# S1E06 First to file, secrecy, & fast-tracking patents | Tom Galvani

- Show: [Being an Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer)
- Published: 2020-05-13
- Length: 41m
- Episode: 6
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani

## Summary

Tom Galvani, a patent attorney and founder of Galvani Legal, explains the mechanics of securing intellectual property for physical products, emphasizing the critical importance of secrecy before filing. He details the distinction between utility and design patents, the 'first to file' system, and how provisional applications can buy time for startups. Galvani also outlines the costs, timelines, and enforcement strategies associated with protecting inventions in the US market.

## Chapters

- [0:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=13) Introduction: Tom Galvani and Galvani Legal
- [0:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=57) Tom's transition from engineering student to patent attorney
- [11:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=674) Requirements for patentability: utility, novelty, and non-obviousness
- [16:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=987) Utility vs. design patents and cost estimates
- [22:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=1357) Patent terms, prosecution, and expedited examination fees
- [28:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=1711) Enforcing patents and handling infringement
- [31:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=1888) The 'first to file' system and the strategic use of provisional applications
- [36:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-05-13-s1e06-first-to-file-secrecy-fast-tracking-patents-tom-galvani#t=2175) Maximizing patentability through documentation and secrecy

## Topics

- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

founders before launch, early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Galvani Legal (company)
- Pipeline Design & Engineering (company)
- Shark Tank (other)
- Amazon (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [71: Dirty Your Mindscape](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-10-08-71-dirty-your-mindscape) (Embedded.fm)
- [229: Overview of Patenting for Hardware Startups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-06-07-229-overview-of-patenting-for-hardware-startups) (Product Startup)
- [105: Patenting Physical Consumer Product Inventions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-12-08-105-patenting-physical-consumer-product-inventions) (Product Startup)
- [#046 - When not to start a startup - how to license your idea (Part 2), with Stephen Key of inventRight, USA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-17-046-when-not-to-start-a-startup-how-to-license-your-idea-part-2-with-stephen-key) (The Hardware Entrepreneur)
- [How Medical Device Intellectual Property Protection Varies by Sector](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2022-03-09-how-medical-device-intellectual-property-protection-varies-by-sector) (Global Medical Device Podcast)

## Citing this page

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