Welcome, innovators, to a critical lesson that separates successful patent entrepreneurs from those whose patents collect dust. I’m Julie King, and today I’m revealing the terrifying truth that owning a patent does not automatically give you the right to sell your invention.

You see, a patent is a legal shield, a right to exclude, not a sword you can wield freely in the marketplace.

In this episode:

• The Patent Paradox: A Shield, Not a Green Light (0:25)
• The Horror of Overlapping Patents (0:53)
• Example: The Patented Battery Case Nightmare (1:15)
• How to Avoid Accidental Infringement: Your Freedom-to-Operate Checklist (1:50)
• Beyond Legal Clearance: The Manufacturing and Marketing Battlefield (including overseas issues) (3:17)
• The Silent Killer: Market Apathy (4:34)
• The Bottom Line (5:55)

Owning a patent is an achievement, but it's only the first step. Before you invest in manufacturing, invest in a Freedom-to-Operate analysis. Protect your invention from your competitors and protect your business from accidental infringement. Make sure the patent application is likely worth the investment of time and money by doing careful market research.

Want to make sure your invention is market-ready? Consult with a patent attorney to assess the legal landscape before you invest in manufacturing and sales. They can also advise you about how to protect your invention’s secrecy when you work with market research experts, so your work with them doesn’t cause legal headaches.

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 and business, you need to know how to use it.

You don't have to face the darkness alone. To learn more about protecting your creations, your name, your business, and your legacy, you can book a consultation with me at kingpatentlaw.com. I help entrepreneurs across the U.S. make smart, legally sound decisions about their intellectual property. 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, 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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