28. From Shin Splints to “Shin-credible” | Real-World Patent Strategy for Physical Products

What does it take to turn a gym-floor problem into a protectable product? In this episode of Patent Pending Made Simple, attorney Samar Shah sits down with patent attorney Bobby and young inventor Logan to unpack a real invention aimed at strengthening the tibialis anterior (goodbye, shin splints). Together they walk through the provisional → non-provisional journey, how to think about 101 eligibility, novelty/non-obviousness, whether to form an LLC vs. a C-Corp, when to file Track One (fast-track), and how trademarks and copyrights fit into a go-to-market plan. They wrap with a practical look at commercialization: manufacturing it yourself vs. licensing the patent.

Here’s what you’ll learn

The patentability checklist for physical products: 101 eligibility, novelty, non-obviousness
Provisional vs. non-provisional timing (and when to accelerate with Track One)
Entity basics: LLC now or Delaware C-Corp later—how fundraising shapes the choice
Trademarks by class, quick competitive research, and naming (hello, Shin-credible)
Copyright for drawings, photos, and marketing assets
Two paths to revenue: build & sell vs. license—and how your choice affects IP strategy

Why it matters
For inventors and startup teams, aligning IP with your business model can be the difference between a clever idea and a durable asset. This episode shows how to evaluate patentability, structure the filing strategy, and pick a commercialization path that fits your goals.

Chapters

Chapter 1: Meet the Inventors
How a soccer problem turned into an idea to strengthen the tibialis anterior—and a memorable name: Shin-credible.

Chapter 2: Is It Patentable?
101 eligibility for physical devices, and a practical test for novelty and non-obviousness.

Chapter 3: Provisional → Non-Provisional
When to convert, why most teams use the full 12 months, and when Track One is worth it.

Chapter 4: LLC, C-Corp & Investors
Limiting liability now vs. structuring for venture capital later.

Chapter 5: Trademarks & Names
Picking classes, researching competitors, and why categories matter.

Chapter 6: Copyright in the Real World
What creative assets you can protect around the product.

Chapter 7: Make It or License It?
Manufacturing realities, finding partners, and the licensing alternative.

Chapter 8: Takeaways for Inventors
A simple framework to connect IP decisions to market goals.