Patent
Patent Basics for Startups
Presented by Jane Doe, Registered Patent Attorney
About this webinar
A practical walkthrough of how early-stage companies protect their inventions: what is patentable, provisional vs. non-provisional filings, and how to budget for prosecution.
Lecture
1. What can be patented
Utility, design, and plant patents — and the novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness bar your invention must clear.
2. Provisional vs. non-provisional
How a provisional filing buys you 12 months of 'patent pending' status and why it is a common first step.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a patent last?
A utility patent generally lasts 20 years from the earliest non-provisional filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
Can I patent software?
Often yes, when claimed as a specific technical improvement rather than an abstract idea. The framing of the claims matters a great deal.