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 learnThe patentability checklist for physical products: 101 eligibility, novelty, non-obviousnessProvisional vs. non-provisional timing (and when to accelerate with Track One)Entity basics: LLC now or Delaware C-Corp later—how fundraising shapes the choiceTrademarks by class, quick competitive research, and naming (hello, Shin-credible)Copyright for drawings, photos, and marketing assetsTwo paths to revenue: build & sell vs. license—and how your choice affects IP strategyWhy it mattersFor 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.ChaptersChapter 1: Meet the InventorsHow 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-ProvisionalWhen to convert, why most teams use the full 12 months, and when Track One is worth it.Chapter 4: LLC, C-Corp & InvestorsLimiting liability now vs. structuring for venture capital later.Chapter 5: Trademarks & NamesPicking classes, researching competitors, and why categories matter.Chapter 6: Copyright in the Real WorldWhat 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 InventorsA simple framework to connect IP decisions to market goals.