Enjoy!

Here's a quick summary of the 5 key parts of a patent:

1. The first part (front page) is a "Summary" detailing when the patent was filed, who the inventor is, and what the patent is (an abstract with a drawing).
2. The next section is the "Description". This is like the directions of how to create the invention - it includes enough detail so that someone familiar with the product or technology could reproduce it from the description and the drawings.
3. The third part is known as the "Claims". These are THE most important part of a patent. They state the reasons the patent is new (unique or novel), and they are listed from broadest independent claims to the dependent claims, which reference back to an earlier claim.
4. The forth part is the "Drawings". These are illustrations of the invention, detailing the product or technology features.
5. The last part is the "Search" report, which is provided by the patent office. It contains a list of patents, books, journal articles, conference proceedings, and so on, that have some relationship to the invention. These reports can contain a lot of good information about the patent, market, competitive products and more.

Researching a patent can be a time consuming task (not to mention they can be very technical). Here's a quick shortcut. Start with the independent claims. Because these are the most important parts of the patent, you'll get a quick sense of how strong the patent is and if it's worth doing more research.

If you go the licensing route, make sure you have your IP protected. One option is to apply for a provisional patent. Before presenting your app, get a signed NDA.

When deciding how to license your mobile app, you have a number of options. A geographic mobile app license is a good strategy to expand into other countries. You can license to companies in each market or on a broader basis to one company for several markets.

A second strategy is to license your app to brand marketers or other developers to offset the development and marketing costs. Companies are often looking for a quality app to re-use or re-brand under their own brand. I have a client who used a variation of this "white label" license strategy to launch their new app into the automotive aftermarket industry.

When you're ready to negotiate a deal, keep these important points in mind. Make sure you are clear on exactly what rights the licensee will get. Do some due diligence on the licensee to make sure you can work with them. Before signing any licensing agreement, consult with an IP attorney. They will make sure your agreement is structured to prevent any future problems between you and your licensing partner.

Depending on your app, you could generate more revenue licensing than from app store sales. Licensing lets you control everything from usage terms (e.g., feature-based, time-limited) to operational aspects (e.g., activation and back-end integration). You can use licensing to launch your app or expand into new marketplaces by partnering with other marketers or developers who can take your app to the next level.

Learn about seven no-cost and low-cost strategies to promote your IP licensing opportunity and turn it into money making deals.

Here's a list of  what you'll find out during this licensing e-course:

1. How to use the "Sweetheart Deal" to get your first IP licensing partner
2. How to create Your IP Opportunity "Buzz" using free PR
3. How a big licensing partner could magnify your IP attraction factor
4. How to build your licensing platform using social media
5. Two ways to create an IP demo video that excites potential IP Partners
6. How to let your customers sell your IP licensing opportunity
7. How to make a big impression for a small budget at Trade shows

If you are a Consultant, Coach, Speaker, Author, or Trainer, you can transform your know-how into a "licensable" intellectual property, generate more money and reach thousands of customers you'd never achieve single handed. And that's how businesses go BIG!  

Get more information.

Ask Rand Brenner 

There is apparently a serious movement among chefs to start serving intellectual property claims along with their culinary creations.

There was a recent case of an Australian chef whose cuisine was winning awards Down Under until it was discovered he was copying the dishes right down to the details of presentation from American restaurants.

You may eat the meal, in other words, but the chef still owns it.