In my previous blog on the changing roles of an information developer in an agile environment, I highlighted how a writer wears multiple hats as the primary technical writer. The “Information Developer” role has evolved from merely writing “how-to” instructions to creating user experiences, designing UX templates, and communicating technical information. The role has further diversified with the advent of API documentation, web-interactive content, and patent writing — all relatively new areas for writers.
Traditionally, information developers created user guides, online help, context-sensitive help, and installation/configuration manuals. Over time, this scope expanded to include CLI guides, API documentation, and open-source Markdown content. Today, writers have begun contributing to patent applications — also known as “Innovation Papers.”
As Mark Twain rightly said, “So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Similarly, information developers are now venturing into the field of patent writing.
One might wonder — are innovation papers difficult to write? Indeed, they are.
Although patent writing hasn’t been a traditional responsibility of technical writers, they can significantly assist innovators by drafting innovation paper drafts. Many ideas never reach the patenting stage simply because inventors lack the time or confidence to write detailed drafts.
Due to the complexity of patent procedures, innovators often rely on professionals to document patent claims accurately. An innovation paper is a technology-oriented draft that follows legal writing conventions. To be patentable, an invention must be novel, non-obvious, and clearly described and claimed.
Technical writers, being skilled communicators, understand style guides, narrative flow, and user personas. With the right exposure to legal frameworks, they can become strong contributors to drafting patent applications. As Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” Information Developers can support inventors by preparing comprehensive patent drafts.
Some key practices for preparing innovation drafts include writing detailed descriptions, outlining each step of the invention process, elaborating diagrams, and ensuring clarity. Missing details during the examination phase can lead to patent rejection.
Technical writers from relevant domains can challenge innovators to think deeply and cover all novel aspects in their documentation. Their questions often help innovators gauge readiness before filing for a patent. Information Developers, who naturally think from multiple perspectives, can contribute in areas such as:
- Conducting brainstorming sessions with innovators
- Preparing initial draft versions
- Coordinating with patent lawyers
- Managing review cycles
- Raising awareness about patenting within teams
- Setting up documentation processes and workflows
- Converting ideas into innovation papers
- Consulting on the novelty and documentation of ideas
- Building clear and concise storylines for innovation papers
- Assisting with patent harvesting and best practices
Quick Guidelines for Novice Writers
- Understand the purpose of your draft
- Collaborate closely with the patent attorney
- Be aware of deadlines and submission timelines
- Review drafts carefully before submission
Things to Remember
- Visualize your invention clearly
- Prepare a detailed patent draft
- File the patent application accurately
- Ensure proper publication of the application
- Review requests thoroughly
- Respond promptly to queries
- Track the grant of the patent
If you are filing a patent application without professional help, it’s advisable to have it reviewed by an experienced patent attorney before submission. For reference, items that typically cannot be patented include literature, music, business methods, ideas, discoveries, diagnostic methods, or presentation formats — such as mobile app designs or UI layouts.
