What should I be doing while the patent for my software is pending?

A year ago I developed a software based idea and have recently patented it. Currently it's at the patent pending stage, but I don't know how to proceed from here. I've researched, but don't know where to go from here. I've hit a wall! Do you have any suggestions?

Tim Berry answered January 18, 2008|

Comment

Sorry, but you shouldn't be waiting for your patent. Build your business. Protect your know-how as best you can, but the patent system is broken, and even when you have that patent you'll still have to protect your intellectual property with legal expenses. Patents don't offer that much protection anymore, not in the real world.

So what to do? Get good legal help, somebody who really knows the area and somebody you can trust, and have them help you build whatever walls are possible--whatever you can do to protect your know-how and all. But in the meantime, build a business.

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Tim Berry

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Tim Berry is the president of Palo Alto Software Inc., based in Eugene, Ore., which produces business planning software. He is also the author of 3 Weeks to Startup and The Plan-As-You-Go Business Plan, published by Entrepreneur Press. Follow him on Twitter: @Timberry