# Patent Navigator

> Navigate patent law for protecting software work (open-source and proprietary)

- Skill: `plurigrid/patent-navigator` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add plurigrid/patent-navigator`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/plurigrid/patent-navigator/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- License: MIT
- Author: plurigrid (https://skillmd.com/u/plurigrid)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/plurigrid/patent-navigator

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## 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)