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By J.D. Houvener
Patent Attorney and Founder

Who gets patents? Let’s make this simple.

I’m JD Houvener, a patent attorney and founder of Bold Patents. Over the last 10 years, I’ve helped inventors—thousands of them—secure nearly 400 patents. Today, we’ll unpack who patents things and why it matters.

Who patents things?
It’s pretty straightforward: inventors. That’s anyone who creates something new, useful, and not obvious. If that’s you, you’re eligible to apply for a U.S. patent. It doesn’t matter if you live here or abroad—if your invention meets the requirements, you can protect it.

Why file for a patent?
Patents give you control. They stop others from making, using, or selling your invention. Think of it as a safety net for your hard work. Without it, competitors can easily copy what you’ve created.

Who handles patents?
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). They’re the ones who review and issue patents. Their site (uspto.gov) has a lot of helpful resources if you’re just starting out. Check out their Patent Center—it’s a great place to get the basics.

How do you start?
If your idea is unique, here’s the process:

  1. Research: Make sure no one else has patented something similar.
  2. Legal guidance: Talk to a patent attorney. They’ll help you decide what type of patent fits your invention—utility, design, or provisional.
  3. File your application: Whether you’re early in development or ready to launch, you need to act strategically.

When should you patent?
The sooner, the better. If your invention can be reverse-engineered or copied, you’re vulnerable. Protect your idea before it’s too late.

Need a place to start?
Grab our Bold Inventor Kit (link below). It’s a free guide that explains the patent process step by step. You’ll also get our Patent Success Matrix, which helps you plan your next move.

I’m JD Houvener with Bold Patents. Thanks for tuning in, and remember: 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/