Inspired Patent Radio Show #03 - Build an Unbreakable Patent: Pro Secrets for Claims, Drawings, and Bulletproof Applications – Week’s Top IP Strategies Revealed

Kick off the hour with a deep dive into the heart of every patent—the claims. Wayne reveals how claims build the bridge between invention and legal protection, and why their structure makes all the difference for enforceability and business value.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Foundation: Patent claims are the legal core of your protection—if it’s not in the claims, it’s not protected.

• Read Before You File: Always understand and review your claims with your attorney before filing; vague or misaligned claims can weaken your IP shield.

• Backup Strength: Strong patents use multiple claims, creating backup positions that can survive attacks and keep your business covered.

An effective patent isn’t just words—it’s also in the details you draw. Wayne breaks down the right (and wrong) way to use drawings, helping you avoid classic errors that can lead to rejection, invalidation, or lost rights.

Key Takeaways:

• Drawings Must Match Claims: Make sure every claimed invention feature is clearly supported by your drawings—mismatches can kill your patent.

• Stay Simple, Stay Strong: Avoid overload—only include what supports your claims and keep measurements out to prevent narrowing your protection.

• Professional Is Best: Work with a skilled draftsman or let your attorney provide guidance; rough napkin sketches are fine as a start, but final drawings must meet Patent Office standards.

Language matters! This segment exposes how careless wording (“patent profanity”) in your patent file can dramatically reduce the strength and enforceability of your protection, sometimes costing companies millions.

Key Takeaways:

• Cut the Profanity: Avoid terms like “the invention,” “must,” or “critical feature”—they can add unwanted limitations to your claims.

• Clean Every Communication: Watch your language not only in the application but in all written communications with the Patent Office.

• Use a System: Use checklists or software to screen for risky words and ensure nothing harmful slips into your patent documents.

Capping the show, Wayne reveals a trap many inventors (and even some attorneys) fall into: accidentally admitting prior art in your application, making it easier for your patent to be rejected or attacked.

Key Takeaways:

• Say Less about Others: The less you discuss other people’s inventions in your application, the lower your risk of unnecessary rejections.

• Disclose Smart: Use the designated disclosure form to cite prior publications—there’s rarely a need to explain or discuss them in your application.

• Review for Landmines: Always review your patent draft for accidental admissions; focusing on your solution, not the competition, is the safest path.