Coming soon · Book Profile
From Invention to Patent Voldman
A practical, end-to-end guide that teaches scientists and engineers how to recognize their own inventiveness, document inventions, draft patents, navigate office actions, and build patent portfolios.
A profile of this book is on the way.
What it’s about
Written by prolific IBM Master Inventor and IEEE Fellow Steven H. Voldman, From Invention to Patent demystifies the entire journey from a creative idea to an issued patent. Drawing on 260+ issued US patents, decades of corporate experience, and international invention courses taught across Asia, Africa, and the US, the book equips technical professionals to overcome the fear of calling themselves inventors, capture and document ideas, perform patent searches, learn the language of 'legalese,' draft utility/design/plant patents and their drawings, write claims, respond to USPTO/EU/German office actions, generate inventions through structured methodologies like CPS sessions and TRIZ, develop corporate IP strategy and incentives, and even serve as an expert witness in litigation. It is uniquely comprehensive in spanning both the early creative invention process and the final formal patent drafting.
The through-line
- Who it’s for
- A scientist or engineer who wants to turn their technical work into protected, valued inventions and patents.
- The problem
- They don't know how to recognize invention, draft a patent, navigate the patent office, or build a portfolio. They feel they aren't 'real' inventors, fear judgment, and believe they lack time to invent.
- The plan
- Recognize the creativity in your everyday work and claim the title 'inventor.'
- Capture and document ideas using notebooks, databases, and dedicated invention time.
- Learn patent language, search engines, structure, drawings, and claims.
- Draft patents and respond to office actions across USPTO/EU/German offices.
- Use CPS sessions and systematic methods (TRIZ/SIT/USIT) to generate many inventions.
- The payoff
- Recognition, awards, and career advancement as a prolific inventor. · A growing personal and corporate patent portfolio with branding, revenue, and freedom of action. · Confidence communicating with patent attorneys and examiners.
See our guide
Additional reading
- Patent Engineering: A Guide to Building a Valuable Patent Portfolio · Donald S. Rimai
The author's previous book, which introduces foundational concepts like 'owning the problem' and conducting clearance searches that are referenced and built upon in this guide.
- Rembrandts in the Attic · Kevin G. Rivette and David Kline
Cited as a key reference for understanding the significant commercial and economic value that a well-structured patent portfolio can have for a company.
- Connections · James Burke
Referenced for its thesis that modern technology arises from combining previously unrelated components, which supports the book's argument about where to find patentable inventions when combining known technologies.
- Basic Drawing Techniques · Greg Albert and Rachel Wolf
Recommended by the authors for readers who need to learn fundamental drawing skills before attempting to create drawings manually with pen and ruler.
- Keys to Drawing · Bert Dodson
Suggested as a resource to develop the basic drawing abilities required for the manual methods described in the book.
- The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain · Betty Edwards
A classic book recommended to help aspiring drawers develop their observational and rendering skills, which are foundational for manual patent drawing.
- Patent It Yourself · David Pressman
This book is presented as a companion to 'Patent It Yourself', which covers the written portion and formal paperwork of the patent application that this book does not.
- Profit From Your Idea: How to Make Smart Licensing Deals · Richard Stim
The book recommends this title for detailed guidance on the invention licensing process, including finding licensees, negotiating terms, and drafting a comprehensive agreement.
- How to Make Patent Drawings · Jack Lo and David Pressman
This companion book is recommended for step-by-step instructions on creating formal patent drawings that meet the USPTO's strict formatting rules.
- Trademark: Legal Care for Your Business & Product Name · Stephen Fishman
Referenced for readers who need more in-depth information on selecting, searching, and registering trademarks to supplement their patent rights.