The #1 Mistake That Destroys Patent Rights For Startups

A startup built an amazing product, went viral with customers, and was ready to raise millions from investors. But when they walked into my office in Seattle… I had to tell them they had already forfeited their patent rights—and their entire fundraising strategy collapsed. In this video, I’ll walk you through: ✅ The mistakes this startup made that killed their patents ✅ The difference between public disclosure, public use, and offers for sale ✅ Why U.S. patent rules give a one-year grace period (but most countries don’t) ✅ How filing the wrong type of provisional patent application can still cost you your rights ✅ My favorite low-cost strategy for startups to protect their inventions without breaking the bank Whether you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or startup founder, this story is a cautionary tale you cannot afford to miss. Losing patent rights doesn’t just mean losing IP—it can mean losing investors, market share, and even your company’s future. **** DISCLAIMER: This video is based on a fictional scenario created for educational purposes. It does not describe any real clients, potential clients, or specific companies. Any similarity to actual persons, businesses, or events is purely coincidental.***** Additional Patent Resources: - My best-selling book, Patents Demystified: https://amzn.to/2MX5le9 - The top book on licensing your idea or invention: https://amzn.to/3tDLSib (One Simple Idea by Stephen Key) - When to file a patent application: https://www.dwt.com/blogs/startup-law-blog/2020/08/when-to-file-startup-patent-application - Is software patentable: https://www.dwt.com/blogs/startup-law-blog/2020/11/how-to-patent-software - My appearance on CNBC’s “The Profit” with Marcus Lemonis: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2019/11/08/coco-taps-owner-reviews-their-pending-patent-with-marcus-lemonis.html Gear Used to Make This Video: Panasonic LUMIX GH7 - https://amzn.to/3ZiaYom Neewer 230W Video Light - https://amzn.to/3Zrln18 Godox Softbox - https://amzn.to/3VmxHOU Aputure Amaran RGB Tube Lights - https://amzn.to/49n84mX Shure SM58 Microphone - https://amzn.to/4icAvYN Panasonic LUMIX DMW-XLR2 XLR Mic Adaptor - https://amzn.to/3ZAXULW Shure SM57 Windscreen - https://amzn.to/49hPpsx Neewer LED Panel Light - https://amzn.to/3VZwPNn StudioFX Rim/Back Light - https://amzn.to/3GLSZ1u ***** DISCLAIMER: Information in this video is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. The law can change and the information in this video may be outdated, so you should always consult an attorney regarding your specific issues in view of the current state of the law. ****** #Patents #Startups #Entrepreneurship #IntellectualProperty #Investors #PatentAttorney