Got an idea you’re ready to protect? Patent attorney Austin Bonderer (700+ issued U.S. patents) breaks down what’s myth, what’s law, and what actually gives you an edge—from first-to-file realities to why “disclosure kills patents.”

In this candid conversation, Austin explains how patents work in practice: why the U.S. is first-to-file, what “enablement” really means, and why DIY filings often backfire. He unpacks software patent hurdles post-Alice, smart international strategies (hint: control the place of manufacture), the right way to use NDAs, and how prior art searches save time and money. Whether you’re a founder, maker, or small-business innovator, this episode gives you a clear, step-by-step mental model for moving from idea to protected IP—without stepping on legal landmines.

• Patents are federal. ...