Protect the Next Big Thing.
Inventors are dreamers. They need a protector. In 2026, generating patent leads is about finding innovation at the source—universities, accelerators, and R&D labs—and educating founders on the cost of waiting.
View the 20 Strategies
Educating the Market
Most inventors don't know the difference between a Provisional and Non-Provisional patent. Be the educator. Webinars andguides build the trust needed for a $10k+ service.
Startups vs Corporate
Startups need one patent to get funded. Corporations need portfolios to defend territory. Tailor your pitch. "Investor Ready IP" vs "Defensive Moats."
20 Ways to Find Inventors
1. SEO: "How to patent an idea"
The #1 search for first-time inventors. Capture traffic with a comprehensive guide. Offer a free 15-min assessment.
2. University Tech Transfer Offices
Partner with universities. They have tons of research that needs patenting. Become outside counsel.
3. Startup Incubators / Accelerators
Offer "Office Hours" at Y Combinator or local incubators. Give free advice to get the paid filing work later.
4. Crowdfunding Watch
Monitor Kickstarter/Indiegogo launches. If they are launching a physical product, they need IP protection fast. Pitch them.
5. Amazon Sellers
Target FBA sellers who are launching private label brands. They need trademarks and design patents to stop copycats.
6. Content: "Provisional Patent Template"
Offer a low-cost or free template. It's a lead magnet. " DIY is risky, hire us to review it."
7. Makerspaces
Sponsor local makerspaces. Put your card near the 3D printers. That's where the prototypes are being made.
8. LinkedIn: R&D Managers
Connect with CTOs and Heads of R&D at mid-sized manufacturing companies. They outsource patent work.
9. Google Ads: "Patent Attorney Near Me"
High intent. Expensive but necessary for local visibility.
10. "Patent Search" Service
Offer a fixed-price patentability search ($500-$1000). It's the gateway drug to the full $10k filing.
11. YouTube: "Shark Tank" Analysis
Analyze products on Shark Tank from an IP perspective. "Did they have a patent?" Entertaining and educational.
12. Trade Shows (CES)
Walk the floor at CES. Talk to exhibitors. "Is this protected?" Hand out your card.
13. Referrals from Corporate Lawyers
General corporate lawyers don't do patents. Build referral networks with them.
14. "Office Action" Response Niche
Target people who tried to file themselves and got rejected by the USPTO. "We can save your patent."
15. Guest Lectures at Engineering Schools
Teach a class on IP 101. The students are future engineers and founders.
16. Foreign Filing Partners
Partner with EU/Asia firms. When their clients need a US patent, they refer to you (and vice versa).
17. Podcast for Inventors
Interview successful inventors. Ask about their IP journey. Attracts an audience of aspiring inventors.
18. Comparison "Utility vs Design"
Write content explaining the difference. Capture long-tail search traffic.
19. "IP Audits" for Exits
Target companies looking to be acquired. Pitch an audit to ensure their IP house is in order to maximize valuation.
20. Guarantee: "Flat Fee Filing"
Removing billing uncertainty. "We file for $X flat." Appeals to budget-constrained startups.
The IP Stack
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