Inherently Distinctive Podcast

DIY vs. Pro: The High Stakes of Navigating Patents and Trademarks Alone

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Inherently Distinctive, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with attorney Mark Goodman to explore the risks and challenges of handling patents and trademarks without professional help. They discuss common mistakes entrepreneurs and business owners make when attempting to file on their own, including missing critical deadlines, filing incorrect ownership details, and underestimating the complexity of intellectual property law. Mark shares real-world examples of how DIY filings can lead to costly legal battles and loss of rights. Tune in to learn why investing in a professional from the start can save time, money, and frustration in the long run.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Own Your Genius with Mark Goodman
00:05 – Overview of today's topic: DIY patent and trademark filings vs. hiring a lawyer
00:46 – Why do so many entrepreneurs attempt to file patents and trademarks on their own?
01:53 – The risks of DIY patent filings: Losing rights due to missed deadlines
02:50 – The one-year rule for U.S. patents and how other countries have stricter deadlines
06:04 – Common trademark filing mistakes, including incorrect ownership and improper specimens
07:42 – Why patent writing is complex and requires legal expertise
09:41 – The long-term financial risks of handling intellectual property alone
11:02 – How deadlines and administrative requirements can trip up DIY filers
12:59 – The cost of fixing mistakes vs. doing it right the first time
14:27 – Final thoughts: Let the professionals handle intellectual property matters
About the Show:
Inherently Distinctive is a podcast hosted by attorney Mark Goodman, focusing on intellectual property law, business law, and innovation. Mark breaks down complex legal topics into actionable insights for entrepreneurs, inventors, and business owners looking to protect their ideas.

Trademark 101: What It Is and How It Stands Apart from Patents and Copyrights

Episode Summary
In this episode of Inherently Distinctive, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with attorney Mark Goodman to break down the fundamentals of trademarks. Mark explains what a trademark is, how it differs from patents and copyrights, and why it’s essential for protecting your brand. He also walks through the trademark registration process, eligibility criteria, and common pitfalls to avoid.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to the episode and welcome from Kevin Rosenquist00:05 – Who is Mark Goodman? His legal expertise in intellectual property00:25 – Overview of intellectual property: patents, trademarks, and copyrights00:44 – What is a trademark? How it protects branding02:30 – The Starbucks example: Why trademarks prevent confusion04:30 – How to know if you're eligible for a trademark05:23 – Choosing a strong trademark name and the spectrum from generic to fanciful marks08:42 – Why businesses need to avoid similar or conflicting trademarks09:27 – How to search for existing trademarks12:35 – The trademark registration process and federal vs. state trademarks14:07 – How long trademarks last and how to maintain them15:29 – Do you need a lawyer for trademark registration? Pitfalls to avoid
About the Show
Inherently Distinctive with Mark Goodman is a podcast dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, inventors, and business owners understand intellectual property law. From trademarks to patents and copyrights, Mark breaks down legal concepts in a practical and engaging way. Whether you’re launching a startup or protecting an established brand, this show provides valuable legal insights to help you own and protect your genius.

From Idea to Invention: The Step-by-Step Guide to Securing a Patent

Episode Summary
In this episode of Inherently Distinctive, 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 Inherently Distinctive00:05 – Meet attorney Mark Goodman and today’s topic00:34 – What is a patent and why does it matter?02:07 – The balance between broad and narrow patent claims04:35 – How to determine which type of patent applies to your invention06:22 – The key criteria for patentability10:07 – How long does the patent process take?14:15 – Can you speed up the process?14:20 – Understanding patent costs and fee structures16:20 – Do you need a patent attorney, or can you do it yourself?18:35 – The importance of proper patent claim strategy19:05 – Why some attorneys believe getting a patent too easily might mean you gave up too much20:00 – Provisional patents: A cost-effective way to secure "patent pending" status21:02 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Mark Goodman23:08 – Mark’s vision for the podcast and engaging with the audience
About the Show
Inherently Distinctive 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.