Thought leadership.

In this episode of Invent Anything, John Cronin breaks down why the traditional invention disclosure process often falls short and how to transform it into an inventor-led, business-grade strategy that drives real ROI. From understanding claims, enablement, and prior art to expanding ideas through inventive thinking tools and business strategy alignment, this episode connects the dots between a simple disclosure and a high-value patent portfolio.

Build the Inventive Muscle Before AI Does 🚀 Is invention rare genius… or a skill you can train? In this episode of Invent Anything, John Cronin shares how creative thinking is a learnable process that drives 10X–100X results. From his journey as IBM’s top inventor to building the IBM Patent Factory, he explains why invention …

By: John Cronin Executive Summary This paper explores the strategic utility and evolving landscape of IP holding companies, emphasizing their critical role in optimizing intellectual property (IP) management. Key takeaways include: Background Intellectual property has evolved from a legal safeguard into a core business asset. Companies increasingly recognize the need for sophisticated mechanisms to manage, …

By: John Cronin Executive Summary Background The intellectual property landscape has always mirrored broader industrial and legal dynamics. Today, we are witnessing a pronounced shift back toward stronger patent rights. This paper examines how regulatory and technological trends, including the rollback of Inter Partes Review and the rise of AI, are reshaping IP value. With …

The value of patents is rising again, fast. In this episode of Invent Anything, John Cronin breaks down why the IP value pendulum has swung back toward stronger patents, and what this dramatic shift means for CEOs, inventors, investors, product leaders, marketers, and legal teams. Over the past decade, Inter Partes Review (IPR) weakened patents …

By: John Cronin Executive Summary AI is transforming the way intellectual property (IP) landscapes are understood and leveraged across sectors. This paper explores the future of AI-powered IP landscapes and the role they play in shaping business strategy, R&D direction, competitor analysis, and investment decisions. Key areas covered include: Background The term “IP landscape” was …

AI is triggering a new IP gold rush, and the entire landscape is shifting. In this episode of Invent Anything, John Cronin breaks down how AI is transforming IP landscapes: from mapping unseen patent white spaces and decoding competitor strategies, to spotting where the next big inventions will emerge. You’ll learn how AI tools can supercharge your IP strategy, the risks of AI-generated patents, and what CEOs, inventors, and IP leaders must do now to stay ahead instead of getting blindsided. If you’re building or protecting innovation in the age of AI, this episode is your new playbook.

By: John Cronin Executive Summary This paper synthesizes expert insights on reducing intellectual property (IP) costs while amplifying value, especially tailored for startups, executives, and investors. Topics include: Background For over 26 years, I have worked with thousands of early-stage companies on intellectual property strategies. Most companies, especially startups, face significant challenges in understanding both …

By: John Cronin Executive Summary This paper outlines nine compelling strategic benefits for executives considering investment in intellectual property (IP) development. Whether you’re leading a funded startup, managing an established firm, advising a board, or planning an exit, IP can significantly elevate your strategic options. Topics covered include: Background Executives often wrestle with how to …

By: John Cronin Executive Summary This paper explores how integrating prototypes and experimental work can significantly elevate the intellectual property (IP) value of inventions, particularly in light of advances in AI and virtual modeling. We begin with a historical perspective, dispel myths around prototyping and patents, and then chart the transformation of prototyping in the …

In this episode of Invent Anything, John Cronin dives deep into the evolving role of prototypes and experimental work in the world of intellectual property. From the early history of patents in the 1790s to today’s AI-driven innovations, John explores how prototypes have shaped, and continue to shape, the value of inventions.

By: John Cronin Executive Summary This paper explores how provisional patent applications, beyond their core role in intellectual property (IP) protection, can serve as strategic assets in business, R&D, and future technology workflows. We cover six primary topics: Background A provisional patent application (PPA) is a U.S. patent filing mechanism created by Congress in 1995 …