Think of something

One of our patent applications has recently been rejected. The patent has been in process for several years and was rejected due to its obviousness in the face of three other patents. We're going back and forth with the examiner on this issue and I don't believe they understand the nature of our invention.

Are patents worth the effort for a startup? The procedure for a patent includes hiring a lawyer, giving them all of your available cash, describing the invention and waiting. After some number of years you will get a response from the patent office.

One alternative to a patent is a trade secret. A trade secret may be a better way to protect your inventions and your IP. To get a trade secret, just invent something and don't tell anyone about it.

Once the patent is out there, your idea is out there. Your competition can analyze your invention and make a device that does the same thing using a slightly different method. Whereas, a trade secret is never in the public domain and will not give your valuable insights to the competition. On the other hand, venture capitalists and marketing types love patents.

I am going to send one more update to the patent office to facilitate their understanding of the invention. If this update fails, it's over.