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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

Hey, I’m JD Houvener, patent attorney and founder of Bold Patents. I’ve spent over 11 years helping inventors secure patents—over 500 so far. I also wrote Bold Ideas: The Inventor’s Guide to Patents, which you can grab on Amazon or download for free below.

Now, let’s get into why timing matters when filing a patent.

Someone Else Can Beat You to It

The biggest risk? Waiting too long. A lot of inventors spend years tweaking and perfecting their ideas, only to see someone else patent it first. I hear this all the time:

“I had that idea years ago! Now it’s sitting on a store shelf, and I missed my chance.”

That’s because the U.S. runs on a first-to-file system. It doesn’t matter if you thought of it first. The first person to file gets the rights.

Public Disclosure Can Cost You Everything

Another mistake? Revealing your invention too soon. If you:

  • Sell it
  • Offer it for sale
  • Post it online
  • Show it at a trade show

…and more than a year passes, you might lose your patent rights completely. This 12-month grace period is strict. If you miss it, your patent could be challenged or invalidated. Even if you try to enforce it later, it won’t hold up.

Why These Rules Exist

Patent law isn’t just about protecting inventors. It’s about driving innovation. The system rewards those who take action and share their ideas. In return, the government offers up to 20 years of exclusive rights—but only if you file on time.

Don’t Wait—Take Action

If you have an invention, don’t sit on it. File your patent before it’s too late.

Need guidance? Reach out to Bold Patents. We’ll walk you through the process and help you protect your idea. I’m JD Houvener. Go big. Go bold.

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/