Re:Ask YC: Patent before launching startup?
by micks56 on Wednesday June 11, 2008 @07:34PM
(#215455)
A provisional patent, or a patent altogether, puts a stake in the ground to help identify when you invented something.
The actual invention date can be earlier, but a patent is very good proof of the invention date.
Remember this: A patent application must be filed within 1 year of public disclosure of the invention, or you lose the right to patent the invention.
Public disclosure is a pretty low test to meet. Launching your startup will probably pass the test. Disclosing to an employee does not. Disclosing to a contractor may. Be careful here.
Be mindful of the year limit, and keep good notes to prove when you invented something.
The actual invention date can be earlier, but a patent is very good proof of the invention date.
Remember this: A patent application must be filed within 1 year of public disclosure of the invention, or you lose the right to patent the invention.
Public disclosure is a pretty low test to meet. Launching your startup will probably pass the test. Disclosing to an employee does not. Disclosing to a contractor may. Be careful here.
Be mindful of the year limit, and keep good notes to prove when you invented something.