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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

You’ve got an AI-based idea and want to know how to patent it and where to find investors fast. Good question.

First things first: before filing anything, make sure what you’ve got is actually an invention, not just an idea. Can you describe it clearly enough that another person working in AI could build it? If so, great, that’s the first sign you’re on the right track.

Next, ask yourself: Is it new? Does it do something different or in a non-obvious way? That’s what gives an invention patent potential. You’ll want to do some research (or have a patent attorney help you) to see if anything like it already exists. AI is a massive field, so this step takes time, and yes, it can get pricey. But skipping it can cost you more later.

If it looks promising, file a provisional patent application before showing it off to anyone. That locks in your filing date and lets you safely say “patent pending” while you develop and test the idea. Once you refine your product, you can file the non-provisional to secure long-term protection.

As for investors? They’re everywhere, especially around startup hubs and universities. Check out your local Startup Week events, incubators, or even pitch nights in your city. And don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. Pitch early. Fail a few times. You’ll get better with every try.

Once your patent is filed, you can share your idea freely without fear of losing your rights. That’s when the real conversations and opportunities begin.

About the Author
J.D. Houvener is a Registered USPTO Patent Attorney who has a strong interest in helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive. J.D. leverages his technical background in engineering and experience in the aerospace industry to provide businesses with a unique perspective on their patent needs. He works with clients who are serious about investing in their intellectual assets and provides counsel on how to capitalize their patents in the market. If you have any questions regarding this article or patents in general, consider contacting J.D. Houvener at https://boldip.com/contact/