Ideas. We all have them. Some are better, some are worse, but the good ones we tell others. What are the chances they completely and correctly understand our idea? Well, it depends. “Let’s go for pizza” is quite straightforward, but even then, they may have questions – “When?”, “Where?”, or “Are you OK with pineapple?”
More elaborate ideas would naturally raise more substantial questions. “Why?”, “How?”, “Are you sure it would work?”, you know.
Now, what if you have a very elaborate idea, you have only one chance to explain it such that there are no questions asked, you must explain it only in writing, and you do not know in advance who will read it? Sounds like another “Mission Impossible” sequel, but it’s what I do for a living.
Earlier this week I had an introductory meeting with one of my clients and one of the Patent Attorneys I work with. After my client described the IDEA, I explained what the INVENTION is, and how it should be defined and protected. The Patent Attorney thanked me for being a “translator” because otherwise it would not be clear what was actually invented. From there – it’s easier to protect, and get the ip funded by angels.
It’s like using Google Translate. You know that your text goes in, you see a text goes out, but unless you speak both languages fluently you can’t be sure the translation is accurate.
Conclusion: Why inventors need someone to translate their idea into a patentable invention
- Explaining a complex idea in writing, with no back-and-forth, is risky.
- Founders often present ideas; patent attorneys need defined inventions.
- A translator who speaks both “inventor” and “IP” ensures nothing gets lost.
If you are an inventor and want to make sure nothing is “lost in translation”, or if you are an investor and need a translation from IP jargon back to layman terms, I speak both languages, so let’s talk.
