Episode Summary In this episode of Own Your Genius, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with attorney Mark Goodman to break down the patent process. From defining what a patent is to explaining the different types of patents and the steps involved in obtaining one, Mark provides a comprehensive guide for inventors and entrepreneurs. They discuss the importance of novelty, how the patent office evaluates applications, and the strategic value of "patent pending" status. Mark also shares insights on how long the process takes, ways to expedite it, and the cost considerations for filing a patent. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Own Your Genius 00:05 – Meet attorney Mark Goodman and today’s topic 00:34 – What is a patent and why does it matter? 02:07 – The balance between broad and narrow patent claims 04:35 – How to determine which type of patent applies to your invention 06:22 – The key criteria for patentability 10:07 – How long does the patent process take? 14:15 – Can you speed up the process? 14:20 – Understanding patent costs and fee structures 16:20 – Do you need a patent attorney, or can you do it yourself? 18:35 – The importance of proper patent claim strategy 19:05 – Why some attorneys believe getting a patent too easily might mean you gave up too much 20:00 – Provisional patents: A cost-effective way to secure "patent pending" status 21:02 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Mark Goodman 23:08 – Mark’s vision for the podcast and engaging with the audience About the Show Own Your Genius with Mark Goodman explores the intersection of innovation and intellectual property law. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, this podcast provides practical insights into patents, trademarks, copyrights, and business law, helping inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the legal landscape of innovation.