Three fundamental myths about patents frequently result in missed opportunities and lost value for innovators. These simple misconceptions cause real damage to real companies.
Myth #1: I Need to Build it Before I Patent It This false assumption is particularly dangerous. Patent law does not require companies to actually build, implement, or even test their innovations before seeking patent protection. Instead, the law requires only that the inventor describe the invention in enough detail—including a written description and figures—so that others in the same field of technology could build it if they wanted to.
