What are the top 5 mistakes inventors make with their invention?

Selling early, public use, bad provisionals, non-NDA disclosures, no prior art search—each bars patents under first-to-file rules.

How long is the US patent grace period after sale or use?

Strictly 12 months max, but file first to dodge global traps—don't rely on it.

Can I file a cheap provisional patent myself?

Technically yes, but 70% fail legally—hire a pro or risk zero protection.

©️ IP & Copyright

Five Patent Killers That Doomed Last Year's Hottest AI Gadgets

An AI whiz demos her neural net at TechCrunch Disrupt. Cheers erupt. Patent rights? Gone forever. Here's why thousands of inventors repeat these exact blunders.

theAIcatchup Apr 09, 2026 3 min read

Frustrated inventor crumpling patent rejection letter next to AI prototype and clock ticking down

⚡ Key Takeaways

File before any sale, use, or disclosure—12-month grace is a trap. 𝕏
Provisional apps need full detail; cheap services doom you. 𝕏
Search prior art first; AI space is crowded with overlaps. 𝕏

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#AI inventors #invention patents #patent mistakes #provisional patents

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Originally reported by IPWatchdog

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