents a founder must knowThe value of filing a provisional patent, especially for startupsWhy determining the valuation of patents is so trickyHow a good patent attorney’s key role is strategic partnerThe strict deadline after which you can never pursue a patent This episode is truly a must-listen as it gives founders valuable knowledge on patents and patent strategies for ensuring long-term success. ---- Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!