Seek a patent attorney who has expertise in your product line.
The entrepreneur should consider a design patent to protect the product design or product look.
Before making an external disclosure of an invention at a conference or to the media, or before setting up a beta site, the entrepreneur should seek legal counsel since this external disclosure may negate a subsequent patent application.
Evaluate competitor patents to gain insight into what they may be developing.
If you think your product infringes on the patent of another firm, seek legal counsel.
Verify that all employment contracts with individuals who may contribute new products have clauses assigning those inventions or new products to the venture.
Be sure to properly mark all products granted a patent. Not having products marked could result in loss or damages in a patent suit.
Consider licensing your patents. This can enhance the investment in a patent by creating new market opportunities and can increase long-term revenue.