Many otherwise smart people believe that they must obtain a patent on their idea to protect their competitive advantage. This is not necessarily true--many entrepreneurs have better things to spend their money on than patent protection. This presentation provides a pragmatic look at patenting and suggests alternatives to traditional methods of IP protection.

1. An IP Strategist’s Perspective on Patents and Patenting Jackie Hutter, MS, JD The Hutter Group LLC IP Business Strategy Decatur, GA Web: www.JackieHutter.com Blog: www.ipAssetMaximizer.com Follow me on Twitter @ipStrategist

2. Agenda (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

3. The Background (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

5. Comparing Patent Attorneys and IP Strategist Roles & Responsibilities Patent Attorney IP Strategist Has law degree? Yes Usually Assesses patentability of invention? Yes Usually Gauges alignment of company business plan with business plan with patent protection? Not typically Yes Drafts, files and prosecutes patent applications? Yes Possibly Counsels re ongoing business relevance of patent matters at all stages of process? Not typically Yes Patent Attorney IP Strategist (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

6. An IP Strategist’s Perspective (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

7. Many Smart People Mistake the Value of Patent Rights (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

8. When NOT to Invest in Patent Protection (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

9. When SHOULD You Get a Patent? (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

10. The Bottom Line (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

11. An IP Strategist’s Perspective (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

12. Unfortunate Realities of the Patent Process (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

13. Other Ways to Protect Your Idea: “The Regulars” (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

14. Other Ways to Protect Your Idea: An IP Strategist’s “Bag of Tricks” (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

15. An IP Strategist’s Perspective (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

16. US Patent Office is in Critical Condition (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

17. Recent Case Law Restricts Patentability (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

18. Bottom Line (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

19. An IP Strategist’s Perspective (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

20. Qualities to Look for in a Patent Attorney (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

21. An IP Strategist’s Perspective (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

22. Tips and Tricks for Getting to “Yes” for Lower Cost (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

23. Tips and Tricks for Getting to “Yes” for Lower Cost (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

24. An IP Strategist’s Perspective (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

25. ADVICE FOR PATENT BUYERS Your invention may be a game changer, but if a patent covering that invention is not in alignment with your current business plan, you are wasting money playing on someone else’s field. (c) 2009 Jackie Hutter

26. Thank You