1. Identify an invention (It can be your own or one that someone else developed). In two paragraphs, explain why you think that the invention is patentable. Make sure that you explain why the invention is novel, nonobvious, and useful.

2. List several key words that identify the invention. Now go to the U.S. government’s patent Web site at www.uspto.go and search for patents with the same key words as your invention. List all of the patents that have the same key words. Read the claims on those patents. What are other inventors claiming as their inventions? What are they not claiming? Then explain what claims you should be able to get, given what has already been claimed.

3. Evaluate the claims that you think you can get. What will they protect? What inventions will others be able come up with that will get around your patent claims? Evaluate the nature of your patent claims. Are they broad or narrow? Are they enough to protect your product or service against imitation? Why or why not?