Guides
For inventors and patent owners, in plain English.
What to do after your patent is granted, how to show it off and market it, how to read it, and how to avoid the scams that follow a grant. Written by the team at ipCapital Group and checked against USPTO sources.
Gifts for Inventors and Patent Holders, by BudgetHonest gift ideas for inventors and patent holders at every budget: framed patent art, plaques, 3D-printed models, patent films, books and experiences.How to Celebrate a Coworker's First PatentThoughtful ways for managers and teammates to celebrate a coworker's first granted patent: a specific announcement, credit for every co-inventor, gifts and what to avoid.How to Explain Your Patent to Investors and BuyersHow to explain a patent to investors, buyers and licensees: what the claims cover, who owns it, term and fees, the file history, and a one-page summary.How to Explain Your Patent to Non-Technical PeopleA practical method for explaining your patent to family, friends and non-technical colleagues: the problem, the idea, one drawing, an everyday comparison and honest limits.How to Market Your Patent (and Show It Off)How individuals and small companies can market a granted patent: mark products, build a patent page, explain it simply, reach licensees and avoid scams.How to Read Your Own Patent: A Plain-English GuideLearn to read your patent: the front-page codes, claims vs. description, independent vs. dependent claims, figures and reference numerals, and kind codes.Inventor Recognition Program Ideas (That Engineers Actually Value)Practical inventor recognition ideas for IP and HR teams: celebrate at grant, name the person, show the invention, include co-inventors and older patents.Patent Award Ideas: Plaques, Cubes and Films ComparedAn honest comparison of patent awards for employee inventors: plaques, acrylic cubes, framed prints, inventor walls and patent films, with when each works best.Patent Plaque vs. Patent Video: Which Is Right for You?An honest comparison of patent plaques and patent videos: cost, audience, durability, and when a plaque is the better choice. Plus how to combine both.Patent Scams After Grant: How to Spot Misleading BillsHow to spot misleading post-grant solicitations using USPTO, FTC and WIPO guidance: fake fee invoices, imposter calls, private registries and more.What Is a Patent Explainer Video? Quality and CostsWhat a patent explainer video is, what makes a good one (true to the claims, real figures, clear limits) and what it costs from AI tools to agencies.What to Do After Your Patent Is Granted: A ChecklistA post-grant checklist: save your eGrant, docket fees at 3.5, 7.5 and 11.5 years, mark products, spot fake invoices and plan what comes next.What to Do After Your Patent Is Granted: A Checklist for Employee InventorsA checklist for employees named on a newly granted company patent: check the record, know who owns it, claim your award, update your profile and share it safely.