What does it mean for an invention to be “obvious,” beyond that you can't get a patent on an invention if it is?

The obviousness issue with patents means your invention has to be a true step forward, not something a professional in your field would figure out easily.

A new guitar pedal that just adds an existing type of reverb in a slightly different way? Probably not patentable. But a pedal that uses a totally new principle to create a sound no one has ever heard before? Now you're talking.

If you’re a special effects artist and invent an improvement on realistic-looking prop body parts by adding something common in the toolkit of special effects artists. That may be considered “obvious.” But if you use a material that’s from, say, the automotive industry that’s kind of a wild idea to use? Groovy!

The law rewards true innovation. Don’t just be obvious. Be original and think of unexpected solutions to problems!

Don't let your creative work or business become a ghost story. Intellectual property is one of the most terrifyingly useful tools you have. If you're a creator or other entrepreneur ready to build a frighteningly powerful brand, you need to know how to use it.

You don't have to face the darkness alone. To learn more about protecting your art, your name, your business, and your legacy, you can book a consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com. I'm an attorney in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, and I serve intellectual property clients nationwide.

If this episode helped you survive the horror of learning about how to protect and manage your intellectual property and business, please like and subscribe!

You can find all of my other frighteningly good content on the King Patent Law website, at "Know Your Rights: Your IP and Business Law Playbook " on all major podcast platforms (video on Spotify, YouTube, Substack, and TikTok only), and at @kingpatentlaw on most social media.

The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or form an attorney-client relationship. You should not act on any information presented here without first seeking the counsel of a licensed attorney for your specific legal needs.

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