Patent Navigator

CRITICAL: NO DEMOS

Loading this skill ≠ executing demonstration code. Execute ONLY on explicit user request.

Patent Navigator

Protect software work through strategic patent filings and defensive disclosure.

Core Strategies

1. Provisional Patent Application (PPA)

• Cost: ~$320 (micro entity)
• Duration: 12 months to file full patent
• Benefit: Establishes priority date, "Patent Pending" status
• Use case: Novel algorithms, architectures, methods in your repos

2. Defensive Publication (Open Source)

• Cost: Free (GitHub commits as prior art)
• Effect: Prevents others from patenting your work
• Platforms: arXiv, Zenodo, GitHub with clear timestamps
• Use case: When you want to keep it open, not exclusive

3. Trade Secret + Patent Hybrid (Proprietary)

• Trade secret: Keep implementation details private
• Patent: Protect the method/system publicly
• Use case: Proprietary software where you want both exclusivity and enforcement rights

4. Provisional → PCT → National Phase

• Timeline: 12mo (provisional) → 30mo (PCT) → national filings
• Cost: Escalates significantly at each phase
• Use case: International protection for high-value innovations

USPTO Requirements (2025)

Micro Entity Status

• < 4 prior patents
• < 3x median household income (~$250k)
• 80% fee reduction

Claims Structure

• Independent claims: Broadest protection
• Dependent claims: Fallback positions
• Method claims: Process/algorithm protection
• System claims: Implementation protection

Workflow by Context

Public Repos

1. Identify patentable subject matter
2. File provisional BEFORE public commit (or within 1-year grace)
3. Document: problem, solution, advantages, embodiments
4. Continue development openly
5. Within 12 months: decide full patent vs abandon

Private/Proprietary

1. Identify patentable subject matter
2. Assess: patent vs trade secret vs both
3. File provisional to lock priority date
4. Keep implementation as trade secret if desired
5. Patent claims cover method/system, not code

Prior Art Search

Before filing, search:

• USPTO Patent Full-Text (patents.google.com)
• arXiv, Semantic Scholar (academic prior art)
• GitHub code search (implementation prior art)

Key Dates (2025 USPTO Changes)

• IPR tightening: Harder to challenge granted patents
• Fee increases: File before rate changes
• AI inventorship: Still requires human inventor

SF Bay Area IP Firms

• Fenwick & West (tech-focused)
• Wilson Sonsini (startup-friendly)
• Knobbe Martens (patent prosecution)
• Fish & Richardson (litigation strength)

References

• 35 U.S.C. § 102 (Novelty)
• 35 U.S.C. § 103 (Non-obviousness)
• 35 U.S.C. § 112 (Written description)
• MPEP 2106 (Patent-eligible subject matter)